Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 08:34 pm
There are many reasons why the Service Airbag light may come on. The airbag light is an indicator that your airbag has failed or has been deployed and sensor displayed has not been fixed or replaced and the electrical wiring to the impact sensor is not properly connected. It could also be that the clock spring is defective. One of the pretensions for your seat belt could be defective. This could simply be a loose connection to one of the components.
No matter what the reason, it is a SAFETY system that will save your life. Do not leave the light on for longer than necessary to have it repaired. It is possible to not regret it.
In this article we are discussing what the meaning of the airbag light, why airbag light won’t turn off, can you reset airbag light without tool and how to reset BMW airbag light without tool.
Will Disconnecting Battery Reset Airbag Light?
Will disconnecting the battery reset the airbag light? Disconnecting the battery won’t solve the issue; disconnecting batteries will only temporarily deactivate the airbag light, but your airbag lights will still come back up if the main cause of the light is not addressed. In some cases, it may likely make matters worse. Calling a mechanic will be better if your airbag light is on and your battery is low or dead.
One wrong step and your car will develop more electrical issues, which will cost more money. Your car battery shouldn’t be disconnected if your aim is to reset your airbag light. You may have heard that the solution to this issue is to unplug the battery, or that a battery repair business can handle it.
But you also run the risk of doing a lot of harm to your car. Continue reading to find out how to deal with your airbag lights.
What is The Meaning Of The Airbag Light?
Your airbag light will come on when there is an issue with the seatbelts or airbags. When this happens, it is advisable to pack your car and try to fix the issue. It isn’t safe to drive with the airbag light on. Also, getting your car tolled is a better idea that driving your car to the dealership yourself.
Your airbag light can come on due to issues like;
- Unbuckled seat belts
- Car system or computer issues
- An accident has occurred or the airbag has been deployed
The airbags is am an important part of your car, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. As a driver, you risk getting hurt or killed if the airbags don’t deploy during an accident. To get the best results, you will need to leave the diagnosis of the problem to the professionals because it isn’t always simple.
Why Is it That The Airbag Light Won’t Turn Off?
When your car has a faulty or damaged clock spring, the airbag light won’t go off. It is among the most frequent causes of an airbag light and one of the most costly to correct. In order to fix a broken clock spring in your car, you’ll need to spend roughly $400.
Other reasons why the airbag light won’t turn off;
- Torn or defective airbag
- Faulty airbag sensors
- Malfunctioning or damaged passenger seat sensor
- Unfastened seat belts or malfunctioning sensors
If you attempt to repair the airbag yourself, you are likely to run into trouble. A steering wheel puller and some quite large sockets are required. Unless you have invested in a lot of tools or do mechanic work, you won’t have all you need. However, this issue can be solved by contacting parts retailers that provide these tools for rent.
Can You Reset Airbag Light Without a Tool?
Without the essential tools, it will be difficult to reset the airbag light in most vehicle models. Using the right tools is a precaution for safety, as you should always fix the airbag light the right way. If you fix the issue correctly, the airbag light will typically turn off by itself.
However, there is a compromise. In some older vehicles, the airbag light can be reset without essential tools like a scanner by disconnecting the battery wires (only in older model vehicles).
Note: As a precaution, you will need to make sure that there are no loose wires or rust in the connector plugs or the wiring system under the driver’s/passenger’s seat. Finally, restart your car after spraying an electronic cleaner on the connecting plugs.
How To Turn Off Airbag Light After Accident
In most car models, if the airbags are in good condition and have not been damaged, you can reset them after they have been deployed. You can turn off the airbag light by doing an airbag reset.
Put simply, the airbag is essentially stuffed back into the airbag module, and the airbag light can then be reset. On the other hand, resetting the airbags is often difficult or not possible in modern cars if you don’t have the expertise. To learn whether or not yours can be reset, always check in a mechanic’s shop.
How To Bypass Airbag Light In BMW
To bypass the airbag in BMW, you will need to put the resistor across the circuit. Once you’ve found the airbag feed, you can either solder it into the wires or just push it into the plug and tape it up.
A wise initial move is unquestionably to reset your airbag light. Follow these steps to reset the airbag light on your BMW X5:
- Check the airbag light after starting your automobile.
- After seven seconds, restart your car.
- Carry out this procedure two more times. Your airbag light ought to go out.
During the entire process, you will need to make sure the resistor is securely secured and insulated. This should be done preferably with tape to prevent it from coming out. You will need to visit a mechanic if the airbag light ever comes on again.
How To Reset Airbag Light
In this section, we will lay out how to reset the airbag light in 7 easy steps. If this light comes on while you are on the road, you will need to find a secure place to park your vehicle and turn off your engine.
Next, follow the steps below;
- Do a test drive after restarting your car.
- Take a look at the passenger airbag switch.
- Make that the seatbelts are in place and operating properly.
- Your passenger seat sensor should not be turned on.
- If you have a scanner (preferably one with a reset option for the SRS), use it on your vehicle.
- Identify and fix defective airbag sensors.
- Check if your broken clock spring needs to be repaired or replaced.
Although not comprehensive, the process listed above includes tried-and-true methods for tackling this problem. Some of them might not apply to your vehicle because compatibility is always based on the year or model. Visit your mechanic to learn more.
How to reset BMW airbag light without tool
To reset an airbag light without a scanner, you will have to watch the video above or you can apply the following steps.
Steps on how to reset BMW airbag light without a tool
- step 1: Start by switching on your car and then let the airbag light start blinking,
- step 2: when it starts blinking, turn off the car ignition switch of leaving it for 2 seconds.
- Step 3: start the car again and wait for the airbag light to start blinking. When it does, switch back off and repeat the on-and-off process for 3 or 4 times.
You will notice that the airbag light will reset itself without a scanner.
BMW & VW Airbag Light Reset Without The Tool
To fix your airbag light without a tool, you will need to examine your electrical system very closely. Next, simply check under the passenger or driver seat for any rust or lose wires in the connecting plug.
Depending on the automobile model, you may be able to reset the airbag light without a scanner by unplugging the battery terminals. It can be quite difficult to reset the airbag light on the majority of newer model vehicles without a scanner.
Conclusion
The airbag unit is a very important part of a vehicle that helps to reduce damage when accidents happen. The airbag light goes a step further to interest and prevent accidents even before they occur. When this light comes on, you will need to take it seriously to keep yourself safe and prevent more damage to your car.
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Uchenna is a Radiographer and Auto parts mechanic who recently got his automotive diploma as an auto repair technician, and since then, has worked on fixing various car problems.
Working as just a radiographer, Uchenna didn’t just get all the fulfillment he desired, because he truly loved doing things tilted toward cars. As a kid, he would take apart his toy cars to see how they worked and would spend hours tinkering with his bike.
So, in 2017 he made the tough decision to become an auto mechanic. He threw himself into his studies and now loves every aspect of what he does.
He gets to work with his hands, solving problems and bringing cars back to life, and sharing his knowledge and easy quick-fix guide online are all part of what makes him feel fulfilled.
