Will an airbag light clear itself?

The short answer is that an airbag warning light may or may not clear itself, depending on the underlying issue. In some cases, the light will go off on its own, while in others, it will require intervention to resolve the problem and turn off the indicator.

Understanding Airbag Warning Lights

The airbag warning light, also known as the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light, is an important indicator in a vehicle. It is designed to alert the driver when there is an issue with the airbag system, which includes the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and related sensors and wiring. When the light is illuminated, it suggests a problem that needs to be addressed.

Reasons for an Airbag Light

There are several potential reasons why an airbag light may illuminate, including:

• Faulty airbag sensor or wiring: A problem with the sensors that monitor the airbag system can cause the light to turn on.


• Airbag module failure: The airbag control module, which manages the airbag deployment, can malfunction and trigger the warning light.


• Seat belt pretensioner issue: If there is a problem with the seat belt pretensioners, which tighten the belt during a collision, the airbag light may illuminate.


• Airbag system reset required: After an airbag deployment, the system needs to be reset, which may cause the light to turn on until the reset is complete.

In many cases, the airbag light will not clear itself, and the underlying issue will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.

When the Airbag Light May Clear Itself

There are some situations where the airbag light may clear itself without intervention:

• Temporary sensor issue: If the airbag light is caused by a temporary sensor problem, such as a loose connection, the light may turn off on its own once the issue is resolved.


• Airbag system reset: After an airbag deployment, the light may turn off once the system has been properly reset.


• Intermittent fault: If the airbag light is caused by an intermittent fault, it may turn off on its own as the issue comes and goes. However, this is not a reliable long-term solution.li>
  

In general, it's best to have an airbag light inspected by a professional, as ignoring the warning can have serious safety consequences.

How can I get my airbag light to turn off?

To turn off an airbag light, you can try basic resets like disconnecting the battery for 15-30 minutes, checking and re-securing seatbelt connections, or attempting a manual reset sequence specific to your vehicle model by cycling the ignition. If these methods don't work, use an OBD2 scanner with airbag (SRS) capabilities to read and clear any diagnostic trouble codes, but remember that the light will stay on if a fault is not fixed. If the light persists, it's crucial to have a mechanic diagnose the underlying issue, as driving with a malfunctioning airbag system is a significant safety risk.
 
This video demonstrates how to reset the airbag light using an OBD2 scanner: 59sFixITYouTube · Jul 14, 2025
DIY methods

• Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery for 15-30 minutes to reset the electronic systems. Reconnect the battery and see if the light has turned off. 
• Check and secure connections: Wiggle and push firmly on the yellow airbag wiring harnesses located under both front seats. Ensure they are securely connected, as moving the seats can sometimes cause them to loosen. 
• Manual reset sequence: For some cars, a specific manual reset procedure may work. This typically involves a sequence of turning the ignition on and off while the light is on and off. Check your vehicle's manual or online guides for the exact sequence. For example, one method involves turning the key on, waiting for the light to go off, immediately turning the car off, and repeating this two more times. On the fourth attempt, start the car normally. 
• Check for a manual passenger airbag switch: Some older vehicles have a switch, often on the dashboard or near the steering wheel, to manually turn the passenger airbag on or off. Check your car to see if this was accidentally turned off. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check the passenger airbag switch: 56sMechanical BoostYouTube · Apr 18, 2023
Professional methods

• Use an OBD2 scanner: Purchase or borrow a scanner that can read SRS/airbag codes. Connect it to your car's OBD2 port to read the specific error code, which can pinpoint the problem. You can often use the scanner to clear the code after the issue is fixed. 
• Consult a mechanic: If the light remains on after trying the above methods, it indicates a persistent problem, such as a faulty sensor or other component. It is safest to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. 

What is the most common cause of the airbag light?

The most common cause of an airbag light is a faulty seat sensor or seatbelt buckle, especially a disconnected or damaged wire under the seat, often caused by items being pushed under the seat. Other common causes include problems with the clock spring, faulty crash sensors, a malfunctioning airbag control module, or wiring/corrosion issues.
 
Specific common causes

• Seat sensor/seatbelt buckle: A loose connection or debris under the seat can damage the wiring for the seat occupant sensor or a faulty seatbelt buckle sensor. 
• Clock spring: This component in the steering wheel wears out, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver's side airbag. 
• Faulty crash sensors: These sensors are crucial for detecting a crash. If they malfunction, the light will turn on. 
• Wiring issues: Damaged or corroded wiring is a frequent culprit, including connections under the seats, in the steering wheel, or to the crash sensors. 
• Water damage: Water exposure can damage the airbag control module or other components, leading to a malfunction. 

What to do

• Do not ignore it: The airbag light indicates a problem with the safety system, so you should not ignore it. 
• Get it diagnosed: Because there are many potential causes, it's essential to have the system professionally diagnosed to identify the exact problem. 

How long does it take for an airbag light to go off?

The airbag light should turn off within a few seconds after starting the car as part of the normal system check. If it stays on for longer, it indicates a fault in the airbag system and may require a professional scan tool to diagnose and clear the codes, though some manufacturers offer a manual reset procedure. 
You can watch this video to learn a manual procedure to reset the airbag light: 45sMechanical BoostYouTube · Apr 18, 2023
Normal operation

• When you turn the ignition key, the airbag light should come on for a few seconds to run a self-test.
• It should then turn off to indicate the system is functioning correctly. 

If the light stays on

• Problem detected: If the light remains on after a few seconds, there is a fault in the airbag system, and the system may not deploy in an accident. 
• Common causes: This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty impact sensor, a loose connection, a problem with the seatbelt pre-tensioners, or a bad occupant sensor. 
• Professional diagnosis: It is best to have the system checked with a professional scan tool to identify the specific fault code. 
• Manual reset: In some cases, after the underlying problem is fixed, a manual reset can be performed. This often involves turning the ignition on and off a specific number of times until the light goes out, but it's critical to address the underlying issue first. 

Important safety consideration

• Because the airbag system is a critical safety feature, it's often recommended to have any issues diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician to ensure the system is fully operational. 

Will the airbag light reset itself?

Read what the fault is, and then clear. If it comes back, something is not right. Airbag lights do not reset themselves, ever. You need to read the code, then you'll know where your problem lies.