
Checking the SRS system indicates that there is a malfunction in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system. This situation can generally be divided into two factors: 1. The airbag system itself has issues, such as poor contact in the airbag collision sensor or a blown fuse under the steering wheel; 2. Objective factors, commonly the airbag connector under the seat becoming loose, usually due to the seat being moved. It's important to note that both the driver's and passenger's seats have connectors underneath. The airbag is a passive safety device and does not affect driving, so if a problem occurs, you can safely drive to a 4S shop or a professional repair shop for maintenance.

Last time the SRS warning light popped up on the dashboard, I immediately drove to my trusted auto repair shop for inspection. The experienced mechanic connected a diagnostic tool to check the fault code and said it was due to poor contact in the sensor under the front passenger seat. He explained to me that SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System, which is the airbag system, and also includes seatbelt pretensioners and crash sensors. He emphasized checking whether the airbag control unit had water damage or rust, and whether the wiring connectors were loose, since this system can be life-saving in critical moments. The mechanic finally used a copper brush to clean the metal contacts of the connector and re-secured the wiring harness before the fault light disappeared.

As a mom who pays special attention to driving safety, checking the SRS system means verifying if the airbags can deploy properly. Last week, I noticed the gap on the steering wheel airbag cover had widened, and the repair shop said it might be due to aging internal wiring causing false alarms in the system. A professional inspection involves sending signals to the airbag module using a simulator, measuring the resistance of the crash sensors, and checking if the seatbelts can lock instantly during sudden braking. The technician recommended inspecting the gas generator's condition every two years, as high temperatures and humidity can affect the pyrotechnic driving device. During that inspection, they found the side airbag sensor on the left B-pillar was pressed by the floor mat, and it worked normally after being moved aside.

Our factory conducts SRS diagnostics in three steps: first, read the OBD for historical fault codes, then use an oscilloscope to check the acceleration sensor signal curve, and finally perform a simulated crash test on the current loop. Last month, an old Mercedes had its airbag light constantly on, and upon disassembling the steering wheel, we found three broken wires in the clock spring. The airbag system contains pyrotechnic devices, so the battery must be disconnected for at least ten minutes during inspection. A special reminder: modifying the steering wheel may cover the airbag connector, like that modified 86 last year where the main airbag failed to deploy in an accident.


