1. Depleted Airbag Backup Battery

If your car’s battery has drained recently, it may have also depleted the backup battery that powers the airbags. It may correct itself once the battery is fully charged again, but if not the backup battery will need to be recharged along with a sensor reset.

2. Faulty Sensors

Your vehicle has many different sensors connected to different components. They link directly to the car’s computer system to detect and notify the driver of any potential issues. Sensors can fail or be tripped on accident to cause the airbag warning to illuminate. The sensors will need to be checked and the system will need to be reset.

3. Damaged Airbag Clock Spring

The airbag clock spring is there to maintain continuity between the electrical wiring of the vehicle and the driver-side airbag. It coils in and out as the steering wheel turns. It can become worn out naturally over time, which causes a poor connection and potential airbag failures.

4. Wet Airbag Module

If your vehicle has experienced water damage, it could have affected the airbag module located under the driver and/or passenger seat. If it is shorted out or corroded, it won’t work properly.

Whether it’s on by mistake or through one of these common causes, your airbag warning light is there for a reason. If it comes on, you will want to get your airbag system and sensors repaired as soon as possible. Why have airbags if they are not going to work in case of accident?