Airbag repair is not the most common automotive repair service, but it is necessary from time to time. Obviously, if you get in an accident and any of your airbags are deployed, they will need to be replaced and the sensors will need to be reset.
However, what happens when you haven’t been in an accident yet you are still having airbag issues? Your car will tell you by illuminating or flashing the airbag warning light on your dashboard or computer display. When this light is on, that means your airbags are deactivated. It means they will not deploy properly if you get into an accident.
Needless to say, this is a serious issue that you will want to get rectified quickly for your safety and the safety of your passengers. There is always a chance that the airbag light is on by accident and it just needs to be reset. Otherwise, there are a number of other situations that may cause the airbags to fail:
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?
For all your airbag repair and diagnostics needs, call San Francisco Automotive Solutions today at (415) 957-1170 or schedule your appointment online.