QuestionHi, I have 2 vehicles - 05 Kia Sedona and 04 kia Optima. Both about 75k miles.
Both vehicles recently had their airbag lights go on. Brought each to different shops and both had the same problem - some kind of an electrical short triggered the light. All they had to do was clear the code and it was fine.
Both mechanics said the lights might came back on, and that they were notorious for this if a wire under the seat became pulled or pushed.
Here is my question - if the light comes back on, can I clear the code, or do I need some special tools for this? Seems like a waste of money to bring to the shop to just reset the code. Thanks! Scott
AnswerHi Scott:
On most vehicles, the airbag light should come on for @6 seconds, and then go off if the system is working properly. If there is a fault or a problem in the system, the light will remain illuminated, or flash continuously. If the airbag light does not work properly, some vehicles have an audible tone that sounds indicating a problem with the airbag light system. When the light is on (or the tone is sounding), the airbag will NOT deploy, even in an accident. My company website gives you the procedure for diagnosing and resetting airbag lights on the ...scanlist.aspx page listed below.
The flashing light on your car is telling there is a problem. On some vehicles, the light is flashing a two digit code. Your vehicle will require a scan tool for the proper diagnosis and to reset the system. Our site that will explain everything you need to know about airbag lights and resetting the system. Once you know the code, you can most likely repair it yourself. There are fairly easy procedures that most people are capable of repairing.
Airbagsolutions.com has the fault code charts to tell you what is wrong! Although it’s a pay site ($14.95/day), it’s a lot cheaper than going to the dealer. You don't have to buy anything to learn about your car and the light, only to get the fault codes.
Some vehicle manufacturers accommodate systems without a scanner (like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, Honda, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda & Mercury) . Most all other vehicles require a scan tool for the diagnosis. Here is a link to the list of vehicle and scanner requirements.
Check out these other pages also for more info on airbag systems and the light.
Lastly, check your vehicle for recalls through the last link.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/scanlist.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/light.aspx
http://blog.airbagsolutions.com/archive/2007/11/18/why-is-my-airbag-light-on.wha...
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/nhtsa.aspx
