The airbag warning light turns on in the instrument cluster of Subaru WRX when the on-board diagnostic system detects a problem with the airbag system, which is a crucial safety feature that can save lives in the event of an accident. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why the airbag light may be on in your WRX and discuss some of the steps you can take to reset it.
The airbag light can come on for a variety of reasons, ranging from simple to more complex issues. Some of the most common reasons for the airbag light illuminating in Subaru WRX include a faulty sensor, loose or corroded connections, faulty clockspring, and defective airbag control module.
1. Faulty sensor
One of the most common reasons for the airbag light to turn on in WRX is a faulty sensor. The airbag system relies on a network of sensors to detect a crash and deploy the airbags. If one of these sensors is damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause the airbag light to turn on.
There are several different types of sensors in the airbag system of WRX, including impact sensors, seatbelt sensors, and occupant sensors. Impact sensors are typically located at the front of the vehicle and detect the force of an impact. Seatbelt sensors are located in the seatbelt buckle and detect whether the seatbelt is fastened. Occupant sensors are located in the seats and detect whether there is a person sitting in the seat.
If any of these sensors are damaged or malfunctioning, they may not be able to communicate with the car’s computer, which can cause the airbag light to turn on. A faulty sensor may also cause the airbag system to deploy at the wrong time or not at all, which can be dangerous in the event of an accident.
If you suspect that a faulty sensor is causing the airbag light to turn on, it’s important to have your WRX inspected by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to read the vehicle’s computer and identify which sensor is causing the problem. In some cases, the sensor may need to be replaced, while in other cases, it may be a wiring issue or a problem with the computer itself.
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2. Loose or corroded connections
Loose or corroded connections in the airbag system can also cause the airbag light to turn on in your Subaru WRX. The airbag system relies on a series of connections and wires to communicate with the on-board computer, and if any of these connections become loose or corroded, it can disrupt the system’s communication and cause the airbag light to turn on.
Corrosion can occur due to exposure to moisture, salt, and other environmental factors. Loose connections, on the other hand, can be caused by improper installation, wear and tear, or damage from an accident.
If you suspect that loose or corroded connections are causing the airbag light to turn on, it’s important to have your WRX inspected by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will inspect the connections and wiring in the airbag system and identify any areas of concern. In some cases, the connections may need to be tightened or replaced, while in other cases, the wiring may need to be repaired or replaced.
It’s important to have any issues with loose or corroded connections in the airbag system addressed promptly. A malfunctioning airbag system can be dangerous in the event of an accident and may not provide the protection you need to stay safe.
3. Faulty clockspring
One of the less common but possible reasons for the airbag light to come on in WRX is a faulty clockspring. The clockspring is a spiral-wound electrical connection located in the steering column that enables the steering wheel to rotate while maintaining an electrical connection for the airbag and the horn with the vehicle’s electrical system.
If the clockspring is damaged or faulty, it can prevent the airbag system from functioning properly, which can cause the airbag light to turn on. A faulty clockspring can also cause the horn or the buttons on the steering wheel to stop working.
There are several reasons why a clockspring may fail, including wear and tear, damage from water or debris, or improper installation during previous repairs. Symptoms of a faulty clockspring may include a malfunctioning horn, problems with the steering wheel controls, or an illuminated airbag warning light.
Replace the clockspring
If you suspect that the clockspring is the cause of the airbag light, it’s important to have it diagnosed and replaced by a qualified mechanic. Replacing the clockspring is a complex process that requires specialized skills and tools. It is recommended to take your WRX to a certified mechanic who can properly diagnose and replace the clockspring, ensuring that your vehicle is safe to drive and all functions are working correctly.
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4. Defective airbag control module
Another potential cause for the airbag light to come on in your WRX is a defective airbag control module. The airbag control module is a computer that is responsible for monitoring the airbag system and deploying the airbags in the event of a crash. If the control module is defective, it may not be able to properly communicate with the sensors and other components in the airbag system, which can cause the airbag light to turn on.
There are several reasons why an airbag control module may fail, including exposure to moisture, electrical issues, and damage from an accident. Symptoms of a defective control module may include an illuminated airbag light, non-functioning airbags, or other electrical issues in the car.
If you suspect that a defective airbag control module is causing the airbag light to turn on, it’s important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to communicate with the on-board computer and identify any issues with the control module. In some cases, the control module may need to be replaced, while in other cases, it may be a wiring issue or a problem with another component in the airbag system.
5. Bad seat belt pretensioner
A bad seat belt pretensioner can also cause the airbag light to come on. The seat belt pretensioner is a crucial component of the SRS system in your WRX that works in conjunction with the airbags to help protect the occupants of the vehicle in the event of a collision.
The seat belt pretensioner is designed to tighten the seat belt in the event of a collision, keeping the occupants of the vehicle securely in place and reducing the risk of serious injury or death. If the seat belt pretensioner is faulty or not functioning correctly, it can cause the SRS light to turn on, indicating a problem with the SRS system.
There are several reasons why the seat belt pretensioner may not function correctly in your Subaru WRX, such as a wiring issue, a faulty sensor, or damage to the component itself. If the SRS light comes on, it’s important to have the SRS system inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify the underlying cause and address any issues.
6. Recent repairs or modifications
If you’ve recently had work done on your vehicle’s airbag system or made any other modifications, it’s possible that the airbag light was not reset properly.
For example, if the airbag system is improperly reassembled after a repair, or if an incompatible component is installed during a modification, it can cause the airbag system to malfunction and turn on the airbag light. In some cases, simply disconnecting and reconnecting a component during a repair can cause the airbag light to turn on if it’s not done properly.
If you’ve recently had repairs or modifications done to your vehicle’s airbag system and the airbag light has turned on, it’s important to take the car back to the mechanic who performed the work. They should be able to inspect the system and determine what may be causing the issue. In some cases, it may be a simple fix, such as tightening a connection or replacing a faulty component. In other cases, more extensive repairs may be needed.
Use OBD2 scanner for diagnosis and reset
Using an OBD scanner is a quick and easy way to diagnose issues with the airbag system of Subaru WRX. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, and it refers to the computer system in your vehicle that monitors various components and systems, including the airbag system.
To use an OBD scanner to diagnose issues with the airbag system, you’ll first need to purchase or borrow an OBD scanner that is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Once you have the scanner, plug it into the OBD port, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
The OBD scanner will communicate with the car’s computer and retrieve any error codes that are stored in the system. These error codes will indicate what specific issue is causing the airbag light to turn on. For example, if the scanner retrieves an error code related to a faulty sensor, you’ll know that the sensor is the likely cause of the problem.
Once you have the error code, you can look up the specific code online or consult with a qualified mechanic to determine the best course of action. Depending on the issue, you may be able to repair the problem yourself or you may need to take your WRX to a mechanic for repairs.
Using an OBD scanner to diagnose issues with the airbag system can be a quick and easy way to determine the cause of the problem. However, it’s important to remember that an OBD scanner can only retrieve error codes and does not necessarily provide a complete diagnosis. If you’re unsure about the cause of the problem or how to fix it, it’s always best to consult with a qualified mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will airbag deploy if airbag light is on?
If the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light is on, it means that there is an issue with the airbag system and it is not functioning properly. In this case, the airbag system may not deploy in the event of an accident, or in rare cases it may deploy unexpectedly while driving.
Most modern cars have a system in place to prevent the airbags from deploying if the SRS light is on. This is to avoid the possibility of the airbags deploying unexpectedly or not deploying at all in the event of an accident.
Will an airbag light clear itself?
Whether an airbag light clears itself or not depends on the underlying issue that caused the light to turn on in the first place. In some cases, the light may turn off on its own if the issue is minor and temporary. For example, if the airbag system experiences a temporary glitch, such as a loose connection, the light may turn on temporarily and then turn off on its own once the issue is resolved.
However, in most cases, the airbag light will not clear itself and will need to be manually reset using an OBD scanner. This is because the airbag system is designed to be highly sensitive and will not turn off the airbag light until the issue is resolved and the system is functioning properly.
It’s important to note that even if the airbag light turns off on its own, it’s still a good idea to have the airbag system inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure that everything is functioning properly. This will help to ensure that the airbag system is providing the necessary protection in the event of an accident.
Can the SRS light be reset?
Yes, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light can be reset in your WRX using an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner. Resetting the SRS light involves accessing the car’s computer system and erasing the trouble codes that caused the light to turn on in the first place.
However, simply resetting the SRS light does not fix the underlying issue that caused the light to turn on. If the SRS light is reset without addressing the underlying issue, the light will likely turn on again in the near future.
Can a blown fuse cause the airbag light to come on?
Yes, a blown fuse can cause the airbag light to come on. The airbag system is connected to a network of fuses, sensors, and wiring that work together to detect any faults in the system. If a fuse related to the airbag system blows, it can cause the system to malfunction, which in turn can trigger the airbag light to come on.
Can you drive your vehicle with airbag light on?
Although, airbag malfunction does not affect the drivability of the vehicle, it is generally not recommended to drive your vehicle with the airbag light. This warning light suggests that one or more airbags may not function correctly in the event of an accident, and as a result, the safety of the occupants in the vehicle could be compromised. Even if there is a chance that all the airbags may still deploy during an accident, it is not worth the risk of ignoring the warning light. The safety of the driver and passengers is essential, and any potential issue with the airbag system should be addressed immediately.
Can a weak battery cause SRS light?
Yes, a weak battery can cause the SRS light to come on. A weak battery can cause several issues in the SRS system, such as voltage drops or fluctuation that can disrupt the proper functioning of the system’s sensors or components. Additionally, if the battery is not providing enough power, it can cause the SRS system’s computer to malfunction, leading to the illumination of the SRS light. If the SRS light comes on, it’s important to have the battery tested and inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure that it’s functioning properly.