Dodge Airbag Light – Common Causes, Troubleshooting, & How to Fix
Are you having trouble with the airbag light illuminating your Dodge’s dashboard? Worry not; we’ll help you fix the problem. This article will discuss the meaning of airbag light, their common causes & symptoms, and how to diagnose & fix the issue. We recommend that the airbag warning light should be addressed immediately to prevent occupants from serious injuries when involved in an accident.
What does the airbag / SRS light mean on a Dodge?
The Airbag System, also known as Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), is a safety feature on a Dodge vehicle that protects occupants in the event of an accident. The airbag light alarms the driver that there’s a malfunction in the system, which causes the airbags not to deploy when needed or sometimes can deploy randomly. Airbag light may come on due to a faulty airbag control module, defective airbags, worn or torn wiring, defective crash sensor, & a few more which will be discussed in detail below.
Can You Drive Your Dodge with Airbag Light On?
While an airbag light may not affect the running condition of your Dodge, driving it is unsafe and not recommended. Driving with a malfunctioning airbag/srs system may cause the airbags to not deploy in the event of a collision or random deployment of airbags which can be dangerous to the occupants. This should be fixed as soon as possible.
Symptoms
- Airbag Light Stays On: This means there’s an airbag system malfunction.
- 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.
- Airbags May Deploy Randomly: Random airbag deployment may occur once the airbag system malfunctions.
- Airbags Won’t Deploy: if there’s a problem with the system, it will prevent the airbags from deploying in case of a car crash/collision.
- Service Airbag System: It indicates that the system needs to be repaired.
Common Causes
Blown Airbag
Airbags are used once and should be replaced after blown or deployed. So if the blown airbag has not been replaced, it will cause the airbag light to come on. Reading fault codes can ensure that an airbag has been deployed, not a faulty clockspring, sensor, or control module causing the warning light to illuminate. Choosing the right scanner for diagnosing your vehicle can be difficult because some scanners cannot run through the airbag system of a Dodge vehicle. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner is a great scanner that can read and clear fault codes on every control module of your vehicle.
Faulty Airbag Control Module
The Airbag Control Module is a major component of the Dodge airbag system. Once the airbag control module fails, the system wouldn’t work, causing the warning light to come on. The ACM monitors the airbags and sensors of the system. So if the vehicle’s airbags have deployed due to a car accident, you should reset the control module to reestablish working conditions. Minor issues can be fixed by resetting, but if serious issues occur, it is better to replace the module. You must read codes using an airbag scanner to diagnose a faulty control module. One Possible issue/problem is why the airbag control module fails because of water damage.
Weak or Dead Battery
A weak or dead battery can trigger dashboard warning lights (including the airbag light) on your Dodge. The ACM requires a consistent and stable power supply to function correctly, and a weak battery may not provide enough power to operate the ACM properly. So if you’re having trouble starting your car and the dashboard displays a lot of warning lights, one possible cause is that you have a weak battery. One possible solution is jump-starting your battery, but you’ll need to replace it if it is completely dead.
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Faulty Clock Spring
A clock spring is a vehicle’s steering system component responsible for maintaining an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the airbag, horn, and other electrical components. A coiled wire inside the clock spring’s housing keeps the other components intact, preventing the wires from breaking down when being turned. Over time, clock springs break down due to wear and tear. Possible causes of a malfunctioning clock spring can turn the airbag light on and the horn & cruise control not working. If replacing your clock spring, you must first remove the airbag and steering wheel. Always remember to disconnect the negative terminal first and press on the horn a few times to drain the stored electricity on the steering system, which will prevent the airbag from deploying when removing it.
Lose, Corroded or Damaged Wiring
Over time, wirings/connectors on the airbag system can wear out and cause the airbag light to come on. Possible causes why wires break are due to heat, age, rodent damage, and getting bent all the time. A few of the most common reasons the airbag light turns on are issues with the wirings on the occupancy passenger sensor and airbag control module (ACM). Troubleshooting bad wiring is difficult, so always double-check to ensure you’re fixing the right wiring. The wiring may need to be repaired or replaced to ensure the proper functioning of the SRS system and other critical electrical components in the vehicle. We need to use a diagnostic tool (airbag scanner) to read the fault codes stored in the ACM and identify the location of the problem.
Defective Seat Belt Pre-tensioner
The seat-belt pre-tensioner is designed to work with the airbags to provide maximum protection to the vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. It tightens the seat belts when it detects a collision to reduce distance toward the vehicle’s interior. So 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.
Occupancy Passenger Sensor
A faulty Occupancy Passenger Sensor can be one of the causes why the airbag warning light comes on because it is a sensor connected to the airbag system. It detects the weight of the occupant sitting on the passenger seat. Once it detects the weight, it can either tell that an adult or a child is present, which will send a signal to the Airbag Control Module to enable & disable the airbag from deploying in an event of a car crash. The airbags will be disabled if a child is seated in the passenger seat because airbags are dangerous and can injure a child.
Faulty/Defective Crash or Impact Sensor
The Crash Sensors on a Dodge can wear out over time or be accidentally damaged due to replacing other components on the vehicle’s front end. So if the Airbag Control Module detects a malfunction on one of the crash sensors in the system, it will turn on the airbag warning light. Sensors are not difficult to diagnose when you have a scanner that can run through airbag systems. Always check if the sensor is the problem and not its wirings.
How to Reset an Airbag Light w/o a Scanner?
- Turn the ignition switch to the on position. (Do not start the vehicle)
- The airbag should turn on and off for a while; Return the ignition switch to the off position when the airbag light comes off.
- Repeat steps 1-2 for two times.
- Start the engine; the airbag light should turn on for a few seconds, then will shut off.
If this does not work, you must read the fault codes, fix the issue, and clear the code. Resetting the airbag light without a scanner can be a solution. Still, it may illuminate in the future because if the airbag light illuminates, there’s a system malfunction, which should be fixed immediately.
How to Reset Dodge Airbag / SRS Warning Light with a Scanner?
The airbag light on a Dodge can come on for several reasons, including a bad clock spring, a faulty sensor (crash/weight sensor), a faulty airbag control module, 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 outlined in the section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Should I Send the Airbag Module for Reset or Buy a Used One?
Sending your airbag module for the reset to a specialized repair shop can often be less expensive than purchasing a new or used module. Resetting the airbag module can be applied if the issue is minor, while major issues cannot be fixed by resetting the airbag control module. So to fix an ACM major issue, you need to buy a new one that applies to your Dodge vehicle.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Dodge Airbag/SRS Light?
It depends on the underlying issue; fixing a minor issue will cost a few hundred dollars, while fixing major issues can cost around a thousand dollars. Also, if you’ll let someone fix the airbag light, place your vehicle in a trusted shop and the one who specializes in airbag lights.
Does Disconnecting Battery Terminals Reset the Airbag Light?
No. Disconnecting the battery may temporarily turn off the airbag light, but it is not a long-term solution. Also, it can cause electrical issues on your vehicle and may reset other settings saved in your vehicle.
Can I Reset Airbag Light without a Scanner?
No, you will need a scanner to reset the airbag light. You can use the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner to read and clear codes; this scanner can run through every control module of your vehicle, including the Airbag or SRS Control Module.
Does Replacing the Clock Spring Triggers Airbag SRS Light?
Yes. Because when replacing a clock spring, it should be in the accurate position, and its connectors should be connected properly. Clock Springs are sensitive and, if installed incorrectly, will cause the airbag light to come on.
What is the Best Scanner to Use in Diagnosing Airbag Lights?
If you’re experiencing problems with your Dodge, 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 Dodge Interior Can Trigger Airbag Warning Light?
Depending if the seat you’re replacing is incompatible with your vehicle, especially if the connectors on the new seat differ from the old seat. If you’re replacing the seat with a different model, you need some modifications.
Fault Codes
- Code B1B02: Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Low
- Code B1B03: Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit High
- Code B1B06: Driver Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Low
- Code B1B07: Driver Airbag Squib 2 Circuit High
- Code B1B10: Passenger Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Low
- Code B1B11: Passenger Airbag Squib 1 Circuit High
- Code B1B12: Passenger Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Low
- Code B1B13: Passenger Airbag Squib 2 Circuit High
- Code B1C2D: Occupant Classification Module Internal
- Code B1C2E: Occupant Classification Module Over Temperature
- Code B1C2F: Occupant Classification Module Under Temperature
Applicable Models
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Dodge Journey
