Airbag Warning Light in Cars – Causes and Fixes

Posted on: Oct 29, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Airbag Warning Light in Cars – Causes and Fixes

Driving a four-wheeler on Indian roads comes with a series of risks. What if you are driving peacefully and suddenly another motorist overtakes your vehicle and applies sudden brakes right in front of your car? A collision becomes almost unavoidable. Similarly, on the highway, if a pedestrian jumps in front of your car unexpectedly, your vehicle might be involved in an accident while trying to avoid them. To ensure your safety in such incidents, car manufacturers deploy airbags. However, sometimes the airbag warning light on the dashboard turns on. What does it mean? Let’s discuss in detail.

Understanding the Airbag Warning Light in Cars

The airbag warning light in a car is basically a symbol represented by a seated figure with a circle. If it is on, it indicates a potential issue with the vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Usually, a turned-on light indicates that the airbags have not deployed correctly, and in the event of a collision, it poses a threat to your life, as they will not open.

What Does the Airbag Warning Light Look Like

The airbag warning light typically appears as a symbol of a seated person with a large circle (representing the airbag) in front of them. In most Indian vehicles, it glows red or amber on the dashboard. When you start the car, the light briefly illuminates as part of a system check. In some models, the light may also be labelled ‘SRS.’

Common Reasons Why the Airbag Warning Light Turns On

Here are some of the key reasons that turn on the airbag warning light:

Faulty Sensors

The airbag system uses multiple sensors to detect the impact. If any of these sensors becomes faulty due to wear, dust, or electrical disruption, the airbag control module cannot read accurate data. The result: the airbag light switches on to alert you.

Loose Wiring

The airbag system is interconnected with wires that run under the seats, across the dashboard, and into the control unit. These wires, when disconnected or suffering from an inconsistent flow of current due to frequent seat adjustments or excessive vibrations, cause the system to log an error and activate the airbag warning light.

Control Unit

The airbag control unit is the brain of the system. It collects data from impact sensors, seat belts, and voltage inputs before deciding on deployment. A damaged or corrupted control unit cannot process information correctly, and the warning light glows.

Aftermarket Fittings

If you install non-standard accessories, such as steering wheel covers, modified seats, or faulty infotainment units, they can interfere with airbag wiring and sensors, causing the warning light to illuminate.

Previous Repairs

If your car was significantly damaged in the past and underwent repairs, there is a high chance that, if the garage worker was not skilled, they may have poorly reinstalled the airbags, causing the warning lights to turn on.

Steps to Take When the Airbag Light Comes On

Here is what you should do when your car’s airbag light comes on:

• Do Not Ignore:

Even if your car appears to drive normally, an active airbag warning light indicates that the airbags may not deploy in a collision.

• Avoid DIY Resets:

Do not attempt to reset the airbag system yourself unless you are trained. Incorrect handling can cause accidental deployment, leading to injury or further system damage.

• Minimise Driving:

If possible, limit driving until the issue is diagnosed. Avoid high-speed or long-distance journeys where an active airbag is critical.

• Consult Technician:

Take your vehicle to an authorised service centre or a qualified mechanic experienced with SRS systems. They can use diagnostic tools to read fault codes and identify the exact cause.

• Confirm Reset:

After repairs, verify that the warning light is fully off and that the system has been properly reset before resuming normal driving.

How to Reset the Airbag Warning Light

To reset the airbag warning light, follow the steps outlined below:

• Step 1:

Turn off the ignition. Remove the key and wait 10 seconds to discharge residual power.

• Step 2:

Open the hood and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Wait 10–15 minutes to allow the system to reset.

• Step 3:

Refer to the car's manual to locate the SRS fuse or airbag control module connector. Inspect for damage or loose connections.

• Step 4:

After waiting for a few minutes, reconnect the battery terminal.

• Step 5:

If you have an OBD-II scanner, plug it into your car’s diagnostic port. If you find any stored faulty airbag code, fix it.

• Step 6:

Turn on the ignition, but do not start the engine. Make sure the airbag light briefly turns on and then turns off again.

• Step 7:

Drive the vehicle for 5–7 minutes, and if the light remains off, the issue is resolved.

Key Takeaways

The airbag warning light serves as a safety alert, indicating potential issues with your vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Ignoring it puts your life at risk, as the airbags may fail during a collision. When you notice the warning light is on, it may be due to faulty sensors, loose wiring, issues with the control unit, aftermarket fittings, or past repairs.

While fixing airbag issues can be costly, it is recommended to have a car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage comes in handy when the insured vehicle is damaged due to a collision, natural disaster, fire, or man-made riot. If the insured car injures someone, the policy will cover their medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I fix the airbag warning light?

To fix the airbag warning light, it is important first to understand the root cause. If you notice loose wiring, reconnect it; if there are faulty sensors, they require replacement. Fixing the seatbelt and resetting the airbag control module can also help.

Can water damage trigger the airbag light?

Yes. If water or moisture enters the car’s electrical system, it can cause sensor malfunctions and trigger the airbag warning light.

Does a previous accident affect the airbag warning light?

Yes. If the airbags were deployed or the system was repaired incorrectly after an accident, it can cause the warning light to stay on.

Can I reset the airbag warning light myself?

Yes, if the issue is minor, you can reset it by disconnecting the battery for 10–15 minutes, but if the underlying problem is not fixed, the light will come back on.

Can I drive if the airbag warning light is on?

Yes, you can, but at your own risk. The reason is that if an accident occurs, the airbags may not deploy, which could even result in a life lost.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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