If you see a light on your dashboard that says SRS, it may be causing some concern. The SRS light usually indicates that there is a problem with one or more of the airbags in your vehicle.
It may also mean that a sensor has failed or that there is no power going to these sensors. Your car’s airbag system is designed to protect you in the event of an accident, but if something goes wrong with this system, it could put your safety at risk.
This article helps you learn more about what SRS is and what the SRS warning light means so you know what steps you should take when your SRS light is malfunctioning.
The SRS includes airbags, sensors, and any other device fitted to your vehicle that operates automatically during a collision.
The SRS is designed to detect high-speed impact and deploy the airbags during a crash to keep you and your passengers safe and prevent injuries.
What Does SRS Mean In A Car?
“SRS stands for supplemental restraint system, which relates to your vehicle’s airbags”. If the SRS light illuminates while you are driving, it signals there’s an issue with the car’s airbag system.
It also means that the airbags may not deploy if you’re in an accident. If the light comes on, take your car to get the SRS sensor checked as soon as possible.
The system is computerized and is designed to work without any actions from the driver or passengers, which is why air bags are called passive safety devices.
Several sensors spread around the vehicle detect information such as deceleration, braking, and impact location. It also detects whether a passenger is present in the front passenger seat.
The SRS is also known as supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) and supplemental air restraints (SAR).
In the event of an accident, the system’s sensors will detect changes and send a message to the car’s air bag control unit. The air bag control unit will activate the air bags of seats that have passengers.
More specifically, the arming sensor and forward or discriminating sensor should be triggered at the same time to create a ground connection.
The arming sensor supplies electrical power to the air bag heating unit or squib inside the inflator module. The squib then converts the electrical power into heat energy, igniting the air bag’s propellant.
History Of Airbags
According to a 2005 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the first patent for an inflatable restraint system was awarded in the 1950s to John W. Hetrick, an engineer.
However, it was in the 1970s that airbags began to be used in vehicles on a widespread basis.
General Motors introduced the first production car equipped with airbags, the Oldsmobile Tornado. Other automakers quickly followed suit, and by the 1980s, airbags had become a standard safety feature in vehicles.
As SRS systems became more widespread, concerns about their effectiveness and potential for causing injury began to emerge.
In the 1990s, there were several high-profile incidents involving airbags that caused severe injuries or fatalities, leading to the introduction of new regulations and safety standards.
Newer airbag systems have a variable deployment feature based on occupant size or child safety seat use.
Today, airbags are required in all new cars sold in the United States and are an important safety feature that has helped reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags have helped save more than 50,000 lives from 1987 to 2017.
How does the SRS work?
We talked about how an onboard computer can detect a problem and alert you. There are many other things that the SRS does, such as activating the right restraints.
For it to do this, it relies on triggers that measure car speed, pressure location, and brakes. If these triggers are met, the SRS will deploy the appropriate restraint mechanisms.
For instance, if the SRS system detects a front-end collision, it will first quickly deploy the seat belt restraints.
After that, it will deploy the airbag, maximizing the protection of the passengers. On the other hand, if the impact was from the side, the side airbags will also inflate.
Purpose of the SRS System
The SRS system is designed to:
- Protect Occupants: By cushioning the impact, airbags and tensioners reduce the force on the body.
- Prevent Fatalities: It minimizes the risk of severe injuries, especially to the head and chest.
- Work in Tandem: While seatbelts restrain the body, airbags provide a secondary layer of protection.
Components of the SRS System
An SRS system comprises multiple components, each playing a unique role in ensuring safety:
1. Airbags: Positioned in the steering wheel, dashboard, and sometimes the sides of seats or curtains.
2. Sensors: Detect sudden deceleration or impact and trigger airbag deployment.
3. Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners: Tighten the seatbelt upon impact to secure the passenger firmly.
4. Control Module: The central brain that processes signals and activates the system.
Types Of SRS
The central element of a car’s SRS, airbags, is a nylon bag that rapidly inflates with gas during a high-speed collision to protect the car’s occupants from impact.
There are several different types of airbags, and depending on the model and spec of your car, you may find up to 10 airbags in your vehicle. The main airbag types you may find in your car are the following:
#1. Frontal (Driver/Passenger) Airbags.
These are the most well-known types of airbag and the first to be implemented. In a forward collision, they inflate directly towards the driver and front passenger to prevent head and upper body injuries.
However, they are unsafe for small children in rear-facing seats, which is why infant car seats should not be installed in the front seat unless absolutely necessary (for example, in a two-seater car).
#2. Side-Curtain Airbags.
This airbag protects passengers in side collisions; it is mounted above the car’s windows and “rolls down” like a curtain when the vehicle is struck from the side.
#3. Seat Mounted Airbags.
These airbags are directly attached to the seat and unfurl to provide additional protection in side impacts.
#4. Knee Airbags.
Placed in front of the passenger at knee level, these airbags have been shown to have a negligible impact on reducing injury rates and may even increase them.
#5. Inflatable Seat Belt Airbags.
These are seatbelts with their own airbag built in to provide additional protection to the occupant’s chest in a forward collision and avoid injury from the seatbelts themselves.
#6. Rear Seat Centre Airbags.
First developed by Toyota in 2009, this type of airbag helps prevent passengers in the rear seat from colliding with one another in a side impact.
#7. Pedestrian Airbags.
Pedestrian airbags are pretty uncommon and relatively new; they were developed to bring down fatalities for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, who are currently the majority of victims of road traffic collisions.
Pedestrian airbags were only installed on a handful of cars such as the Volvo V40, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Jaguar I-Pace; GM patented their own version in 2017.
Airbags are the main component of the SRS. Still, a host of devices form part of the SRS to ensure they function correctly when needed.
Other components of the SRS include the igniter, pyrotechnic inflator, warning light, passenger seat switches, electronic airbag control unit, and crash sensors.
Causes of SRS
Generally, you can expect the SRS light to flash for a few seconds when you turn your vehicle on.
But if the SRS light remains illuminated, you must identify and resolve the underlying cause. Keeping your SRS at optimal functioning will ensure you can drive safely.
Essentially, the SRS indicator will turn on if there is an issue with one of the components of the Supplemental Restraint System.
These issues can sometimes be induced by easy-to-resolve external factors, while others will require the assistance of an experienced technician to resolve.
Here are some underlying causes you might observe as you investigate why your SRS indicator is turned on.
#1. Malfunctioning Seat Belt Latch.
Seat belts work in conjunction with airbags to protect the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a crash. If the seat belt latch isn’t locking properly, it may cause the SRS to malfunction and the airbag light to illuminate.
Many modern SRS prevent the airbags from deploying when a seatbelt isn’t latched correctly to reduce the risk of injury.
Verifying that all seat belts latch properly and removing debris from the buckles will ensure that the seat belts and airbags continue working as intended.
#2. Dead SRS Backup Battery.
The internal computer of your car’s SRS relies on the car battery and a small backup battery for power. The backup battery ensures airbags can deploy and other safety measures can be taken, even if your car battery is disconnected in a crash.
If the backup battery for your car’s SRS dies, you may notice that the system begins to exhibit strange issues.
The vehicle will generally light up the airbag indicator to alert you that the backup battery has died. You will need to replace the battery to restore full function.
#3. Internal Damage To The SRS.
If your car has recently been involved in an accident, it may have suffered damage to the SRS. If the airbags were deployed, internal damage is sure to have happened. You cannot repair this issue at home using second-hand parts.
If you believe your SRS system suffered damage during a crash — particularly if your airbags were deployed — you should work with an experienced mechanic to make the proper repairs. Verifying that your SRS system works correctly may save you from danger later.
#4. Malfunctioning SRS Computer.
Your car’s SRS monitors the information taken in by various sensors with a central computing device. If this computer fails, the SRS will be unable to make judgments for airbag deployment or seat belt tensioning.
The computer within the SRS is also known as the “black box.” An operational black box is essential for providing information to insurance companies and law enforcement after a crash.
If your car doesn’t seem to respond to seat belt tension or weight in the seats, you should visit a technician to have the SRS computer serviced.
#5. Faulty Passenger Occupancy Sensor.
The SRS within your vehicle relies on various information to make the best possible judgments for airbag deployment and seat belt tensioning. One of the most valuable sources of data is the passenger occupancy sensor.
If the passenger occupancy sensor is broken or gives the SRS false data, it can negatively impact your car’s SRS and prevent the system from working as intended.
Remove any heavy objects from the seats. If the issue isn’t resolved, you may need technicians to check the sensors.
#6. Corroded SRS.
External conditions can often impact the performance of the SRS within vehicles. If excessive moisture reaches the sensors and components that allow the system to function, these components may gradually break and cause the system to fail.
Drivers in humid or wet climates are more likely to encounter corrosion as the underlying cause of their SRS malfunction.
If you suspect that your car may be malfunctioning due to exposure to prolonged moisture, you should allow a technician to inspect the systems within the vehicle thoroughly.
#7. Faulty Clock Spring.
Inside the Supplemental Restraint System of your vehicle, a component known as the clock spring enables you to turn the steering wheel freely without activating or interfering with the airbag inside the wheel.
If the clock spring is damaged, your car’s SRS may experience issues. Many drivers notice that the SRS light suddenly begins staying illuminated as they drive. Addressing a damaged clock spring is vital for preventing problems with airbag deployment.
Benefits of SRS in a Car
The benefits of the SRS system are numerous:
- Life-Saving: Reduces fatality rates by up to 30% in severe accidents.
- Enhanced Protection: Works effectively with seatbelts to prevent severe injuries.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your vehicle is equipped with advanced safety measures provides confidence while driving.
Is It Safe to Drive with My SRS Light On?
Generally, an illuminated SRS light won’t affect your vehicle’s drivability, so your car will technically run like any other day.
The real question, however, is whether or not you should continue driving with the SRS light on.
The light tells you that there’s an issue with the air bags or they might need to be serviced, so there’s always the possibility of them being unable to deploy in the event of a crash.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to take the risk of driving without fully functioning air bags, then you shouldn’t take your car out until the issue has been resolved.
Legal Requirements for SRS in Cars
Countries like the USA, UK, and Australia have strict regulations requiring SRS systems in all new vehicles. Compliance ensures that manufacturers adhere to global safety standards, protecting drivers and passengers.
How to Fix SRS Light
If you find out that your car’s SRS light turns ON automatically and would not go OFF, the following will show you how to fix the SRS light.
#1. Use an OBD2 Scanner.
The OBD2 scanner is a device that can read through the state of a vehicle and identify the specific defects the vehicle is experiencing in a moment. The OBD2 scanner comprises code readers and scan tools.
The scan tools provide better insight into problems and enhance troubleshooting; hence, it is more expensive.
Meanwhile, it would be best if you endeavored to buy a scanner that can read and reset your car’s SRS system. To use the OBD2 scanner, follow these simple steps.
- Step 1: Turn off your car; then, plug in the scanner to your car via a data link connector located beneath your car’s control panel. The scanner will start functioning after you plug it in.
- Step 2: Let the OBD2 scanner boot up after you switch your car on. If it fails to boot up by itself, press the power button to begin the booting.
- Step 3: After having the scanner ready, it will request that you input some information about your car. Input information such as your car’s make, model, engine, etc., as the case may be. After that, the system will analyze the vehicle and scan its diagnostic system.
- Step 4: When the scan is complete, the scanner will display an error message or some codes; write them down or send them to your phone via Bluetooth.
- Step 5: Visit the OBD2 scanner manual to ascertain the meaning of each code to enable you to find the solution. If you don’t find the answers to the code from the manual because of the limited information provided in it, you can search the internet for the solution. Be sure to find the codes that are unique to your vehicle’s make and model.
Finally, after searching the manual or the internet for the solution, apply it immediately. Typically, the reason why the SRS light is ON is traceable to one component of your car or the other.
Therefore, the scanner provides accurate information about the specific component to enable you to fix it by a simple reset. The whole process may not necessarily require screwdrivers, except you have to loosen any screw.
#2. Check the Seatbelt Tensioner.
The seatbelt tensioner is responsible for tightening the seatbelt in case of a collision. If the SRS light stays on, it could indicate a problem with the seatbelt tensioner.
Inspect the seatbelt and its connections for any damage or disconnection. If the issue persists, it is best to get it checked by a professional mechanic.
#3. Inspect the Airbag Sensors.
Faulty airbag sensors are one of the most common causes of the SRS light coming on. These sensors can get damaged due to wear and tear, corrosion or accidents.
Inspect the sensors for any physical damage and clean them if necessary. If they are damaged, they should be replaced to fix the SRS light.
#4. Check the Control Module.
The SRS control module is the brain of the airbag system. It receives signals from the sensors and deploys the airbags in case of a collision.
If the control module is not functioning properly, the SRS light will come on. It is a complex component and should only be repaired or replaced by a certified mechanic.
#5. Check the Wiring.
A faulty wiring connection is another common cause of the SRS light. Check the wiring harness for any damage or loose connections.
Corroded or loose connections can be repaired, but damaged wiring should be replaced. It is essential to have proper knowledge and tools to fix the wiring issues.
#6. Reset the SRS Light.
Once you have fixed the underlying issue causing the SRS light to come on, it is necessary to reset the system.
This will turn off the SRS light and ensure that the system is working correctly. Refer to the vehicle’s manual for the specific steps to reset the SRS light.
How to Maintain Your Car’s SRS?
How to keep your car’s safety system working? Maintaining your car’s SRS involves regular inspections and avoiding modifications that could interfere with the system’s operation.
While the SRS is largely maintenance-free, certain precautions can help ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
- Regular Inspections: Have the SRS checked during routine maintenance visits.
- Avoid Tampering: Do not attempt to modify or repair the SRS yourself.
- Address Warning Lights: If the SRS light illuminates, seek professional assistance promptly.
- Safe Driving Practices: Practice safe driving habits to minimize the risk of collisions.
- Proper Seatbelt Use: Always wear your seatbelt correctly, as it’s an integral part of the SRS.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The SRS Light?
Fixing your car’s SRS light would involve a few items. The items and their respective costs are as follows; crash sensor or spring clock is estimated between $80 and $130.
The car’s seatbelt is estimated at $200 to $300; while the computer is estimated around $800 to $1,000 respectively. However, there could be variations in prices from one location to another. So, you could keep that in mind.
FAQs.
Q: Will airbags deploy if the SRS light is on?
No, the airbags will not deploy. The Supplemental Restraint System controls both the car’s automatic seatbelt restraint and the airbag activation for release in case of an unexpected collision.
If the SRS warning light is ON, it is a sign that the vehicle isn’t 100% safe for driving because it could either be that the airbag on the driver’s side or the passenger’s side is not activated.
Therefore, if your car’s SRS light is currently ON or has been ON for a while, it would be best for an auto technician to fix it; otherwise, you may be sitting on a time bomb.
Q: What does SRS light mean on Mercedes?
The SRS light meaning is not different in a Mercedes Benz car. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light means that there is a challenge with the car’s airbags or any other components within the SRS system.
When you turn ON the ignition of your Mercedes Benz car, it is typical for the SRS light to turn ON for about 5 seconds and go off after that.
However, suppose the SRS light remains ON consistently. In that case, it is a sign that a problem is imminent, and the problem is usually that the airbags won’t go off if you suddenly experience a collision while driving.
Q: Is an SRS warning light an MOT failure?
Yes, it is. When your vehicle’s SRS warning light is ON, it usually will result in an MOT failure. MOT is an acronym for the Ministry of Transport.
An MOT involves an annual check-up carried out on vehicles to ascertain their legal roadworthiness. They check to ensure that vehicles are safe and that they meet exhaust emissions and environmental standards. The vehicle’s engine light is not exempted also.
Therefore, if your car’s SRS warning light is continually ON; then, it is certain that when the car is checked, that would be an automatic MOT failure because the car’s safety has been tampered with.
So, to ensure you don’t experience an MOT failure, kindly fix your SRS light if it consistently stays ON.
Final Words
After reading this article, you may not have to ask, “What does SRS mean in a car?” anymore because relevant information has been supplied on the subject matter.
Ensuring that your car and every one of its components is in good shape before you hit the road must be a priority to you as a car owner. There is an acronym, “ABC,” which stands for Always Be Careful.
Hence, if you ever notice that your car’s SRS light turns ON and would not go off for a while, before anything else, get a professional auto mechanic to diagnose the problem and proffer a solution.