Hyundai Repair: air bag light, hyundai elantra, independent shops

Question
I drive a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The air bag sensor light came on out of the blue.  I've had no mishaps with this car.  Is there something I can do to find and fix the problem myself or do I have to have the dealership investigate?

Answer
Unfortunately, no, you cannot determine the nature of the trouble without reading the diagnostic trouble codes stored.  

The dealer will be able to do this for you.  I don't know whether any independent shops have access to the software and tools necessary for them to have the capability of reading air bag trouble codes.  If your relationship with your local dealer is good, I'd recommend taking it there.  If not, you may want to call a few highly regarded independent shops to see if they can diagnose your air bag system.

Most importantly, your air bag system will be disabled while this lamp is on, so it's important to have the system repaired in a timely manner.