Did you know that a total of 42,915 people died in the US due to auto crashes in 2021? That’s a 10.5% increase from 2020’s numbers on the deaths caused by road accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In fact, the report on 2021 auto crash fatalities is the highest since 2005. Guess what the findings say? More people are ignoring safety measures in their cars, and all the other things they are negligent about.
The airbag is the one component most car owners pay attention to when driving, since its effects are only experienced in a crash. That’s why understanding what a service airbag light means is so crucial.
What does it mean when the service airbag light comes on?
What does the service airbag light mean? Simply put, it indicates that the computer system in the car has detected a problem in the airbag system and that, via a sensor, one or more airbags may not deploy (inflate) in a sudden crash or collision.
This warning is not one that even the best driver in the world can overlook. It’s a critical alert that can either save your life when you take it seriously, or it can lead to injury and even death if neglected.
The airbag is among the most important safety systems in the vehicle. According to a periodic report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as of 2017, frontal airbags had saved 50,475 lives.
Safety experts believe that the combination of seatbelts and airbags lessens the risk of death in a frontal accident by 61%.
To ensure that drivers do not get presumptuous and blindfolded about their safety and the safety of those passengers in the vehicle, car manufacturers design different series of safety warning signals on various automobiles.
Warning signals in the form of lights, sounds, etc., are strategically positioned in most vehicles for the safety of users. Unfortunately, many people keep neglecting the messages to their own detriment.
The Honda airbag light is one of such signals with a very important safety message inscribed in your Honda Accord. A warning light is fitted in most vehicles today, especially of recent makes with advanced computer systems.
How do you check the service airbag light?
There are several causes that leave the airbag light on in a car. If you’re wondering, “Why is my airbag light on?”
A new radio installation may cause this warning light to come on suddenly. For instance, if the car had been in a crash before with the airbag deployed, it could also cause the light to come on.
However, the cause of the light could also be a problem within the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) system.
Knowing which cause produces the effect is not always easy; hence, the need to be keen to prevent a surprise accident.
So, first check your service airbag light to find out if it is due to a minor glitch or a real problem that you should deal with right away. Follow these very simple steps to reset the service airbag light.
Step 3: Repeat steps one and two or three more times. After the third time, start up the engine and watch out for the airbag warning light to come on. It will come on and remain on for about 7 seconds, and then turn off permanently.
Step 1: Insert the car key and turn the ignition key to the ‘ON’ position. Do not start the engine during the whole reset process until finish.
Step 2: Wait for the airbag warning light to come on the dashboard. It will light up for around 10 seconds and turn off afterward. When the light turns off, simply turn it off for another 3 seconds.
How do you fix a service airbag light?
Once you see the service airbag light in the GMC Sierra, there’s no point in delaying when to fix it. It is a call for a quick fix or some repairs that will cure it at once to help you remain safe.
So, below are simple processes that will fix the service airbag warning.
- Step 1: If you have not driven, locate and park it somewhere safe.
- Step 2: Turn off completely. Switch the ignition on and off. The airbag light will come on for a few seconds and then go off. Repeat that up to three times.
- Step 3: Start the vehicle and maybe take a test drive. Also, take time to observe the light whenever driving. If it is just a small malfunction, it will go off after coming on for about two seconds and remain that way.
- Step 4: Check the passenger’s seat belt and sensor if okay.
- Step 5: Run an OBD II scanner or whatever SRS light reset option fitted scanner you have.
- Step 6: Repair or replace the faulty airbag sensor and clock spring.
The reset/repair approaches above will help you fix the airbag light irrespective of the cause, whether the airbag light stays on perpetually or the service airbag light comes on and off occasionally.
Just make sure you engage a professional auto technician to fix the airbag light, as long as it goes beyond your scope.
How much does it cost to fix the service airbag light?
If you have an airbag light sensor problem, expect the price of fixing this fault to be in the region of $65 to $82.
A more serious problem could see you spending around $600 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. If the airbag is completely broken, expect the airbag replacement costs to be in the region of $1,000 to $1,500 or more.
In any case, always ensure to quickly do the simple airbag light reset exercise whenever you spot the service airbag light in a Chevy Traverse before going ahead to repair or replace parts to avoid unnecessary spending.
Can a mechanic fix the airbag light?
Yes, an expert auto mechanic can fix your vehicle’s airbag light issue. These professionals are trained to troubleshoot vehicle issues by examining the components and diagnosing the actual cause of the problem, before actually repairing (for real).
Once your mechanic locates the cause of the problem, actually fixing it is often very straightforward.
Generally speaking, the cost of labor for fixing an airbag light problem largely depends on several factors, including the type of auto technician, location (geographically), type of auto parts replaced, type of vehicle, and more.
Can I drive with the service airbag light on?
Technically, you can drive your Chevy Equinox or any other car, even if the service airbag light is on. This is because your airbag does not form any part of the mechanics that set your car in motion.
However, you are taking a big risk driving with your airbag warning light on. What the light implies is that any sudden crash may end with a devastating consequence because airbags may fail to deploy.
Of course, it can be a disaster indeed during an auto crash if your airbag light comes on while you are driving.
So, to avoid a casualty as a result of an unforeseen circumstance, kindly drive straight to see an automobile technician the moment you spot the service airbag signal on your dashboard. And, make sure to try the resetting method before seeking repair works.
Final Words
When it comes to safety, “Always Be Careful – ABC.” That service airbag light is not for decoration; hence, you should take the warning signal very seriously whenever you spot it. However, do not panic whenever you suddenly observe a supposed fault in your car.
Simply learn to be proactive by acting before an imminent problem occurs to avert it, instead of correcting the damage after it has occurred. Your safety matters. The safety of your passenger’s matter. Do not overlook your Chevy Silverado service airbag light.