How to Determine Airbag Malfunction?
4 Answers
Here are the specific details for determining airbag malfunction: 1. Airbag warning light illuminates: If the airbag malfunction warning light turns on 6 seconds after turning the ignition switch or remains lit after turning off the ignition, there is a fault in the airbag warning light circuit. It should be inspected at a repair shop as soon as possible. 2. Insufficient battery voltage: Low battery voltage can cause the airbag malfunction warning light to illuminate. Once the battery voltage returns to normal, the airbag malfunction warning light will automatically turn off. In such cases, simply charging the battery is sufficient.
When I ran an auto repair shop, I often encountered airbag malfunctions. The most obvious sign is the airbag warning light on the dashboard—it should flash a few times when starting the vehicle and then turn off. If it stays lit or flashes abnormally, there's likely a system-detected fault. Additionally, if a vehicle has a history of severe collisions but the airbags didn't deploy, you should suspect faulty sensors. Regularly check if the airbag cover is warped or making unusual noises, as wiring issues can also cause failures. I recommend not ignoring these signs and using a diagnostic scanner to read trouble codes promptly—it's a matter of life and death, especially when driving on highways where airbag failure is extremely dangerous. Always have airbag repairs done by professionals; tampering with them yourself can accidentally trigger deployment.
Last year, the airbag light in my car suddenly stayed on, and experience told me it was a serious issue. During the vehicle's self-check phase, the airbag light should have turned off but remained lit, indicating a system error. Once, after a minor rear-end collision, the airbags didn't deploy, and later inspection revealed the crash sensor was damp. Daily maintenance should include checking for loose trim panels around the airbag area and any unusual musty smells (indicating electrical leakage). Research shows the airbag module lifespan is about 10 years, so older vehicles should be especially cautious. A simple test is to lightly apply emergency brakes while driving slowly on a flat road to trigger the pretensioner's working state, which can help diagnose issues. If you notice these signs, don't skimp—immediately visit a shop to scan for fault codes with professional equipment.
Having driven for over twenty years, I pay the most attention to the airbag warning light; it must turn off normally upon ignition. If it stays lit, it indicates a fault, such as a sensor issue or a disconnected wire. Cars that have been in accidents require special attention to whether the airbag cover is deformed. Once, a friend's used car had an airbag light that flickered on and off, and upon inspection, it was found to be a loose connector. Nowadays, repair shops can read fault codes in just three minutes using OBD devices, which is much more convenient than when I was younger. Never use decorations to cover the airbag indicator area, as it can affect deployment. Checking the dashboard indicator lights monthly is a reliable habit.
