Troubleshooting Honda Airbag Light Problems | SRS

The SRS light, also known as the airbag light, on a Honda vehicle indicates a problem with the vehicle’s supplemental restraint system. This system includes airbags, seat belts, and related hardware and sensors. The first step is to diagnose the problem and fix the SRS light. This can be done by using a diagnostic scanner tool to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle’s onboard computer. The DTCs will indicate the specific issue causing the SRS light to come on.

When your Honda SRS 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, the airbag light stays on. In newer models, a warning message will display on the dashboard stating the “check airbag system.” Driving a Honda with an airbag light increases the chances of serious injury if you get into an accident.

What does the Honda airbag light on mean?

When the airbag light, also known as the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light, is on in a Honda vehicle, it indicates a problem with its airbag system. The SRS system is a critical safety feature in a vehicle, and the light is designed to alert the driver to the problem so that it can be addressed as soon as possible. There are several potential causes for the airbag light to come on, some of which include:

• A problem with one of the sensors or wiring in the system
• A problem with the SRS control module
• A problem with one of the airbags itself
• A problem with the seatbelt pre-tensioners
• A problem with the clock spring
• It’s important to note that the SRS warning light could come on for various reasons, such as a loose or damaged wire, a malfunctioning sensor, a blown fuse, or a problem with the SRS module itself.

Suppose the SRS light on your Honda vehicle is on. In that case, it’s recommended that you take your vehicle to a Honda dealership or a professional mechanic with expertise in Honda cars as soon as possible. They can use specialized tools and equipment to diagnose and repair the problem, ensuring that the airbag system is operating properly and your vehicle is safe to drive.

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Possible Causes

List of possible problems that can trigger Honda airbag lights to come on.

• Passenger occupancy sensor.
• Disconnected or damaged wire harness.
• Faulty connectors.
• Blown airbag.
• Blow pre-tensioner.
• Dead battery.
• Clock Spring.
• The fault was stored in the SRS module after an accident.
• Defective clock spring.
• Low battery voltage.
• Unplugged connector.
• Damaged Wire harness.
• Damaged SRS/crash sensor.
• Defective airbag.

The SRS system comprises a control unit, multiple sensors, seat-belt buckles, tensioners, and airbags. Any of these components can fail. To find out why your Honda SRS light is on, read the SRS / Airbag module’s fault codes.

How to Read Codes and Reset Honda Airbag Light

You will need a Honda OBD-II scanner, such as the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner for Honda, to diagnose and reset SRS faults. Basic code readers cannot diagnose or reset the Honda SRS light.

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 the 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 must fix the issue before resetting the Honda SRS light with a scanner.

If faulty or broken SRS components are faulty, the faulty component(s) will need to be replaced. Do not install an airbag removed from a Honda due to a recall.

It is important to note that working on a vehicle’s SRS system should only be done by a trained and certified technician. Attempting to repair the system yourself can be dangerous and may cause further issues.

Recalls

Like many other vehicle manufacturers, Honda has issued several recalls related to airbags in their vehicles over the years. These recalls have been issued to address issues with the SRS systems identified as safety concerns. Some of the most common issues that have led to the Honda airbag recall include:

• Faulty airbag inflators: In 2013, Honda, along with several other manufacturers, recalled vehicles equipped with airbags manufactured by the company Takata. The airbags were found to have a defect that could cause the inflators to rupture during deployment, potentially causing injury or death.
• Faulty SRS control units: In 2017, Honda recalled certain vehicles due to a software issue that could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash.
• Faulty seatbelt pre-tensioners: In 2019, Honda and Acura recalled certain vehicles due to a defect in the seatbelt pre-tensioners that could cause the seatbelts not properly to restrain the occupants in a crash.
• Faulty clock spring: In 2020, Honda recalled certain vehicles due to a defect in the clock spring that could cause the airbags to not deploy in a crash.

It is important to note that recalls can affect many vehicles, and the manufacturer will typically notify owners of potentially affected vehicles. To check if your specific vehicle is affected by a recall, you can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website and enter your vehicle’s VIN.

If you find out your vehicle is affected by a recall, it is recommended that you contact your local Honda dealership to schedule the necessary repairs. The repairs will typically be done free of charge to the vehicle owner. Check if there is a recall related to the SRS for your particular Honda vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find the Troubleshooting Honda Airbag Light Problems | SRS guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Honda.

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