Sunday, November 18, 2007
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Airbag warning lights are exactly that...a warning that the airbag system is not operating properly. When they illuminate, the system is inactive. That means the airbags will not deploy if you are in an accident. Very often, owners will tape over the dash or actually remove the bulb to avoid looking at it. Some states have laws against tampering with the bulb, and most newer vehicle have dash circuits that do not allow access (sealed printed circuits).
When the warning light comes on, it is indicating a fault in the system and a scanner is usually required to diagnose the problem. The scanner for an airbag system is a different scanner than the one used to diagnose engine problem or reset the 'check engine' lights. (although some scanners will do both). Vehicles have different computers for each system
As the airbag systems are now covering more and more components, front airbags, side airbags, curtain, seat belt pretensioners, knee airbags (and coming) seat belt airbags, it is important to get the right answer before you start working to get the light out.
There are sensors throughout the vehicle, under the hood, in the pillars, under the console, and in the seat tracks. There are now sensors in the seats detecting occupant classification (OCS) There is wiring in the steering column (clockspring) and on-off switches in the dash. The wiring and components of this safety system are an integral part of the vehicle and should not / cannot be removed completely.
So when the airbag light comes on, get the system tested by either the dealer or a competent technician, find out what has failed and then make an educated decision on how to and whether or not to fix it.