Are you worried about the Airbag Light on your Chrysler dashboard? Today, we’re going to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem. This article will discuss what it means, the common causes & symptoms, and how to diagnose and fix the problem.
What does the Airbag light mean on a Chrysler?
An illuminated Airbag Light or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Light warns the driver that the system is malfunctioning. This can prevent the airbags from deploying when occurring in a collision, or they can also deploy by themselves without any reason.
The airbag warning light can be caused by a faulty clock spring, damaged/worn wiring, a blown airbag that has not been replaced, a malfunctioning airbag control module, and many more, which will be discussed below.
Can you drive a Chrysler with the airbag light on?
While your Chrysler may still run and seem to be in good condition, we do not recommend ignoring this airbag light or driving with the airbag light on. Airbags are a safety feature on your vehicle that prevents occupants from serious injuries in the event of a car crash or accident. So, fixing the problem immediately before driving the vehicle again is better.
Symptoms
- Service Airbag System: A warning message on the instrument cluster may inform the driver that the system needs to be repaired.
- Airbag Light Illuminates on Dashboard: Airbag Warning Light comes off when the control module detects a malfunction in the system.
- Airbag Won’t Deploy: If the airbag warning light is on, it shows a malfunction in the system, which can prevent the airbags from deploying in a car crash/collision.
- Horn Not Working: Some of the Chrysler models have features where if the airbag light is on, it can also affect the horn. Typically this is due to a faulty clock spring in the steering column.
- Horn/Cruise Control not Working: A faulty clock spring can trigger the airbag light to come on and also affect the horn and cruise control to not work.
Common Causes
The airbag light on a Chrysler vehicle may come on for many reasons, with the two most common problems being a faulty clock spring or a weak or dead battery. We recommend reading the codes from the SRS module to determine what is causing your Chrysler airbag light to stay on. Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues:
Faulty Clock Spring
The clock spring is on the vehicle’s steering system, which maintains the electrical connection between the steering wheel and the airbag, horn, and other electrical components. It is a coiled wire around the inner housing of the clock spring, and as the steering wheel is turned, the clock spring uncoils and recoils, allowing the wires to stretch and contract without breaking.
The clock spring can wear out or become damaged sometime, leading to issues with the steering column’s airbag or other electrical components. One of the most common symptoms of a faulty clock spring is the airbag light coming on or the horn and cruise control not working.
Occupancy Passenger Sensor
The Passenger Occupancy Sensor is the one that detects the weight of the person sitting in the passenger seat. This sensor sends information to the airbag control module whether an adult/child is sitting in the passenger seat. Then if the control module reads that a child is seated, it will disable the airbags to deploy in the event of a car crash. Airbags are dangerous and can cause serious injuries when deployed on a child, commonly 13 y/o below. To diagnose this problem, you will need a scanner to read and erase the fault code when you finish replacing the sensor. Ensure that the sensor is the problem and not some torn or worn wirings.
Weak or Dead Battery
A weak or dead battery can also be one of the causes of why the warning lights, including the airbag light, illuminate. This is because control modules need a certain voltage to run efficiently. So if you’re having issues starting your vehicle and warning lights starts illuminating, you might want to check the battery using a multimeter to make sure that the battery is the issue.
Blown Airbag
A blown airbag can cause the airbag/srs light to illuminate because airbags are one-time use and need to be replaced as soon as possible; so if the vehicle has been in a previous car accident, it is simply because the airbag has deployed. Also, if one of the airbags is not working/malfunctioning, it will cause the airbag light to illuminate.
You will need a scanner to know what airbag needs to be replaced. Ensure that the scanner you use can run through the airbag system. We recommend the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner that can run through every vehicle’s control module.
Bad Seat Belt Pre-tensioner
The seat belt pre-tensioner tightens the seat belts when a collision/car accident occurs; this reduces the driver and passenger’s distance from the dashboard or airbag. If the seat belt pre-tensioner has malfunctioned, it can cause the airbag/srs light to come on because it is connected to the airbag/srs system. To ensure that the seat belt pre-tensioner is the one causing the airbag light to illuminate, use an airbag scanner to read the fault codes.
Faulty Airbag Control Module
The Airbag Control Module is a unit that monitors the airbag system; it is responsible for deploying the airbags. Once the airbag system malfunctions, the airbag light will turn on. If an airbag deployment happens, you can reset the control module or buy a new one. Bring the airbag control module to a mechanic shop specializing in resetting airbag modules to ensure your airbag module will be as good as new again.
Faulty/Defective Crash Sensor
The crash sensor is the one that detects if there’s an impact/collision; it sends a signal to the airbag control module to deploy the airbags in the event of a car crash. When this sensor malfunctions, it triggers the airbag light to illuminate. This should be replaced immediately because it can cause the airbag to deploy randomly, even if there’s no collision detected.
Lose, Corroded, or Torn Wiring
The airbag/SRS system consists of a lot of wiring. Over time, wirings/connectors wear and tear, and with that, it will trigger the airbag light to come on. So if you scanned your vehicle and the scanner points to one of the airbag sensors, but you notice that the sensor is good, you might want to check on the wirings. A few of the most common reasons the airbag warning light turns on are issues with the wirings on the occupancy passenger sensor and airbag control module. Troubleshooting bad wiring is difficult, so always double-check to ensure you’re fixing the right wiring. Also, do not test airbags or wires with a multimeter, as this can trigger the airbags.
An example of an issue often being fixed is the side airbag wiring on the driver’s seat, which usually comes out with a fault code saying, “left side thorax squib 1 circuit open”. This wiring was torn due to the seat reclining, where the wires get squeezed and eventually torn.
How to Reset Chrysler Airbag / SRS Warning Light?
The airbag light on a Chrysler can come on for several reasons, including a faulty sensor, a faulty airbag control module, a bad clock spring, a weak/dead battery, etc. To find out, you need to read the codes with a scanner that can read the airbag module, such as YOUCANIC full system scanner. Then fix the underlying issue and clear the codes.
- Locate the OBD-II port under the dashboard and plug in your adapter.
- Power on the Youcanic scanner: Press the power button until the device turns on.
- Go to the ‘Diagnose’ option: On the scanner’s main menu, select the ‘Diagnose’ option.
- Select the Vehicle Make: You will see a list of vehicle makes. Scroll through the list until you find your vehicle’s make, then select it.
- Select ‘Control Units’: The next screen will display different options after selecting the make.
- Find and select the ‘Control Units’ option.
- Select ‘Airbag/SRS Control Unit’: The next screen will show a list of various control units.
- Scroll down until you select the ‘Airbag/SRS Control Unit’.
- Read or Clear codes: Here, you can ‘Read codes’ or ‘Clear codes.’ To read the airbag codes, select ‘Read codes.’ The scanner will then display any stored airbag codes.
- To clear the airbag codes, select ‘Clear codes.’ Follow any prompts that appear to clear the codes. Please note only clear codes after the problem has been fixed. Clearing the codes without fixing the problem may cause the codes to reappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disconnecting the battery reset the airbag light?
No. Disconnecting the battery may temporarily turn off the airbag light, but it is not a long-term solution. Also, by doing this procedure, it can reset the saved vehicle settings.
Will an airbag / SRS light clear itself?
No. You need a full system scanner, such as the YOUCANIC full system scanner, to clear the fault codes.
How long does it take to reset the airbag / SRS module?
Resetting the Airbag/SRS module takes a few minutes, depending on the scan tool.
How much does it cost to fix Chrysler Airbag / SRS warning light?
Depending on the Airbag/SRS system issue, the cost of fixing the airbag warning light can range from a hundred to a thousand dollars.
What is the Best Scanner to Use in Diagnosing Airbag Lights?
If you’re experiencing problems with your Chrysler, a YOUCANIC full-system diagnostic scanner can help you troubleshoot the issues. This advanced diagnostic tool can read and interpret the fault codes stored in your car’s computer system, providing detailed information about any problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, or other critical systems.
The YOUCANIC scanner can also perform diagnostic tests on various systems, including the ABS, airbag, and steering systems, to help pinpoint the root cause of any issues. With this information, you can make more informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money on costly repairs.
Does replacing the seat can cause the Airbag light to illuminate?
Yes, if the seat has, a weight sensor or the new seat differs from the old one.
Why Does my Airbag Light come on when I make Right Hand Turns?
One possible cause is a defective OCS or Occupant Classification System. This sensor detects the weight of the person sitting in the passenger seat, which tells the airbag system whether to deploy or not to deploy the airbag in an event of a car crash. When making right-hand turns, the weight distribution in the vehicle can shift, which can cause the OCS sensor to malfunction or send incorrect signals to the vehicle’s onboard computer.
Fault Codes
Here is a list of fault codes that may be present when you scan a Chrysler airbag module.
- B1B02 – Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Low
- B1B06 – Driver Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Low
- B1B07 – Driver Airbag Squib 3 Circuit Low
- B1B08 – Driver Airbag Squib 4 Circuit Low
- B1B11 – Passenger Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Low
- B1B15 – Passenger Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Low
- B1B17 – Passenger Airbag Squib 3 Circuit Low
- B1B19 – Passenger Airbag Squib 4 Circuit Low
This is a partial list. Many other codes can appear when the airbag/SRS light is on, and codes will depend on what issue is present.
Applicable Models
- Chrysler 200
- Chrysler 300
- Chrysler Aspen
- Chrysler Crossfire
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
- Chrysler Sebring
- Chrysler Town and Country
- Chrysler Voyager
- Chrysler Ypsilon
Author
Questions?
Have questions about your car? Get assistance in our newly launched forum section. We’re here to provide support!