Airbag Indicator On? Here are the Causes and How to Overcome It
The airbag indicator can light up at any time, and many drivers panic at this occurrence. As is known, the indicator light usually signifies that a component is experiencing a problem. Additionally, this issue can also occur when certain components are not properly installed, for example, forgetting to fasten the seat belt.
The lighting of the airbag indicator does not automatically mean that the airbag will deploy if the car does not experience an accident or collision. So what actually causes this to happen? How should it be handled correctly? Let's find out the answers to all these questions by paying attention to the following explanations.
Causes of Airbag Indicator Lighting Up
The car's airbag indicator suddenly lighting up can be caused by several factors as follows.
1. Car security system issues
Generally, the airbag indicator will light up if the car experiences a severe collision. However, if the airbag indicator suddenly lights up without any collision, it may indicate that the car security system is having issues. In modern times, car security systems are equipped with various electrical components. Each of these electrical components has different codes. If these codes do not match, it can trigger the airbag indicator to light up suddenly.
2. Seatbelt switch issues
A malfunctioning seatbelt switch can also trigger the airbag indicator to light up suddenly. As you know, the seatbelt switch functions as a detector to see whether the seatbelt is fastened or not. If this switch is malfunctioning, the car's security system reads that the seatbelt is not fastened even though it is. This condition causes the airbag indicator to light up as well.
3. Clock spring issues
The clock spring is a component located in the back area of the steering wheel. This component serves as a connector between the driver module on the steering wheel and the airbag control unit. Any issues with this component can trigger the airbag indicator to light up suddenly. This condition usually occurs because during the disassembly of the clock spring, there is a clock spring wire that is not properly connected.
4. Lack of car maintenance
The airbag indicator lighting up suddenly can also be caused by the car not receiving adequate maintenance or servicing. A car that has not been serviced for a long time is certainly prone to damage or wear. This happens due to the accumulation of dirt on the car's components, or the performance of the components has exceeded their wear limits.
Read Also : What is a Car Airbag? Here's How It Works & Its Function
How to Address the Car Airbag Indicator Lighting Up
When your car's airbag indicator suddenly lights up, you don't need to panic. You just need to apply the following methods.
1. Check the car battery condition
The performance of the car's airbag indicator is closely related to the condition of the car battery. If the battery connection has corroded or is loose, then the airbag indicator will definitely light up. Therefore, you need to check the battery condition by inspecting the battery cables connected to the battery. If there is corrosion, you need to clean it with a wire brush and anti-corrosion fluid to ensure smooth electrical flow.
2. Check the condition of the seatbelt switch and clock spring
As previously explained, issues with the seatbelt switch and clock spring can trigger the airbag indicator to light up. Therefore, you need to routinely check these two components. Replace them immediately if they are damaged.
3. Reset the indicator light on the dashboard
The car's airbag indicator suddenly lighting up is often caused by a code error in the car's security system. To address this, you can reset the indicator light on the dashboard.
4. Regular servicing
If the above methods do not yield results, you need to service the car at a Daihatsu workshop. It is advisable to service your car regularly and periodically at least every six months. This way, issues such as the SRS (airbag) indicator light turning on and other car problems can be prevented. Because the workshop mechanic will replace components if any are damaged.
