Troubleshooting Infiniti Airbag Light On
Is the airbag light on your Infiti staying on all the time? When the Infiniti airbag warning light comes on, it means that there is an issue with the airbag system and the airbags may not deploy in case of an accident. This article will discuss the common causes of why the Infiniti airbag light is on and how to diagnose & fix the problem.
What does the airbag / SRS light mean on an Infiniti?
The airbag/SRS light on an Infiniti vehicle is a warning indicator that there may be an issue with the airbag system. The airbag system consists of sensors, a control module, seat pelts, pre-tensioners, and actuators that work together to deploy the airbags in the event of a car accident. When the airbag/SRS light comes on, there’s a malfunction in the system, causing the airbags not to deploy when needed. The possible causes can be related to various issues, such as a faulty sensor, a malfunctioning control module, a wiring issue, etc.
Can You Drive Your Infiniti with Airbag Light On?
Driving your Infiniti with the airbag/SRS light on is not recommended even though the vehicle may start and drive ok. When the airbag/SRS light is on, there’s a fault or error in the airbag system, and the airbags may not function properly in the event of a collision. If the airbag system is not functioning properly, the airbags may fail or deploy improperly, resulting in serious injury or even death. We recommend addressing the issues with the airbag system immediately to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers while driving your vehicle.
Symptoms
The airbag light in an Infiniti vehicle can indicate several issues related to the airbag system. Here are some common symptoms associated with an illuminated airbag light in an Infiniti:
- Airbag light stays on: The most obvious symptom is that the airbag light remains illuminated on the dashboard. This means a problem with the airbag system needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
- Airbag light flashes: Sometimes, the light may flash in a particular pattern. This usually indicates a specific fault code, which can be read using specialized diagnostic equipment. Another reason why the airbag light may be flashing on the cluster is that the airbag module is missing or is not programmed.
- Beeping sound: In some Infiniti vehicles, the airbag light may be accompanied by a beeping sound. This can be a warning that there is a problem with the airbag system or that the seat belt is not properly fastened.
- Airbag system disabled warning: If the airbag light is illuminated, it may mean the system is disabled and will not deploy in the event of a collision. This can increase the risk of injury or death in an accident.
- Horn or Cruise Control not Working: Faulty Clock springs can cause the airbag light to come on and cause the steering wheel buttons, cruise control, and horn not to work.
- Airbags Won’t Deploy or Can Randomly Deploy: A malfunctioning airbag system can cause the airbags not to deploy when needed or can randomly deploy, which can be dangerous to the vehicle’s occupants.
Common Causes
While the airbag light on Infiniti vehicles can be triggered by a number of issues the two most common problems are a faulty clock spring and defective passenger occupancy sensors. To find out why your Infiniti airbag light stays on, use the YOUCANIC scanner to read the codes from the airbag control unit.
Lose or Corroded Wiring
The airbag system has many wires that connect the sensors, airbags, and the control module. Any fault in these wires can lead to a system failure, which is typically signaled by the activation of the airbag light. There could be various reasons behind the deterioration of these wires, such as exposure to excessive heat or frequent flexing that results in breakage, among other potential issues. Identifying and fixing damaged wiring can be difficult because the issues can be hard to locate. However, utilizing a scanner can simplify this process. For instance, the scanner can be used to identify the malfunctioning unit. Once the problematic unit is identified, its wires can be inspected to pinpoint and address the issue.
Blown Airbag
The airbag system is designed to protect the vehicle’s occupants in the event of a crash by deploying the airbags; if an airbag within the system is blown or has been deployed, it can cause the airbag light to illuminate. The airbags are for one-time use and should be replaced immediately. You can also use a scanner to find out what airbag has deployed and not been replaced. On replacing the airbags, we recommend getting your vehicle to a shop specializing in airbags or your vehicle’s dealer.
Deployed/Bad Seat Belt Pre-tensioner
The purpose of the seat belt pre-tensioner is to secure the seat belt more tightly in case of an accident, thereby preventing the occupant from colliding with the vehicle’s interior. If the seat belt pre-tensioner has either been activated or is not working properly, the airbag warning light might be triggered. The seat belt pre-tensioner is typically located within the belt buckle or near the anchor point of the seat belt. When a collision occurs, the sensors within the airbag system detect the impact and send a signal to the airbag control module. The Control Module then activates the seat belt pre-tensioner to tighten the seat belt and help protect the vehicle’s occupant.
If the Airbag / SRS Light is on and a deployed seat belt pre-tensioner is suspected, the pre-tensioner must be replaced. The replacement typically involves removing the old pre-tensioner and installing a new one.
Occupancy Passenger Sensor
The occupancy passenger sensor is designed to detect the weight of a passenger in the front passenger seat and signal the airbag control module to enable or disable the passenger airbag accordingly. If the sensor detects a child is seated in the front seat, the airbags won’t deploy in a car accident because airbags can also be dangerous to 13 y/o children and below. The occupancy passenger sensor is typically located within the passenger seat and uses a pressure sensor or strain gauge to detect the occupant’s weight. You can use a diagnostic scanner to run through the airbag system to diagnose a bad occupancy passenger sensor.
Weak or Dead Battery
The airbag system requires a constant source of power to function properly. If the battery voltage drops below 9.5 Volts due to a weak or dead battery, the airbag light may turn on and stay on until your clear the fault codes. The airbag / SRS Light may come on if the battery was recently replaced or disconnected and the key was turned on. If that is the case the airbag system needs a reset after a battery replacement or disconnection. You can use a diagnostic tool to clear the fault codes stored within the vehicle’s computer to reset the airbag system.
Faulty Clock Spring
The clock spring is a coiled wire located within the steering column. The clock spring allows electrical signals to be transmitted between the steering wheel and the rest of the vehicle’s electrical system without breaking when being turned. If the clock spring is malfunctioning, it can cause the Airbag / SRS Light to come on. In addition, other symptoms of a faulty clock spring may include a non-functional horn, audio controls, or other steering wheel-mounted controls. To diagnose a bad clock spring, safely remove the clock spring on the vehicle and use a multimeter on the connectors to check if there’s voltage circulating. Before removing the steering wheel airbag, We recommend disconnecting the negative terminal and pressing the horn a few times to drain the stored power that may cause the airbag to deploy when removing it.
Faulty Airbag Control Module
The airbag control module is responsible for receiving signals from the sensors (weight & crash) within the system and deploying the airbags when a car crash happens. If the Airbag Control Module is malfunctioning, it may not receive the signals it needs to deploy the airbags or may deploy them unexpectedly, causing the Airbag / SRS Light to come on. The srs module is typically in the passenger seat or the vehicle’s center console. If an accident happens and the airbags have been deployed, reset the airbag control module to set it to working conditions again. Resetting the airbag control module can only be effective on minor issues, so we recommend replacing the airbag control module if major issues occur.
Faulty/Defective Crash or Impact Sensors
The crash or impact sensors are the one that signals the airbag control module to deploy the airbags due to a collision/car crash. If one crash sensor is malfunctioning, the airbag light will illuminate. The sensors can break over time or be damaged accidentally due to replacing other components on the front end, causing the sensor to tear down due to repeatedly removing and installing. To diagnose a faulty sensor, use an airbag diagnostic scanner to point out what sensor is malfunctioning.
How to Reset Infiniti Airbag Light without a Scanner?
- Turn the ignition switch to the on position. (Do not start the engine)
- Wait for the airbag light to come on for 7 seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch to the off position and wait for 3 seconds.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 for 2/3 cycles.
- If the first procedure does not work, drive your vehicle for 10-15 minutes.
If the resetting procedure does not work, you will need an airbag scanner to read the fault codes, fix the issue the scanner addresses, and clear the codes using the scanner. The resetting procedure may work if the airbag light comes on due to replacing a dead battery, but if major issues occur on the system, you will need to fix the problem using a scanner.
How to Reset Infiniti Airbag / SRS Warning Light with a Scanner?
The airbag light on an Infiniti can come on for several reasons, including a malfunctioning control module, a faulty sensor, 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 outlined in the section below.
- 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
Can I Reset Airbag Light without a Scanner?
It is not recommended to reset the Infiniti airbag light without a scanner, as doing so may not address the underlying issue that caused the light to turn on in the first place. 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. Modern Infiniti vehicles have advanced electronic systems, including the airbag system, that require specialized diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair issues properly. Without a scanner, you may not be able to accurately diagnose the issue or determine if there are any other issues with the airbag system.
Can I reset Airbag Light by Disconnecting Battery?
No. It’s important to note that this may not work in all situations and may not be a permanent solution if the underlying issue causing the light to turn on is not addressed. Disconnecting the battery may temporarily turn off the airbag light in an Infiniti vehicle, but it is not a reliable or recommended method for resetting the airbag system.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Infiniti Airbag / SRS Light?
The cost to fix an Infiniti Airbag / SRS Light will depend on the underlying cause of the issue.
Faulty or defective sensors: The cost to replace a faulty sensor within the airbag system can range from $100 to $500 or more.
Faulty clock spring: Replacing a faulty clock spring can range from $300 to $1,000.
Blown airbag: The cost to replace a blown airbag can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Faulty Airbag Control Module: The cost to replace a faulty Airbag Control Module can range from $500 to $1,500.
Faulty occupancy passenger sensor: The cost to replace a faulty occupancy passenger sensor can range from $200 to $500.
Prices may vary depending on the labor, parts, and car model.
What is the Importance of the Airbag Light?
The Airbag Light in a vehicle is an important safety feature designed to alert the driver to any issues with the airbag system. When the Airbag Light comes on, it indicates a problem with the system that could potentially prevent the airbags from deploying or cause them to deploy unexpectedly. The airbag system protects the vehicle’s occupants during a collision or impact.
What Does Flashing Airbag Light Means?
A flashing Airbag Light in a vehicle typically indicates a more severe issue with the airbag system than a steady, illuminated light. When the Airbag Light flashes, it indicates a fault within the system that requires immediate attention.
The flashing Airbag Light may be accompanied by a series of beeps or flashes, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. These codes can provide additional information about the specific issue with the airbag system.
Does Replacing Infiniti Clock Spring Triggers Airbag SRS Light?
Replacing the clock spring in an Infiniti vehicle can potentially trigger the Airbag / SRS Light to come on, but it depends on how the replacement is performed. When the clock spring is replaced, it is important to ensure that it is installed correctly and that all connections are secure. If there is an issue with the installation, it can potentially trigger the Airbag / SRS Light to come on. Do not turn on the ignition if the airbag is disconnected or you will trigger the airbag light.
Does Replacing the Front Seat Can Affect the Airbag Light?
Yes, in some car models, especially more modern ones, the car seat has an integral part of the airbag system, often in the form of a sensor, that needs to be correctly installed and connected. When you replace a car seat, these sensors might get disconnected, misaligned, or damaged, triggering the airbag warning light on your dashboard.
Fault Codes
Here are some of the most common fault codes that may be associated with the airbag / SRS Light in an Infiniti vehicle:
- B1031 – Passenger airbag off indicator circuit
- B1032 – Passenger airbag on indicator circuit
- B1033 – Passenger airbag module resistance high
- B1034 – Passenger airbag module resistance low
- B1049 – Driver airbag module resistance high
- B1050 – Driver airbag module resistance low
- B1053 – Driver airbag module open circuit
- B1054 – Driver airbag module short to ground
- B1055 – Driver airbag module short to battery
- B1057 – Passenger airbag module open circuit
- B1058 – Passenger airbag module short to ground
- B1059 – Passenger airbag module short to battery
Applicable Models
- Infiniti Q50
- Infiniti Q60
- Infiniti Q70
- Infiniti QX50
- Infiniti QX60
- Infiniti QX70
- Infiniti QX80
Depending on the specific model and year, these models may have different airbag / SRS system configurations.
