Airbags are the basis of the system for rescuing the driver and passengers in accidents. Together with the belt pre-tensioning system, they form the SRS complex, which prevents serious injuries during frontal and side impacts, rollovers and collisions with large obstacles.
Since the airbag itself is unlikely to help, the control unit will declare that it is impossible to operate in the event of any failure of the entire system.
How to reset the AIRBAG error? Time to learn how to do basic things
Quite often, a similar problem arises on imported cars: how to reset the Airbag error so that the light on the control panel does not blink.
It seems that no one did anything, and there are no visible reasons for the warning signal to appear (both the pillows are in place and the wires have been checked and are not disconnected). And the error pops up and pops up after every time the car is started, which, you see, is somewhat annoying. And you need to do something, but you don’t want to go to a service station.
And it also happens that such a problem will take you by surprise in severe frosts. After turning the starter to no avail, the battery usually runs out. But after lighting a cigarette, a problem with this signal arises.
Step-by-step master class
- The key is inserted into the ignition;
- The brake pedal is pressed (and held, not released, until the very end of the execution);
After this, the on-board computer, which is responsible for sensor readings and signals, is entered into self-diagnosis mode. And if no connection errors or breaks are found, the signal will blink at long intervals. This means that everything is in order and the machine’s computer has configured itself. Then turn off the ignition completely, turning the key to the extreme position.
The error has been erased (now it will not light up annoyingly while the car is traveling). And the next time you start the engine, the light will not light up or blink.
Note:
This method works on almost all Nissans. However, there are other options for resetting the Airbag error, for example, by turning the ignition on/off and manipulating the pedals or doors.
More options for the development of events
It’s good if you are lucky, and this Airbag error was issued by the on-board computer for very prosaic reasons: a temporary connection failure in the electrical circuit, battery discharge, reconnection of connectors, and the like. But it also happens that after the manipulations described above, the signal does not stop shining. What other reasons could there be and how can I eliminate them, if possible, myself?
Frankly speaking, it will not always be possible to do this without unnecessary losses, moral and material. Typically, continued flashing means that some parts have failed or require further inspection.
"Toyota Camry"
One motorist's airbag light came on in his Camry 40 for a very interesting reason. As already mentioned, not only airbags, but also belts are connected to the safety system. So, one day, in an emergency situation, the owner of a Toyota Camry, as they say, “shot his belt.” It fired, which means it was pulled back with such speed that the stopper worked and the belt jammed. The airbags did not deploy, but the situation was recognized by the system as an emergency and stored in the control unit, as a result of which the light came on.
Fault codes
Therefore, it would be useful for the driver, especially a novice, to remember or write down the fault codes, which are actually indicated by the Airbag light. The blinking signal is divided into long/short and means:
- 12 (once long, twice short) – the steering cushion is faulty or the cushion cable is not functioning;
- 17 – the airbag processor has stopped contacting;
- 18 – the passenger airbag is inoperative;
- 16 – the front shock sensor (if equipped) has stopped functioning;
- 11 – right safety belt (tensioner);
- 13 – left similarly;
- 23 – the impact sensor on the right does not work;
- 24 – similar – on the left;
- 21 – the side airbag on the right is faulty;
- 22 - similar on the left;
- 25 – 26 – the curtain pillow on the right/left does not work.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that if, for example, for some reason the airbags deployed, so to speak, they went off, then it will not be enough to change the airbags themselves and their belts. As a rule, the activating block will also require that it be changed (although some craftsmen reset or reflash the blocks, but for these purposes you need the appropriate specific equipment, as well as the ability to use it). And then the problem of how to reset the AIRBAG error will certainly be solved in a positive way.
Due to a faulty steering wheel
One of the possible reasons why the warning light is on is that the steering wheel was replaced incorrectly. The specialists who carried it out most likely forgot that important elements of the protective device were located directly in or near the steering wheel, and accidentally damaged them. Then you will have to carefully inspect the entire steering wheel mount. There may also be other causes of airbag combustion that require troubleshooting.
Airbag error reset
Modern cars are equipped with a passive safety system and are equipped with SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), which includes airbags. SRS operates under the control of an electronic controller unit: in the event of an accident, the impulse from the shock inertial sensors enters the microprocessor, from where the command to operate the airbag goes to the actuators (gas generator, squib).
The entire system operates in a common circuit of the ECU (electronic control unit), where diagnostics, monitoring and adjustment of elements takes place. If there is a sensor failure, disturbance, electrical circuit break, or incorrect operation of other components, the “airbag” emergency indicator lights up on the dashboard. Sometimes the indication is triggered falsely and requires manual reset.
How do they work?
- Each individual airbag is inflated and packaged in a compartment located in the dashboard, steering wheel, seat or other location.
- The front Airbag includes a large nylon bag that inflates and deflates quickly in the event of a serious frontal collision.
- Airbag deployment is monitored by sensors that detect the occurrence and severity of an accident. When the controller determines that the Airbag needs to be deployed, the system starts the inflator unit, which in turn burns chemicals that produce a lot of inert gas to inflate the bag.
- When the bag inflates, it rips open the covers on the dashboard, floating in front of the passenger. At the same time, the head and upper part of the passenger move with considerable force towards the inflated bag. When the occupant's head comes into contact with the airbag, it begins to deflate through the vents in the base. This softens the forward movement of the head. The entire process happens in the blink of an eye, in about 100 milliseconds.
- There will be a lot of smoke, dust and noise during deployment, and the passenger may not be aware that the airbag has deployed. This is fine.
What to do if the reverse light on VAZ 2114 does not light up
Why an airbag error may appear
It is important to understand that every time you turn on the ignition, the ECU conducts self-diagnosis of all important components and mechanisms of the car, recording error codes in the memory log. If a serious malfunction is detected in any system, a certain symbol lights up, warning the driver about the problem, or the power unit fails to start. The airbag error signal may be due to the following reasons:
- There is a malfunction in the electrical circuit of the SRS components.
- Mechanical failure of one of the sensors.
- Insufficient contact of locking devices on the hood, doors, trunk.
- Faulty seat belt on the driver's seat.
- Electrical short circuit.
- A blown fuse or oxidized terminals in the block.
- Low voltage in the on-board network - a discharged battery or a failed generator.
- Moisture getting into electronic devices and sensors.
- Failure or failure of the controller unit.
- The warranty period for the operation of SRS elements (squibs, gas generator, airbags) has expired.
- Emergency airbag deployment.
Attention! The service life of airbags is 8-14 years, depending on the make of the car. After this period, the squib discharges and the entire system fails to operate.
If the “airbag” icon is displayed on the instrument panel, you must turn off the ignition and allow time for the ECU to perform self-diagnosis for 25-40 seconds, after which turn the ignition on again. The SRS light should blink briefly 6-7 times and turn off - this means that the system is working. If the symbol continues to light, then the error must be reset manually.
The airbag on the instrument panel is on: possible malfunctions
So, if the red hazard warning light comes on, then there is an airbag error.
To understand why the Airbag light comes on (the airbag sensor comes on), you need to consider the possible causes and pay attention to diagnostics
The fact is that the reason may not be in the airbag itself, since the Airbag system includes a number of individual elements. In this case, the failure of one of them or a failure causes an error to be detected during self-diagnosis. By the way, the error code to decipher the malfunction in this case is written into the memory of the control unit.
In this case, it often happens that the error first lights up and then goes out. In this case, these symptoms indicate that no problems were found after re-verification. It also happens that the airbag icon no longer lights up after the ignition has been turned on and off again.
In case of such a short-term failure, when the module does not record the error again, this error is erased from memory and the light goes out. In turn, this may indicate either a “floating” problem or a one-time random failure.
Let's get back to the reasons. As already mentioned, the airbag system is complex, it includes the airbags themselves, a control and diagnostic module, impact sensors, seat belt tensioners, and squibs. All components are connected using wiring.
It is not difficult to guess that if a car has many airbags, the design of the entire system becomes noticeably more complicated. Either way, if the airbag light is on, then it indicates that:
- one or more airbags are damaged;
- there is no signal from individual system components;
- there is damage to the shock sensors;
- there were problems with the wiring;
- fuses have failed;
- there was a short circuit;
- the pillows have served their intended service life;
- there are problems with the control module, etc.
In fact, there are very, very many possible reasons. For example, if the door contacts are faulty, the airbag icon will light up on some cars. Failures also often occur as a result of previous interventions.
For example, incorrectly installed alarms and other equipment. Often the half wheel icon lights up if the steering wheel or seats have been removed, seat belts have been removed, the instrument panel or trim parts in the area of doors, pillars, etc. have been removed.
As a rule, during such work, wires or terminals are often damaged, and contacts are accidentally opened. The airbag error may also appear if the airbags and individual system components were replaced after an accident.
In this case, it is important to understand that information is written in the module’s memory that the airbags have deployed. This means that even if the pillows and other parts unsuitable for further use are replaced, the module will still generate an error
For this reason, the system in this situation will require a comprehensive replacement.
By the way, sometimes it is possible to flash the airbag control units without replacing them, thereby extinguishing the indicator and erasing the error, however, such actions are carried out by the owner at his own peril and risk. Manufacturers recommend replacing the entire system assembly. Otherwise, there are no guarantees regarding its correct operation.
Let us also add that pillows are an element with a limited service life.
In practice, auto manufacturers emphasize that the service life of airbags is no more than 10 years. This means that after this period the manufacturer no longer guarantees 100% performance, and there may well be various problems that arise for no apparent reason.
The airbags can also be damaged by simple moisture getting on the modules and terminal connection points (both in the cabin and under the hood). Often the airbag error lights up as a result of incorrect connection of the battery terminals, a significant power loss in the on-board network, after power surges, etc.
In any case, if the airbag icon is on, the problem cannot be ignored. You should start troubleshooting by conducting a full system check for errors.
It is important to read the scanner and decipher the codes. It is better to entrust such work only to an experienced specialist with high-quality diagnostic equipment
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yxoCjgMr8I8
How to clear an airbag error
In order to set the fault code and clear the “airbag” error, various diagnostic devices are used that are connected to the OBD2 connector (usually located under the steering column). When using a scanner, a special adapter and a computer (laptop) with the necessary software are required. The most accessible way is to use MULTITRONICS - a ready-made on-board computer module with all self-diagnosis functions.
Error resolution options - step-by-step actions:
Multitronics
Multitronics is connected to the OBD2 block, having first turned the ignition key to the position (turn on the circuit without starting the engine). The device is synchronized via Bluetooth with a laptop or smartphone with a diagnostic program installed (you can download it freely on the Internet, for example, INCarDoc free). In the main menu, click “Connect OBDII”: the system itself recognizes the device and activates the scanner mode. Next in the log you should find the SRS (airbag) section and sequentially reset the errors by pressing “OFF” instead of “ON”. A complete list of error codes is given in the technical description of the car - depending on the brand, they may vary. After resetting, the device is turned off and the engine is started.
other methods
Diagnostics in manual mode allows you to determine the error by indication signals.
- Enable self-diagnosis mode by turning on the ignition two or three times at intervals of 3 seconds, without starting the engine.
- The next time you turn it on, the “airbag” icon indicator on the dashboard will flash a certain number of times:
- The indicator blinked twice - there was a malfunction in one of the airbags.
- Seven starts in a row means the diagnostic sensor is broken.
- Eight flickers - the electrical circuit in the pillows is broken.
- Once - the contact of one of the right seat belt tensioners is broken.
- Three times - the contact of one of the left seat belt tensioners is broken.
- Three times with a period of 2 seconds - the sensors in the right side chain are faulty.
- Four times with a period of 2 seconds - the sensors in the left side chain are faulty.
- Once with a period of 2 seconds - a circuit break in the right airbag.
- Twice with a period of 2 seconds - circuit violations in the left pillow
- Five times with a period of 2 seconds - a malfunction in the right side airbag.
- Six times with a period of 2 seconds - a malfunction in the left side airbag.
- Constant flickering with a frequency of 1-2 seconds - the engine needs to be restarted, the system is OK.
After resetting the error, you must restart the engine again in self-diagnosis mode, the “airbag” emergency check on the dashboard should go out.
“Pregnant man” or “airbag errors cannot be erased”
I didn't think my first post would do so well. Nice))
Today is the day of "play around" so let's continue.
This time we'll look at the topic of airbags. Everyone knows what it is and what it is for. There are different versions of this system. I have not yet encountered anything more complicated than in BMW e60 or e65 cars.
Somewhere I was carried in the wrong direction.
The main topic of the post is removing the “crash” from the airbag block. In a nutshell, after the airbags are deployed, a record appears in the unit’s eprom about the reason for the airbags to deploy. As far as I know, this was done for insurance companies. Apparently to make life more difficult for scammers. Our insurance companies don't bother with such things. One day I had to “shoot” two airbags on an E65 BMW. I thought it would be more epic. but it was just puff, puff. boring)))
So, after recording “crash” in the airbag block, a non-erasable error approximately like this appears:
B1620 Internal failure of the SRS electronic control unit.
In my opinion, the block needs to be replaced, but we are not looking for easy ways;) especially since deleting a crash is not a tricky matter, I’ll tell you about it now;)
Patient BMW 3 E90. The previous owner was involved in an accident, the current owner of the car does not know the details. The airbag light is on. I think everyone has seen this “pregnant man”?))
According to the diagnosis, everyone knows “ECU error”.
Let's start practicing...
We remove the block onto the table. We need to make a reservation. AIR BAG UNITS MUST BE REMOVED WITH THE BATTERY TERMINAL REMOVED! otherwise, there is a risk of getting hit by a triggered airbag on the tambourine!))) Or simply end up buying fired squibs! depending on your luck... There is a shock sensor in the block (as a rule). If you are too lazy to remove the battery terminal, then be sure to remove the chip from the block, and only then unscrew the block! When installing, on the contrary, first screw the block and then connect the connector!
No airbag will work if the AIRBAG light is on! When the light is on, the airbag unit is in emergency mode.
Here is our patient:
We unscrew the bolts and take out the board. crash is recorded in this detail (eeprom):
As a rule, most eeproms look like this to let you know that it is an eeprom, and not any other random part that just looks like an eeprom. We go to the well-known expert Google for a datasheet (documentation for the radio component) and enter the inscription from the eeprom. in our case it is “95640”. here is the screenshot of the datasheet
Let's open Xprog. press the “devices” button and look for our eeprom:
In the left column, the inscription “programming interface” tells us that we can read this eeprom both using an adapter (“On-board”) and in-circuit (“In-circuit”)
look at the connection diagram:
This is what the adapter looks like:
like this “in-circuit”:
Let's solder. In xprog, click the “new” button. after which the “read” button becomes active. press it and if everything is done correctly we will see:
We make sure to do verification! “verify” button. This function reads the eeprom again and compares it with what was previously read. By default, verification in xprog is automatic.
Next, we save our original dump.
You can remove crash from a dump using special software. for example "Ultra Prog". if there are no specialized programs, or our software does not support the block, then you can search the forums for a clean dump. There is one nuance here: in our dump and in a clean dump from the forums, the encodings may differ, plus the car’s VIN is registered in the block.
so, open ultra prog. The “airbag” tab and look for our block number 65.77 - 9134280. unfortunately ultraprog does not know this block. This means you can try to select another block similar in number, or based on the same eeprom:
then “file - load” select the read dump. press the “unlock airbag ECU” button. A dump file with the ending “_clear” appears in the folder with our original dump.
unsolder, put the unit on the machine and check... erase the mistakes, see what’s left. Most likely there will be at least one error regarding squibs. either we change them to whole ones, or we solder in fakes. erase the mistakes again and voila!;)
what is described in the post happened at the time when I first picked up xprog. except for the case with the board inside (I didn’t get a single adapter) and a terrible desire to understand the topic, there was NOTHING!) That’s actually why I read the EPROM in-circuit, with an adapter it’s much easier and faster.
I don’t claim to be the ultimate truth))
I have never read anything more interesting on Pikabu before.
Author! I'm not some kind of hater. I’ve just been working professionally with AirBag SRS systems for a very long time. I can't stand insurance fraud. Your article touched me. Essentially, the article is interesting, creative, with a good approach. But the content of the important technical part about SRS units is clearly confusing, disingenuous or deceiving ordinary people. As a result, I got the impression that the purpose of the article is to advertise Xprog and some kind of crash erasing calculator (downloaded from the Internet) or how to screw up the insurance company. Either one or the other is not welcome among specialists who work on restoring SRS blocks. It gets worse. Airbag control units on BMW do not have an active crash - as you write s- (removing crash is not a tricky thing + unfortunately ultraprog does not know this unit). Voila!
That is, there is simply no need to rub the crash there. It is simply deleted as an error by the scanner (up to 3 times.)
An internal block error, as a rule, does not occur with such calculators, since it arises from a serious malfunction in the block. Moreover. BMW crashes are not stored in this block)))
And also about fluffy pillows and insurance! I hope you will be noticed by the authorities and insurance companies.
Based on the result of your actions, you apparently received a block error. I don’t see in the text that you tried to wash it initially. But I see you just read it or you were informed that it was there. The security system on this car is complicated for you (relative to others, apparently).
After all the pointless soldering to the eeprom and cleaning, you simply erased the errors with the scanner. You didn't really erase any crashes there.
Cause of airbag error
- The passenger airbag shutdown button is faulty,
- because there is no airbag,
- due to a broken wire under the seat,
- because the passenger presence mat is broken,
- repaired a car that affected airbag elements and did not erase the error
- wear of the SRS steering column ring
- Seat belt pretensioners are faulty
One thing is clear - this error should not be ignored.
The airbag is one of the greatest achievements of designers in the field of increasing passenger safety. Thus, if a red light comes on on your car's dashboard indicating an error, do not hesitate to find the cause. Otherwise, the airbags may not work, or, on the contrary, others will fire, the operation of which is not necessary. Either way, you will suffer.
Each car equipped with airbags, after turning the key in the ignition switch (you don’t even need to start the engine), diagnoses the system. If everything is in order, the red indicator goes out. But when the computer detects an error, even while driving, the indicator lights up. Before moving on to the list of the most common malfunctions, you should pay attention to one detail.
So, an error message does not necessarily mean that the airbags in this car are still installed and did not deploy. When it comes to a car that was not involved in an accident or collision, the absence of an indicator signal is the norm. It’s worse if you bought a used car in which the indicator was tricked through an emulator (a resistor that allows the switch to recognize the airbag and not show errors). Even the diagnostic computer may not notice this. Sometimes a scam is discovered that involves removing the airbag indicator LED or light bulb from the instrument panel. The good news is that the emulator is installed less frequently than before.
Prices for used cushions (such as those removed from cars imported from the UK) have fallen. It's definitely better to install a used airbag than not have one at all. How to check if an emulator is installed on a given machine? This is not an easy task, which sometimes even a knowledgeable electrician cannot cope with.
The only effective method is to remove the cover and make sure there is a cushion underneath, but this is not always possible.
The AirBag light is flashing, how it all happens
Of course, AirBag is a necessary thing in a car, but you can’t call it super reliable. Over time, problems may arise with this system.
The problems that arise will not have any impact on the performance of the engine or other elements of the car, but many are annoyed by the constantly burning “AirBag” or “SRS” warning light on the dashboard.
In addition, this lamp will signal that there is a problem, which means that you can no longer rely on this system.
It should be noted that the system includes a control unit, which checks the integrity of the system every time the engine starts.
Moreover, this check is usually accompanied by a lamp signal - it blinks while the system self-diagnoses.
Usually, with a working system, the lamp flashes 6 times, and if everything is in order, it stops lighting.
Interestingly, if a malfunction is detected, after a certain time the system will conduct diagnostics again, and the lamp will constantly blink until the repeat test is completed.
If repeated diagnostics show that the system is working properly, the error code that the control unit transmitted to the ECU during the initial test will be deleted and the system will return to normal.
But if an error is detected during repeated diagnostics, its code will be written again to the ECU, but the lamp will not go out, it will be on or flashing constantly.
The occurrence of a malfunction does not always indicate a complex breakdown. Sometimes all the problems lie in the little things.
When the airbag warning light comes on
As already mentioned, the glow of the error indicator indicates several reasons, but most often the error occurs due to an interruption in the circuit.
For example, disconnecting the connector under any of the seats. In some cars (Fiat Stilo), due to a sudden movement of the passenger seat. The indicator also lights up when cleaning the interior, when the cables are carelessly touched by the brush of the vacuum cleaner. Sometimes it is enough to plug the connector again and the light will go out. But some car models will require a diagnostic computer to be connected.
Due to age, the wires connecting the airbags to the control switch, including the airbag harness under the steering wheel, are destroyed. Some electricians repair the wiring, while others recommend replacing the harnesses with new ones.
The passenger presence mat is damaged. Thanks to it, in a situation where no one is sitting next to the driver, in the event of a frontal collision, none of the airbags should fire to protect the passenger. Breakdowns of mats occur either due to aging or due to the fault of the users themselves - the sensors do not like having their knees rested on them. And this is done in a situation when they take out things lying on the back sofa, or while cleaning the car interior in order to get to hidden corners. Mats are not repaired. You should find a used one or buy a new one. It is not recommended to connect an emulator, which will turn off the airbag indicator, but will make it work even when the chair is empty.
The shock sensors are not working properly. They are installed on side members or on the chassis. The sensors' job is to activate the appropriate airbags in the event of a collision. Sensors fail due to corrosion and damage to the wiring harness, although they are resistant to negative influences.
The airbag indicator may come on as a result of inept electrical repairs.
Undesirable initiative
There are several reasons why it is not recommended to repair and diagnose SRS Airbag systems, including airbags, on your own.
- Diagnostics require special equipment that is connected to the diagnostic connector found in all modern cars. The diagnostic device and the software that comes with it cost a lot of money, and its use requires knowledge and experience that most car enthusiasts do not have. Some vehicles have the ability to access diagnostic codes without additional equipment. But the algorithm for activating the self-diagnosis system, as well as the codes themselves, differ depending on the car model and its configuration.
- When repairing electronic components of the security system, you should have on hand a reliable electrical diagram of the car that corresponds to its model, year of manufacture and configuration. It is very difficult to find such documentation in the public domain, and the available information is often unreliable. The changes made by the developers to the design do not allow the fault to be identified. Moreover, actions taken on the basis of erroneous data are a source of serious damage.
- Even if you have a reliable electrical diagram in hand and have determined the possible source of the malfunction that is causing the airbag light to come on, it can be very difficult to fix the breakdown. In order to gain access to sensors, actuators and their electrical connectors, you need to know where they are located. In the absence of such information, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort searching, but you will not achieve the desired result.
When there is no other choice
In real life, it may happen that repair shops are many kilometers away, and a burning airbag light gets on your nerves and, quite possibly, signals a breakdown that needs to be repaired immediately. An unpleasant surprise, such as the sudden activation of a protective system, can cause an accident. Therefore, it will be useful for many to know what can be done in such a situation.
The principle of the device and possible problems
First you need to know how pillows work. Let's briefly look at the design of a typical passive safety system.
- Impact detection devices are located in various places in the vehicle. Their location may vary even among models from the same manufacturer. It only makes sense to outline the area where they may be located. Frontal impact sensors are installed in the front of the body. They are mounted under the bumper, on the side members, on the wheel arches and even on the front panel in the area of the steering rack. Devices that record lateral impacts are located inside the doors or side pillars. They are also installed in the rear of the car: under the bumper, in hidden cavities of the body or on its power elements. Devices developed by different manufacturers differ in appearance. Failure of the sensors is the most common reason why the airbag light comes on.
- Information from the sensors is sent to a single control unit - SRS Airbag. It’s good if the manufacturer was able to place the control unit in an accessible place, such as the section where the relays and fuses are located. But such luxury is rare. More often than not, this important electronic airbag control component can be found by removing part of the trim or dismantling the instrument panel. However, if there is a need to ring the electrical circuit, you will still have to get to it.
- The airbags themselves are connected to the safety system control unit, the number of which depends on the equipment of the car. In order to improve safety, manufacturers are striving to increase their number. Front airbags are mounted in the steering column and instrument panel, side airbags are installed in the body pillars, under the seat or interior trim. It's not that difficult to access them. But they fail much less often than sensors, wiring and the control unit.
- The airbag sensor sends a signal to the control unit. That, in turn, gives a command to trigger one or more components. The electrical impulse sent by it leads to the activation of capsules with a chemical substance, which almost instantly enters into a chemical reaction, filling the cavities of bags made of special fabric with gas.
Computer diagnostics of airbag and airbag unit
The exact cause of the light bulb is determined using a diagnostic computer. It should be remembered that resetting the error message does not solve the problem and only helps when the error is temporary (short-term disconnection of the connector). In a situation where the error has only been removed, and the causes of the malfunction have not been eliminated, the indicator will probably light up again.
Repairing airbag-related problems is best left to professionals. In addition, an amateur electrician could short-circuit the wires in such a way and the pillow would shoot into his face.
Remember that the airbag indicator looks different in every car. It may not be there, but the inscription airbag or SRS appears. Sometimes the indicator signal should be understood as a notification that the passenger's airbag has been turned off. For example, the airbag is turned off when a child seat is installed in the front seat. The airbag light indicates a malfunction or destruction of the seat belt tensioners after an accident.
Previously, the service life of a pillow was 10-15 years, today the service life has been increased.
Why does it burn and not go out?
Before we talk about what to do and how to turn off the constantly working indicator light, we should tell you a little theory.
You don't mind, do you? Pillows are actually an actuator. It is triggered by electronic systems that react to collisions and impacts, and thereby activate the squib. The pillow fills with air in a split second, and this often saves a person’s life.
Impact sensors, the squib itself, and the electronic brains of the machine are responsible for triggering. Belts and seat belt tensioners are also connected to the airbags. After all, they prevent the driver from flying forward when an accident occurs.
There really are a lot of components involved with pillows. And when one of them fails, the airbags produce a corresponding constantly burning signal on the dashboard.
Connectors and wires
Practice shows that one of the most common causes of this situation is a broken circuit.
Using a diagnostic scanner, you can read error codes and understand exactly where the break is.
This occurs as a result of the following actions:
- The front panel of the car was dismantled, some connector was not fully latched, the wires were damaged or frayed;
- The seats were removed from the car, which led to damage to the wiring;
- The steering wheel was removed and the airbag connector was disconnected. It is damaged or incorrectly connected;
- A short circuit has occurred. There are a lot of reasons.
Without a diagnostic scanner in hand, it is virtually impossible to determine where exactly the wiring problems have arisen.
Sensors
The next potential suspect is the sensor. And one of many.
If the light is on constantly, you can suspect one of 2 types of sensors:
- Impact controller
. Usually there are at least 4 of them on cars. Mostly they put 2-4 in front, and a few more on the sides and behind. If the sensor is physically damaged, it can short-circuit the system and produce a signal in the form of a burning lamp. You will have to check each sensor for malfunction; - Belt buckle sensor
. Installed on modern cars. It is needed to prevent the airbag from exploding if the driver or passenger does not fasten their seat belt. Alternatively, water or debris has gotten into the lock and the sensor is not working.
As in the previous case, a diagnostic scanner will be required here.
The device reads errors, and from its code you can understand where and what happened.
Other reasons
Don't think that these are all the reasons. There are a lot of them. They are mechanical, electrical and electronic.
It is worth emphasizing the following potential culprits, in addition to those already listed:
- Low battery charge
. At low voltage this problem may occur. Check the charge and voltage, charge or replace the battery; - ECU memory is clogged
. If the airbag worked, a new one was installed, but the error was not reset, then the indicator will continue to light; - The seal of the pillow is broken
. Everything is clear here; - The squib has failed
. Basically only at the end of its service life. And this is about 10 years; - The control unit is damaged
. Damage can be software or mechanical. Alternatively, these are the consequences of chip tuning.
There are more than enough reasons.
It is also important to know how to deal with them correctly