Auto Airbag System Repair: airbag light, hyundai santa fe, quality body shop

Question
I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa fe which just a couple days ago, the airbag light on the dash comes on and stays on.  I ran a scanner and it doesn't come back with any codes. Do you have any idea how I can begin to troubleshoot this?  I would appreciate any help you can give me. I took it to the dealer today and they wanted $100 just to troubleshoot which I don't have the money to do that.  Thanks for any help you could give me.
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve:
Sorry about your troubles.

Sadly, Hyundai & Kia require very specific scan tools and equipment to service the airbag system.  Regular scan tools a(like the ones at Auto Zone) will not communicate with that separate system.  Check with a higher quality body shop (by phone) to see if they have the equipment to read the SRS systems or if there is a mobile airbag technician in your area.  Those are the only recommendations I can give you to scan for faults.

On the other hand, the most common issue with Hyundai vehicles is a fault in the passenger seat sensing system.  Check under the passenger seat to make sure no cans or shoes have disturbed or wedged the lower seat cushion or the wiring going to it.  With the engine off and the keys in your pocket, reboot the connectors under that passenger seat to ensure a good connection.  Aside from that, you will need to bite the bullet to have the system scanned and determine the cause of the fault.

As long as the light is illuminated, you have no protection for any of the front, side or curtain airbags, nor will any seat belt pretensioners deploy.

Good luck
Doug
www.airbagsolutions.com