What Does Service Airbag Mean – Big Problem or Nothing to Worry About?

Are you wondering what does service airbag mean since you’re having an issue with the airbag warning light? You have come to the right place if you find yourself in this uncomfortable circumstance since there will be a lot to discuss on this subject where we will learn everything there is to know about the airbag light.

You need to study troubleshooting as a true skill if you want to solve issues like this because it requires proficiency on its own. Understanding how your car operates and the potential effects of a certain issue will help you hone your skills.

You will end up saving a ton of money if you are familiar with how everything in your car operates. Because there are a lot of unskilled mechanics and mechanics out to cheat you off, who frequently misdiagnose your automobile to charge you extra money.

So, you must educate yourself on the available options before assisting the mechanic in identifying the problem. And we’re going to support you there.

We will discover what an airbag is and how this airbag system functions in this text. Then we shall understand what does service airbag mean and the potential causes.

We will discover all of the potential reasons for this issue before learning how to identify it and the associated expenses. Without further ado, let’s begin discussing the subject.

A Service Airbag: What Does It Mean In a Car?

The airbag light serves as a visible notification when your car is having a problem. Specifically, using the airbag system. This light is depicted in some vehicles as the letters SRS alone, while in others it takes the form of a person sitting on a seat with an open airbag in front of them.

Schaumodell Airbags Suzuki Alto by Pineapple fez / CC BY-SA 3.0. Your car’s airbag light acts as a visible alert when something is wrong. utilizing the airbag system, specifically. In some automobiles, this light is represented by the letters SRS alone, while in others, it appears as a passenger on a seat with an open airbag in front of them. Nonetheless, it’s critical to realize that there is a problem with your airbag system.

It’s crucial to understand that your airbag system has a malfunction, though. This light should only come on if there is an issue with the airbag system and not in everyday circumstances. In conclusion, what does service airbag mean? It implies that you have a condition that needs an immediate and accurate diagnosis.

You’ll need to have some equipment for this purpose. Specifically, a tool called an OBD2 scanner that you can use to continue diagnosing the issue.

You will have access to the ECU, the car’s brain, with the help of this tool. The ECU will then start to throw codes, which you can then decipher. Each problem-indicating light on your dashboard has a code. The check engine and airbag lights are quite dependent on the vehicle you are driving.

Afterward, you’ll be able to read all these codes and discover more about the issue using the OBD2 scanner. Without this device, working on your car is like doing so while wearing a blindfold and crossing your fingers.

We can now move on to learning more about the airbag system and how it functions in general after learning what does service airbag mean.

The Airbag System: How Does It Work?

Now that we know what a service airbag is, let’s talk about how the airbag system functions. As you are aware, this system consists of more than just the airbag light; it is connected to several other components, all of which operate in concert to provide the highest level of safety for the driver and other passengers.

As you are aware, this system requires a mechanism to recognize when an impact occurs. So, the front, sides, and back of the car all have crash sensors installed for this purpose.

Every time there is an impact, these sensors react and provide information to the SRS module, which is normally found within the car under the console between the seats.

The airbags are managed by this electrical module, which also signals when to deploy them. This SRS module also records crash data and communicates with the ECU, which is another function of the module.

The seat belts are another component that is linked to the airbag system. They generally function as one system and are integrated with the airbags. The airbag system is made up of each of these parts.

Hence, if you’re wondering what does service airbag mean, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be a problem with these parts. We’ll go into more detail about this in the chapters that follow.

It’s important to note that whenever you see an airbag light or an SRS light, the system is malfunctioning and needs to be fixed as soon as possible. because you can get into an accident at any time. You are left defenseless if the system breaks down.

Schaumodell Airbags Ford C-Max by Alexauto321 / CC BY-SA 3.0. This electrical module controls the airbags and also communicates when they should deploy. Another function of this SRS module is to interact with the ECU and capture crash data. Another element connected to the airbag system is seat belts. They are typically integrated with the airbags and work as a single system. Each of these components is a part of the airbag system.

What Causes the Service Airbag Light to Illuminate?

We gained knowledge of the airbag system’s operation and what does service airbag mean. Let’s now talk about why the airbag light initially appeared. Understanding the potential causes of a light’s emergence will be extremely beneficial for both diagnosing and fixing problems.

We will thus go into considerable depth about each possibility. After going over them, our attention will be on promptly and successfully resolving the problem. Let’s now explore the likely reasons for the service airbag illuminating.

1. Faulty Crash Sensors

What does service airbag mean is what we have tried to decipher so far. Let’s examine the potential reasons why this light might be on now. The malfunctioning crash sensor or sensors are the first things that can turn on this light.

Many crash sensors are located on the vehicle, as we’ve already mentioned. The majority of the time in the front, side, and back. Every time there is an impact, these crash sensors detect it and send data to the SRS module, which then activates the airbags.

These crash sensors occasionally experience problems. due to aging or a shaky connection. The SRS module will examine the connection to them once they cease to function.

If the sensor doesn’t have a reading, the module will assume there is a problem and turn on the service airbag light, which will cause you to wonder what does service airbag mean.

The most crucial thing is to remain calm and proceed with replacing the malfunctioning crash sensor and analyzing the issue. We’ll discuss how to achieve that later in the text. Let’s now concentrate on the additional causes for the question of what does service airbag mean to display on your car’s dashboard.

2. Improper Wiring or Related Electrical Issues

The faulty wiring is another likely cause of this airbag light’s illumination. As you are aware, wiring runs from the module to each sensor and connects them.

Thus, there may be issues with the wiring that cause the light to glow and lead you to wonder, What does service airbag mean?

If the vehicle has ever been in an accident, the wiring is vulnerable to damage from foreign objects and rodent assaults. So, it is worthwhile to verify it if you want to ascertain whether the sensor or the wiring is flawed and is the root of all these issues.

3. The Airbag Backup Battery Is Drained

The SRS system’s battery could be discharged if the vehicle’s battery has already been completely depleted. This backup battery is exclusively used to power the SRS system.

The airbag system in your car is therefore powered by this battery when the car battery is dead, and tragically, if it is left without power for a long period, it may self-destruct.

This battery will make the airbag light come on, prompting you to wonder, What does service airbag mean? In this scenario, all that is required is a simple reset of the airbag light.

Side airbag on a Porsche 996 by Stahlkocher / CC BY-SA 3.0. If the vehicle’s battery is already entirely discharged, the SRS system’s battery can also be affected. The SRS system is the only thing that this backup battery is needed for. When the car battery is dead, the airbag system in your car is consequently powered by this battery, and regrettably, if it is left without power for a long time, it may self-destruct. The airbag light will turn on thanks to this battery.

After we explore all of the potential causes for the airbag light to illuminate and answer the question, What does service airbag mean, we’ll explain how to reset it. Let’s move on to the next potential explanation now.

4. A Defective Airbag

The airbag itself is another potential issue. When airbags get older, the likelihood that they will function lessens. Hence, an airbag in an older vehicle may malfunction more frequently than a similar airbag in a newer vehicle. And the vehicles in question are 20 years old or older.

But fortunately for you, the majority of the time the airbag will malfunction and the system will alert you that something is wrong. Hence, when you see it, don’t be perplexed and ask yourself, What does service airbag mean?

This is a blatant sign of a problem, and the issue needs to be investigated right now. Your life is more at risk the longer the repair is put off. This light is on because the airbag system isn’t working properly. Later in the essay, we’ll talk more about how to solve the issue.

5. A Faulty SRS Module

The malfunctioning SRS module is another component that could have you wondering what does service airbag mean. As we previously stated, this module is the brain of the airbag system and determines which airbags should deploy and when.

Also prone to malfunction in this module. especially if it happened in a humid climate or underwater. It may become contaminated with water droplets, which would confuse and start to malfunction the module. The service airbag light on the dashboard is one of the effects of this glitching.

Moreover, the airbag system cannot function if an airbag module is defective. And your vehicle is completely unsafe to be driving. Consider how a human would function without a brain, analogous to an airbag system in a car.

The airbags won’t deploy in the event of a collision, and you could get lifelong damage. Hence, instead of asking oneself what does service airbag mean, start attempting to resolve the problem.

6. Damaged Seat Belt

The airbag light can potentially activate due to a broken seat belt, ruining your day. But why is this the case, and what do the airbag and seat belts have in common?

They are, in fact, part of the same system. indicating that they constantly collaborate. So, even if one of these parts is damaged, the light will still operate.

When a car is in an accident, the seat belt frequently snaps. But before we get into that, we’ll go into greater detail in one of the chapters that follow about what does service airbag mean in the event of an accident.

7. A Faulty Clock Spring

You can also wonder what does service airbag mean if the clock spring breaks. Why is this the case, then? This is true since the driver’s airbag is connected to the SRS module by the clock spring.

Deployed curtain and side torso airbags by Brandweer Dodewaard, NL / CC BY-SA 4.0. A potential problem for the service airbag light coming on is the airbag itself. The chance that an airbag will work decreases as it ages. As a result, a similar airbag in a modern car may not malfunction as frequently as one in an older vehicle. Also, the in question automobiles are 20 years old or older. The airbag will typically malfunction, which is lucky for you because the system will warn you that something is wrong.

The large wiring was not necessary thanks to the assistance of the clock spring, which was created especially for that purpose. Meaning that without the wiring that could twist or break, this spring creates a stable connection with all of the steering wheel’s parts, including the airbag, horn, and other buttons.

The bad news is that this clock spring can also malfunction and trigger the airbag light to illuminate. As you are aware, the wheel rotates left and right numerous times, and eventually, this could harm the clock spring.

requiring the clock spring must be replaced for the airbag system to operate. What does this entail for you, then? That means that whenever the clock has a spring break, your airbag won’t function, putting you in danger of injury.

For this reason, changing the clock spring is necessary if you want the airbag system to function properly once again. But, more on that will be covered later when we talk about diagnosing this airbag issue.

8. Serious Collisions and Accidents

Finally, if the car was involved in an accident and some of the airbags and seat belts deployed, the service airbag may activate and cause you to wonder, What does service airbag mean? So you’re probably scratching your head right now because someone fixed your automobile incorrectly.

If you didn’t know, this light automatically comes on and stays on when seatbelts or airbags deploy. The vehicle must then be professionally refurbished and repaired. And occasionally, it happens that these repairmen don’t care if something isn’t functioning properly.

Nevertheless, they must first fix the SRS module, the airbag system’s control center, before ensuring that everything else functions properly.

You almost always drive in a deadly hazard if you own one of these poorly fixed vehicles. Sometimes the airbags wouldn’t even inflate, leaving you to cope with the consequences of a collision. And that’s not what you want.

That is why it is fortunate that this light began to flash and that you are wondering, What does service airbag mean? In the chapters that follow, we’ll discuss how to diagnose the issue.

How Can an OBD2 Scanner Be of Great Benefit In Diagnosing the Service Airbag Light?

You will also want an OBD2 scanner to identify the issue whenever the airbag light is illuminated and you are wondering what the airbag light means.

The OBD2 scanner is a clever tool that will enable you to hack your car, as we previously discussed. It won’t be hacked and told what to do, but it will aid in problem diagnosis.

Specifically, this issue with the airbag light. The amazing thing about these gadgets is that they are incredibly affordable. These are quite reasonably priced and can be found on Amazon.

Deployed passenger knee airbag by J 2997. When the service airbag activates after an accident, you might question what it means because some of the airbags and seat belts may have been deployed. As a result, you are likely scratching your head right now because your car was incorrectly fixed. If you weren’t aware, when the seatbelts or airbags deploy, this light automatically turns on and remains on.

The vehicle is then turned on, the scanner is plugged into the OBD2 port, and the vehicle is scanned to determine what kinds of problems are there. You will be able to see if there is a problem with the airbag system at a glance.

And after you know, you may plan your next course of action.

However, you should clear out all mistakes and completely reset the airbag light as your first step. If the light comes on, you can move on to more in-depth troubleshooting. Sometimes a dead battery or some other small issue is the cause of this issue.

If the airbag light goes away, you won’t have to worry about it again. If not, you will need to study the codes and, using this information, troubleshoot the issue if you want to cure it once and for all.

A Reset Instruction for the Service Airbag Light

This post has previously addressed airbag resetting a few times; now it’s time to find out how to do it. You can attempt to repair the airbag system yourself, but keep in mind that all work on airbag systems should be carried out by professionals, especially if you are not completely sure of your abilities.

How to Reset with a Scanner

1.  Examine the Passenger Airbag Switch

Certain cars have an airbag on/off button for the passenger seat. You should check this button first before removing the service airbag light since someone might have accidentally turned it off.

In most cars, the airbag light will stay on when this occurs. If you open the passenger door or glove box, you can see this button, which is often located on the passenger side of the dashboard.

2. Go Ahead and Read the Fault Codes Using an OBD2 Scanner

It’s crucial to work with your airbag system, therefore use an OBD2 scanner to check the fault codes and determine where to start troubleshooting.

Never erase the trouble codes before resolving the problem that made the airbag light come on. By reviewing the codes and learning more about potential causes of the issue, continue the diagnosis.

3.  Fix the Problem

Never just reset the airbag light without addressing the root problem. The airbags may cease to function if there is a collision. Get a professional if you are unsure how to fix the airbag components.

Always remember to disconnect the batteries from the airbags. The airbag light would typically go away on its own after addressing the issue, but not in all automobile models.

4. Get Rid of the Fault Codes

After you’ve installed the new components and are certain that they are installed properly, it’s time to reset the service airbag light.

Post-deployment view of an airbag by Lupin. For several car models, it could be difficult to reset the airbag light without a scanner. For your safety, you won’t be able to reset the system without resolving the root reason for the service airbag light’s illumination. Fortunately, once the issue has been resolved, the airbag light will typically turn off by itself in many automobile models.

You’ll need an OBD2 scanner to accomplish this because there is no other way to do it. Check to see that the airbag light is off and no longer visible on the dashboard. Reread the codes and look for any difficulty codes if the issue persists.

5. Restart the Car and Take It for a Test Drive

Turn your airbag light back on and conduct a test drive if it has gone out on your dashboard. After a test drive, if the airbag light disappears, the problem has almost definitely been resolved. If the issue recurs, read the codes again and carry on with the process.

Service Airbag Light Reset Without the Scanner

Without a scanner, it might be challenging to reset the airbag light on many automobile models. You won’t be able to perform a reset without addressing the underlying issue that is causing a service airbag light to come on because this is for your safety. Fortunately, in many car models, the airbag light will go away on its own once the problem is fixed.

On the other hand, in some older cars, the airbag light can be turned off without a scanner by unplugging the battery. Examine the connector plug under the driver’s or passenger’s seat for any frayed wires or rust.

After applying an electronic cleaner to the connector plugs, restart your car. If you can’t locate any problems there, you should buy an OBD2 scanner or have a mechanic check the codes; otherwise, you’ll be forced to make all the guesses without any knowledge.

What Do Airbag Codes Mean?

You will understand what does service airbag mean when you learn these mistakes. The codes you will receive for the airbag system, in contrast to the codes associated with the engine, are often two numbers, such as 21, 33, or 44.

The codes for the airbags themselves typically begin with a B, which stands for the body. B0017 is an illustration. unlike the P codes, which denote issues with the powerplant.

You will then need to conduct an online search based on the codes you receive. And discover what might go wrong. Keep in mind that every car is unique. So, it will take a very long time to cover all of the cars on the road. Understanding what does service airbag mean is crucial. After that, you’ll be able to identify the issue.

How Much Will It Cost to Have the Service Airbag Light Problem Fixed?

What will it cost to repair the service airbag, then? Considering that we discussed what does service airbag mean. Furthermore, the causes of its appearance.

It is also beneficial to include the cost of the airbag light reset. As well as to address any potential issues that might have contributed to the airbag’s initial appearance.

This is typical if you bring your automobile to a dealership or a repair shop to address the issue. If you attempt to manually reset the airbag light.

The OBD2 scanning gadget is the only expense you will have to make. Yet, if you bring your car to a shop, it will likely be serviced by other people.

If you have a malfunctioning airbag or an SRS module that needs to be reset or replaced, this might cost anything from $50 for a basic light reset to up to $1,000. All of these potential failure points in this system cost money, so you’ll need to be ready to dig into your wallet if necessary.

Airbag on a motorcycle by High Contrast / CC BY 3.0 de. A damaged seat belt may cause the airbag light to activate, disrupting your day. But why is this the case, and what are the similarities between seatbelts and airbags? In actuality, they belong to the same system. implying that they work together regularly. This means that even if one of these components is broken, the light will still work. The seat belt regularly snaps in auto accidents.

The Conclusion

This article covered a lot of ground. In addition to learning how the airbag system functions and interacts with the car’s ECU, we first learned what does service airbag mean.

As we discovered, the SRS module, which is situated below the front center console, is the brain of the airbag system.

Then, we discovered some potential causes for the airbag light to emerge. Several factors could be to blame, including defective wiring, faulty crash sensors, a broken clock spring, faulty airbags, faulty SRS modules, and past collisions.

These factors can all cause the dashboard light to come on and wreck your day. As a result, it depends on the cost of diagnosing, repairing, and maintenance.

In the best-case scenario, it might only cost you $50 to $100, but in the worst-case scenario, you might have to pay $1,000 or more to resolve the issue.

Schaumodell Airbags Suzuki Alto by Pineapple fez / CC BY-SA 3.0