Troubleshooting Honda Airbag Light Problems | SRS

If your Honda airbag light remains on, it most likely means that the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) has detected a problem with the airbag system.

When your Honda airbag system functions properly, the airbag light comes on when you turn on the ignition but should turn off once you start the engine.

If the airbag system detects a problem, you will see the airbag light stay on. In newer models, a warning message will display on the dashboard stating the "check airbag system."

Driving a Honda with the airbag light increases the chances of serious injury if you get into an accident.

Common Causes

Common problems that can trigger Honda airbag light to come on.

• Passenger occupancy sensor.
• Disconnected or damaged wire harness.
• Faulty connectors.
• Blown airbag.
• Blow pre-tensioner.
• Dead battery.
• Clock Spring.
• Fault stored in the SRS module after an accident.

The Airbag system is comprised of a control unit, multiple sensors, seat-belt buckles, tensioners, and airbags themselves. Any of these components can fail.

Possible Problems

Common problems that trigger Honda airbag light: 

• Passenger occupancy sensor.
• Defective clock spring.
• Low battery voltage.
• Unplugged connector.
• Wire harness.
• SRS sensor.
• Defective airbag.

To find out why your Honda airbag light is on, read the SRS / Airbag module's fault codes. 

How to Read Honda Airbag Fault Codes

To diagnose and reset SRS faults, you will need a Honda OBD-II scanner such as Foxwell for Honda.

Basic code readers are not able to diagnose or reset Honda airbag light.

Procedure

1. Locate the OBD-II port under the dashboard and connect your scanner.
2. Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
3. Allow your scanner to power on. Go to the Control Unit and select the Airbag menu.
4. Scroll down to Read Codes. Review all the codes.
5. If codes are in STORED status, you can then proceed to clear the codes. If codes are PRESENT or PERMANENT, you will need to fix the issue before resetting the Honda airbag light with a scanner.

In the case of faulty or broken SRS components, the faulty component(s) will need to be replaced.

Do not install an airbag that was removed from a Honda due to a recall.

Recalls

Check if there is a recall related to the SRS for your particular Honda vehicle.

If the fault is related to the recall, your Honda dealer will fix it free of charge, even if the vehicle is out of warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions