What Are the Reasons for the Continuous Illumination of the Car Airbag Light?
3 Answers
Car airbag light stays on due to: 1. Vehicle self-check, where the car undergoes a few seconds of self-check when starting, which may cause the airbag light to illuminate. It will automatically turn off after a few seconds, so no need to worry; 2. Circuit malfunction or severe battery depletion can trigger the airbag light, as the airbag may feedback a low voltage signal, generating a fault code. This can be resolved by clearing the code; 3. Faulty airbag clock spring, collision sensor failure, loose airbag connector, or circuit breakage can cause the car to issue an alert. It is necessary to promptly use a diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the fault point based on the code, and resolve the issue.
I just encountered this situation a couple of days ago - the airbag warning light on my dashboard stayed illuminated while driving. This is definitely not something to take lightly, as it concerns a critical life-saving system. The most common cause is loose wiring under the seats; last time it happened to me when I accidentally pulled a connector while adjusting the seat. Another possibility is a faulty crash sensor, especially in vehicles that have had undercarriage impacts with curbs. The airbag control module could also be malfunctioning, which requires professional diagnostic equipment to verify. Worn clock spring contacts in the steering wheel (which maintain electrical connection to the airbag) are another frequent culprit. I strongly recommend visiting a dealership immediately to read the trouble codes - never try to bypass the system by pulling fuses, as this is your primary safety protection system.
With over a decade of car repair experience, I frequently encounter issues with the airbag light staying on. In most cases, it's due to poor contact in the electrical system, with loose yellow connectors under the seats being the most common culprit—bumpy roads can trigger the alarm. Another common cause is short circuits from water damage or moisture in the airbag control module, especially in cars with sunroof leaks. A broken clock spring in the steering wheel can also interrupt the signal. Additionally, sensor failures, particularly when side airbag sensors are covered by floor mats, can lead to false alarms. Lastly, check the airbag itself for issues like abnormal resistance. Always disconnect the battery before working on it to avoid accidental deployment. Using a diagnostic tool to read specific trouble codes before repair is highly recommended.
