Supplemental Restraint System (SRS Airbags) Warning Light

Are you experiencing an issue with the Supplemental Restraint System? Then you have reached the right place. Here, we’re talking about the SRS Airbags, why this warning light illuminates your car, and how to fix this problem.

Multiple systems and features are installed in the vehicle for advanced safety. Airbags are supplemental protection systems specially designed to work best in conjunction with seat belts.

Both frontal and side-impact airbags deploy in moderate to acute crashes and may even deploy in minor crashes. They reduce the chance that one’s head and chest will hit the vehicle’s interior (upper side) during a road crash.

Airbags are designed to work with vehicle seat belts, so ensure you’re seated properly to avoid injury from an airbag.

What is supplemental restraint system or SRS Airbags?

The Supplemental Restraint System, also known as SRS in vehicles, is the actual name used for the vehicle’s Airbag system. The SRS airbag works in conjunction with a seatbelt to improve safety and decrease the impact on occupants in a car collision. 

SRS light On, What to do

When the SRS warning light appears on your vehicle’s dash, it means the Airbags Control Unit has found an issue with the system. If the system is disabled due to some problem, the airbags will not deploy in a crash or fatal accident.

Statistics show that cars with active airbag systems can save lives during crashes. I recommend getting a trusted repair center facility to fix this problem. The expert will diagnose the system and perform the proper maintenance.

Airbag Design And History

Airbags, similar to the Anti-lock brake system, were introduced in the early 1970s to provide extra safety. The patent for airbags was approved in 1920, and air-filled bladders were in use as early as 1951. 

Airbags are designed to prevent most injuries that occur when drivers do not wear seat belts properly. The first airbag design was patented on August 5, 1952, and granted #2,649,311 by the United States Patent Office on August 18, 1952.

Source: Wikipedia

How Airbags Work In Vehicles?

The concept of Airbags in vehicles is quite simple. Within the car, a central Airbag Control Unit monitors several related sensors, such as impact and side door pressure sensors, accelerometers, and seat occupancy sensors. 

The ACU (airbag control unit) triggers the ignition of the gas generator when the threshold is stimulated to inflate a nylon fabric bag quickly. The gas is away via small vent holes in a managed way as the vehicle inmate collides with and squeezes the bag.

The volume of the airbags and vents size in the airbags are personalized to each type of vehicle to spread out the occupant’s deceleration, which is compressed to a seat belt alone. 

Related: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

What is the average cost of resolving the SRS warning light?

The estimated diagnostic cost for SRS is around $100-$300. The estimated part(s) cost is typically $80-$1000.

Expect to pay between $100 and $300 for your vehicle’s initial diagnostic. Professional mechanics may be charged higher because they get down to the elements for better testing. So, do not prioritize the price over quality. 

Auto parts are a little pricey. Parts from a reputable manufacturer like Honda are considered the most effective, rather than parts from local suppliers. In vehicles, a seat bet with a pretensioner may typically cost $200 to $400, and a crash sensor or lock spring may get in approximately $50 to $150. 

Please note that the price I’ve mentioned will vary depending on your vehicle’s requirements, model, and location. However, it would be best to explore several repair centers and their prices online to make a better decision.

How do you reset the airbag light?

The easy method to reset the airbag warning light is to turn off the ignition first, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on. After doing this, go for a test drive. If the light is still illuminated, bring your vehicle to a certified garage.

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