Symptoms
- Airbag icon or 'SRS' text lit on the dash
- Car drives completely normally otherwise
- Light may have appeared after cleaning under a seat or after minor water exposure
Likely causes
- CommonSeat belt buckle or seat sensor faultOccupant sensors in the seat can trigger this if wiring is disturbed or a connector is loose.
- CommonAftermarket seat covers or accessories interfering with sensorsCovers can block or confuse the occupant classification sensor.
- PossibleCorroded or loose airbag connectorCommon after seat removal for cleaning or repair.
- PossiblePrevious minor collision that didn't deploy airbagsSensors can register impact even in low-speed events.
- Less commonFailing clock spring (steering wheel airbag wiring)More common on older or high-mileage vehicles.
What to do
- Remove any aftermarket seat covers, especially on the front passenger seat, and see if the light resets after a drive cycle.
- Check that seat belts are buckled properly and haven't been recently removed for cleaning.
- Think back to whether the seats were recently removed, cleaned, or worked on.
- Avoid ignoring this light long-term, since it means airbags may not work correctly in a crash.
- Have the code read at a shop, since airbag codes are specific and point to the exact sensor or wiring issue.
- Get the flagged connector, sensor, or clock spring repaired by a qualified technician.
- Don't attempt to repair airbag wiring yourself; the system stores energy and can deploy unexpectedly.
When to call a pro
See a mechanic or dealer to properly diagnose and repair any airbag system fault; this isn't a DIY repair.
Safety
Use caution
Do not attempt airbag system repairs yourself; the components can deploy with enough force to cause injury even with the car off.