Red light
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag control unit has found a fault in the airbag or seat belt pretensioner system.
High risk
The car can be driven, but airbags and pretensioners may not work in a crash. Have it checked soon.
Short answer · Is it safe to drive with the airbag light on?
The car drives normally, but the airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a collision, so protection is reduced. Have the system diagnosed as soon as possible. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself: they can deploy unexpectedly.
What to do
- Check seat connectors are not disturbedMoving seats or items under seats can loosen connectors, but leave any repair to a workshop.
- Book a diagnosisAirbag fault codes need a suitable scanner.
- Do not work on airbag partsAirbag modules and pretensioners contain explosive charges.Accidental deployment can cause serious injury.
How is the light behaving?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady | Airbag or pretensioner system fault | Have it diagnosed soon |
| On for a few seconds at start-up | Normal self-test at start-up | Nothing |
Possible causes
- Seat wiring or connectorConnectors under the seats can loosen.
- Clock spring in the steering wheelThe rotating contact for the driver airbag wears out.
- Crash sensor faultA sensor or its wiring has failed.
- Previous accident or repairDeployed parts or stored crash data need attention.
Don't confuse it with
Questions about Airbag Warning Light
Does the airbag light turn off by itself?
Usually not: airbag faults normally need a diagnosis and repair, and the code must be cleared with a scanner.
Can a weak battery set the airbag light?
Low voltage during starting can store airbag codes on some cars; a workshop can read and clear them.