The airbag system, formally called the Supplemental Restraint System or SRS, cushions occupants during a serious crash. Crash sensors detect a sudden deceleration, and the control module fires the airbags in a fraction of a second. The airbags work together with your seatbelts, which is why they are called supplemental.
Animated: how a Airbag / SRS System actually works
🔧 How It Works, Step by Step
1
Detect the crash
Impact and acceleration sensors around the vehicle sense a sudden, severe deceleration that signals a collision.
2
Decide to deploy
The SRS control module analyzes the crash severity and direction in milliseconds to decide which airbags to fire.
3
Ignite the inflator
The module sends current to an igniter that starts a rapid chemical reaction, generating gas that inflates the bag.
4
Cushion and deflate
The airbag inflates in front of the occupant, absorbs the impact, and immediately deflates through vents to let you move.
🧩 The Key Parts
Crash sensors
Detect the sudden deceleration and impact direction of a collision.
SRS control module
The computer that decides whether and which airbags to deploy and stores crash data.
Inflator and airbag
The gas generator and fabric bag that inflate to cushion the occupant.
Clock spring
Maintains the electrical connection to the steering wheel airbag as the wheel turns.
📋 Free OBD2 Code Cheat Sheet
The 50 most common check engine codes with likely cause and DIY fix cost. Sent once.
🩺 Signs of a Failing Airbag / SRS System
Airbag or SRS warning light on
Airbag light flashing a fault pattern
Seatbelt warning malfunction
Passenger airbag off light stuck
Fault after a seat or wiring repair
Horn or wheel controls also failing
⚠️ Common Problems
Faulty clock spring
The coiled ribbon behind the steering wheel wears out and breaks the airbag circuit, lighting the SRS warning.
Corroded or unplugged connector
The yellow connectors under the seats can loosen or corrode, setting an airbag code.
Failed sensor or module
A bad crash sensor or a module that logged a prior crash keeps the warning light on until it is diagnosed and reset.
💰 Cost to Fix
$150-$1500typical range to repair or replace, parts and labor
❓ FAQ
Is it safe to drive with the airbag light on?
You can drive, but the airbags may not deploy in a crash, so it is important to have the fault diagnosed quickly.
Why is my airbag light on after moving a seat?
The connectors under the seat can come loose during service, breaking the circuit and triggering the light.
What does an SRS code like B0001 mean?
B codes in the B0000 range point to specific airbag circuits and deployment loops that the module found faulty.