Hey Volkswagen rider, your dynamic reckless driving skills make you a real car enthusiast. Despite your excitement, one of the utmost aspects is your safety. Airbags are the inflatable cushions that thrust out inside your car during accidents, soften the shock, and safeguard you and your passengers from colliding with your Volkswagen interior.
As airbags play a very significant role in your safety, you must be worried to see your Volkswagen airbag failure light on. Isn’t it? Well, dashboard warning lights are triggered to alert you that something is not right in your car. Similarly, if your Volkswagen airbag warning light turns on automatically without any crashes, the entire airbag system may not function properly to protect you in case of any unforeseen collisions.
So, what should you do if a bright orange airbag failure light appears on your Volkswagen dashboard? Will you ignore the airbag malfunction light or take steps to fix the defect? Avoiding the warning light means embracing the trouble. So, let’s discover why the airbag warning light illuminates.
Common causes for the VW airbag malfunction light include
- Loosely connected, disconnected, or worn-out electrical wires attaching the airbag components altogether can be a reason for this failing airbag light on.
- Failing or glitching the airbag control module can be a prime suspect of the airbag warning light because it is the brain of the airbag system.
- Weak or dead battery, attaching or detaching the battery terminals causes flickering dashboard warning lights including airbag warning lights.
- Malfunctioning sensors are the primary reason that illuminates the airbag warning light because sensors are the components that detect the crash and send signals to the airbag system to operate accordingly.
- Modern Volkswagen models have a sensor in the seat belt latch. If the sensor fails, the airbag malfunction light illuminates.
- A faulty clock spring may illuminate the airbag malfunction light because it resides in the steering wheel and thrusts out the inflated airbag even when the steering wheel turns.
- If the airbags have already popped out in the previous accident, the airbag warning will be illuminating unless you reset it by a certified technician.
What to do when the light is on
- Inspect other warning lights: It’s a very alarming situation to see an airbag warning light as it is related to your safety. So, first, check whether the other warning lights are flickering. If yes, it’s a huge electrical issue and needs to be fixed at the workshop as early as possible.
- Test seat belts: Next, check the seat belts are properly clicked at the right place because sometimes loose seat belts can also make the airbag warning light appear.
- Reboot your car: You can try turning your Volkswagen off, then again turn it on but wait for a few minutes before restarting it. Sometimes due to technical glitches the different warning lights used to appear. Restarting your car fixes this one-time issue immediately, but if the airbag failing light is still on you need to visit the workshop to get professional assistance.
- Get a mechanic: The technicians will troubleshoot the issue by plugging in the proper equipment to read error codes stored in your Volkswagen computer along with the visual inspection. They will also test the electrical wiring, sensors, and connectors to find tear and wear.
How to fix it
- If the seat belt sensor, crash sensor, or any other sensor of the airbag system is bad, the technician will replace it immediately.
- Worn-out electrical wire or loose connection can be repaired, but if the wiring is completely damaged, the professionals would replace the entire electrical wiring.
- If the airbag control module is problematic, the technician would either reprogram it or replace it. This may be a bit expensive.
- If the mechanic finds an issue in the battery of the car, they would either recharge the weak battery or replace the dead battery.
- In the end, the professional must reset the airbag and examine its functionality.
Quick and reliable diagnosis for your Volkswagen airbag failing light by our experts
Don’t let an airbag warning light hamper your safety when we are here at Master Mechanics Auto Repair in Kalamazoo, MI, to fix all the issues in your Volkswagen. Our highly qualified technicians have great mechanical skills, especially in Volkswagen repairs and replacements. We provide top-tier service with cutting-edge diagnostic equipment for better restoration of vehicles. We are well known for our quick, efficient, and excellent results, not only for the airbags but also for various auto parts. Since your satisfaction is our only aim, we use top-quality auto parts supported by your Volkswagen model for replacements. You can also experience our services at Battle Creek and Portage, MI. So, no more delay book your appointment with us today, have a cup of coffee, and relax.