There is a great deal of respect when it comes to high-quality European vehicles like Volkswagen. Volkswagen makes some of the most iconic cars in the world, including the Beetle and Golf. These are designed with safety in mind for the driver and passenger, and this includes the airbags.

The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS), also known as an airbag, is designed as a single-use safety measure. When a crash occurs, this is activated. Due to its design and deployment method, this device cannot be physically maintained or visually checked by drivers. Every time your car or SUV is started, the SRS system is designed to “self-diagnose” to ensure that it is working properly.

When you start the car, your vehicle’s integrated computer safety systems will illuminate several dashboard lights for a few seconds. The lights will turn off if no faults are detected. Depending on your VW’s age and type, it will be easier to identify the light indicating the airbag’s status. For example, some cars display the letters “SRS” instead of an image of an airbag deploying for a seat belted passenger. You should immediately bring your VW to our experts if your airbag light remains on after all other lights have gone out. It will remain illuminated if the diagnostics return an error, meaning your airbag is not functioning properly and may not deploy if you were to get into a collision.

What causes the airbag to malfunction?

When the airbag light illuminates and stays on, there are several possible causes:

• There is a possibility that a small impact has triggered the airbag but it did not deploy. This must be reset at a VW garage.
• Moisture may have damaged your system if there is a leak or a hole in any line.
• The sensors themselves may have failed.
• Debris may also have become lodged in the seat belt buckle switch, which can trigger a warning that the system is not intact.

Malfunctioning Seat Belt Switch Sensor

The airbag malfunction light can illuminate when interference in the seat belt switch sensor occurs, resulting in a false reading. For example, the debris stuck in the buckle of the seat belt may trigger the seat belt switch sensor. However, there could be anything in the way of the mechanism blocking it, from a paperclip to a penny.

You should contact a qualified technician to address the mechanical obstructions. You may end up with additional damage to your seat belt switch sensor if you fail to repair it. Ensure that your seat belts are fully functional and your safety systems are not compromised.

Impact Damage

Have you run into a deep pothole or hit a curb? Vehicle crash sensors may activate during a minor collision without deploying the airbags. You may not even notice that this kind of damage has occurred. Your VW’s crash sensors can be triggered even by a small impact.

One of our certified technicians will address your car’s crash sensors, and we will reprogram the airbags. As a result, your airbags will operate as intended and deploy in the event of a collision, protecting you and your family.

Corrosion of Internal Computer Components

If your VW has been in flood, moisture might be trapped in the system. Sometimes, you don’t necessarily have to drive through high water levels for this to happen. Conditions like heavy rains, high humidity, and leaks can cause this type of corrosion.

It is also possible for an illuminated airbag light to be caused by corrosion on your vehicle’s internal computer. Corrosion or moisture can cause your VW’s internal computer to malfunction and generate false readings. Several causes of corrosion may be responsible for this, including water damage.

Masters European & Japanese Auto Repair: Your VW’s Safety is Our Top Priority

It is important to always ensure your safety when operating your VW, and your airbag system is one of the best ways to keep you and your passengers safe. Our certified mechanics can diagnose the airbag light illuminated on your dashboard so you can feel comfortable counting on your VW in the future. Visit our shop if you are near Corte Madera, Larkspur, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Mill Valley, CA. We look forward to earning your business.