Airbag or SRS warning light on? See common seat, pretensioner, sensor and wiring causes, what it can mean for occupant protection and the MOT.
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An airbag or SRS warning means the restraint-control system has detected a fault. The car may drive normally, but one or more airbags or seat-belt pretensioners may not operate as intended in a collision.
Some restraint wiring and connectors run beneath the front seats. Movement, previous repairs or damaged wiring can disturb a circuit, although the exact cause should be confirmed with an SRS-capable diagnostic tool rather than by repeatedly unplugging connectors.
Clearing a fault code without repairing the cause is not a reliable fix. Airbag circuits also contain pyrotechnic devices, so probing connectors or applying power incorrectly can be dangerous. Diagnosis should follow manufacturer procedures.
A restraint-system malfunction indicator showing a fault can result in an MOT failure where the system is within the scope of the test. The warning should therefore be diagnosed rather than hidden or ignored.
An SRS scan can identify the affected circuit. The technician can then inspect wiring, connectors, seat-belt pretensioners, occupancy sensors, clock spring and other components according to the specific fault code.
Photograph the dashboard and AutoAid can help identify the symbol, ask follow-up questions and explain likely next steps.
Photograph the warning lightThe Highway Code advises drivers to understand dashboard warnings and not ignore signs that may indicate a serious developing fault. Your vehicle handbook remains the definitive source for the exact symbol and manufacturer-specific procedure.
AutoAid provides AI-assisted guidance only and never a guarantee. All faults, urgency ratings and prices are estimates — a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic may still be required.