The tricky thing about being a car owner is that accidents happen, even to the most careful driver. This is what the airbags are made for, to be a safety tool for occupants of a vehicle in the case of a collision.
Unfortunately, the airbag system is not without its faults. When an issue occurs, the airbag warning light illuminates on the dashboard as a signal to the driver to inspect the system. If this light comes on, you may wonder if it affects the drivability of your Mercedes. In this guide, we will look at the causes of airbag system failures and the possible effects on a car’s performance.
What is the Airbag System and Why Does it Fail?
The airbags are a part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) which monitors car movement and controls deceleration and braking in light of an accident or collision. The main role of the airbags is to deploy when there is a crash or collision. This helps to reduce the risk of injuries during accidents.
The airbags can fail due to various reasons and it is in this case that the airbag warning light or SRS light comes on your car’s dashboard indicating a failure. If this light remains on in your car, the airbags may not deploy when you need them to. Here are a few reasons for the airbag warning light illumination in a car:
- Faulty Car Sensors: Have you ever wondered how the airbags can tell that it is time to get deployed? This is the work of the airbag sensors that are located at various parts of your car. These sensors monitor the speed of your car and once they notice a deceleration or collision, they deploy the airbags. However, if these sensors get damaged or faulty, the airbag light could come on, showing a SRS fault. This could also prevent the airbag from deploying in the case of an accident.
- Wiring Faults: The airbags rely on various wiring connections for effective transmission of information and responses. For example, these wires can travel from the sensors to the airbag modules to effect a change. However, problems such as loose connections, physical damage to the wires, or corrosion can affect the wiring connections, thus triggering the airbag warning light to come on.
- Seatbelt Pretensioner Problems: Along with the airbags, the seatbelts are part of the supplemental restraint system in your car. Once there is an accident or collision, the seatbelt pretensioner tightens the seatbelts in a bid to keep passengers locked in and safe from harm. If this seatbelt pretensioner is faulty, the airbag system could interpret it as an airbag fault because these two components work hand-in-hand. Hence, you may notice the airbag or SRS warning light on your car’s dashboard.
The Impact or Airbag Warning Light Issues on Mercedes’ Drivability
While it is not unusual for the airbag warning light to come on when you start your car (it is checking for the weight of a passenger,) it is unusual when it stays on. This could indicate a problem. This light alerts you to a fault in the system, and if it is not addressed quickly, it can put you, your passengers, and your car at a safety risk.
You may wonder if this warning light can affect your car’s performance or drivability. The answer is: not particularly. While airbag warning light issues will not stop you from driving your Mercedes, it could compromise your safety.
Top Auto Repair Center for Mercedes Airbag Warning Light Issues
The negative impact of ignoring an airbag warning light issue may not manifest until there is a collision or an accident. So, for your safety, please do not wait if you suspect there may be an airbag issue.
You need our well-equipped auto repair facility at Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service for brilliant care services for your car! We specialize in servicing and repairs for European vehicles. We will start with a thorough inspection and diagnosis to identify the cause of your car’s airbag issues then our team of expert technicians will fix the issues and get your car back to top condition. While our auto shop is in San Diego, CA, we service surrounding areas such as Chula Vista, Coronado, Mission Valley, and Point Lorna. Call us today to speak with our technicians.
