What is SRS in a Car? How to Fix SRS Light?

In the complex world of automotive safety systems, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is pivotal in protecting drivers and passengers during collisions. Commonly known as the airbag system, SRS is an integral part of modern vehicles, designed to mitigate the force of impact and reduce the risk of injury. However, like any sophisticated technology, it can encounter issues, and when it does, a warning light on the dashboard serves as a clear indicator. The SRS light, when illuminated, demands immediate attention to ensure the safety of all vehicle occupants.

In this article, we will delve into SRS and its importance, and guide you through the steps to diagnose and fix the SRS light when it appears. Whether you're a vehicle owner looking for a quick fix or a mechanic seeking a refresher, this comprehensive guide will provide the insights you need to address SRS-related concerns effectively.

Everything about SRS Systems You Need to Know

What is the SRS System

SRS is the abbreviation of “Supplemental Restraint System”, which means “auxiliary restraint system” in Chinese. It is an important safety system in modern automobiles, mainly used to protect passengers from injuries or reduce the degree of injuries in the event of a vehicle collision. SRS system mainly includes the following parts:

What it Means When the Airbag Light Warning Light Comes On

An SRS system warning light on means there may be a problem with your vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag system. Below are some key points that explain what the SRS warning light means when it comes on and the possible causes:

System Failure Signal: An SRS warning light usually indicates a problem with the airbag control system. This could mean that the airbag is not deploying properly in the event of an accident, thus failing to provide the intended protection.

Self-Test Process: In most vehicles, the SRS warning light will come on briefly when you start the vehicle as part of the system's self-test process. If the warning light stays on while the vehicle is running, this may signal a malfunction in the airbag system that needs to be checked promptly.

Various causes: The SRS warning light can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a short circuit caused by foreign objects (especially metal shavings) around the airbag sensor connecting harness, an error in the ECU sensor data, a short circuit in the connecting connector caused by the vehicle being parked for a long period of time in a humid environment, or a battery with too low a voltage.

Safety risk: An illuminated SRS warning light is a potential threat to driving safety. If the airbag system malfunctions, it may not be able to provide protection in an emergency, so once you find that the SRS warning light comes on, you should take your vehicle to a professional repair store as soon as possible for inspection and repair.

How to Diagnose the Airbag Light With an XTOOL OBD2 Scanner

To diagnose the airbag light via OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics), the following steps can be followed:

1. Check the airbag warning light:

First, check to see if the airbag warning light is illuminated on the vehicle's instrument panel. If it is on, the airbag system may be malfunctioning.

2. Connect the OBD2 scan tool:

Plug the OBD2 scan tool into the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) on the dashboard. Check your vehicle's manual to find out where the connection port for the OBD2 scan tool is located. It is usually located on the lower left side of the steering wheel and may require removing a panel or cover from the dashboard to see it. Plug the OBD2 scan tool directly into the DLC port.

3. Read the trouble codes:

Diagnose the vehicle using a diagnostic tool such as an OBD2 scanner. Based on the diagnostic results, determine the specific fault code for the airbag system.

4. Troubleshooting and Diagnosis:

According to the fault code, find the appropriate repair guide or contact a professional technician for troubleshooting and diagnosis.

5. Check and clear fault codes:

After repairing the malfunction, restart the engine and perform a road test to see if the airbag warning light comes on again. If it does not come on again, the problem has been resolved; if it remains on, further inspection and repair may be required.

XTOOL Products Capable of SRS System

1. XTOOL A30M

The XTOOL A30M is capable of scanning all systems, including the SRS, to provide comprehensive troubleshooting. The A30M offers 21 maintenance services, including the ABS exhaust function associated with the SRS system, which helps to maintain and reset the SRS system. The A30M supports more than 85 U.S., European, and Asian brands of vehicles, which means that it is capable of providing SRS system Diagnostic Services.

2. XTOOL D5S

The XTOOL D5S is a versatile OBD2 scan tool that covers diagnostic access to the most critical vehicle systems such as the driveline, ABS, SRS, engine system and EPB.

3. XTOOL D7S

The D7S provides dealer-level diagnostics by scanning all vehicle systems (including engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, brakes, HVAC, etc.), allowing you to view real-time data, perform proactive tests, retrieve ECU information, clear DTCs, and export data for analysis. The XTOOL D7S includes more than 36 maintenance services, such as oil reset, ABS bleed, injector coding, Transmission Reset and Fuel Adjustment Learning, and it also offers vehicle-specific functions such as Cylinder Power Balancing and Zero Calibration that may be relevant to SRS system maintenance. Monitor up to 8 data streams in a single chart for a better, more intuitive diagnostic experience, which is useful for monitoring the status of the SRS system in real-time.

4. XTOOL D9S

The XTOOL D9S provides OE-level full-system diagnostics for all vehicle systems, including the SRS system. This means it can read and clear fault codes, analyze live data, capture freeze frames, and access ECU information. The D9S's Intelligent Topology Mapping provides enhanced diagnostic functionality with intuitive module mapping that shows the structure of communication between vehicle modules, which helps to quickly identify faulty modules in the SRS system and improves diagnostic efficiency. The D9S includes more than 42 special functions that may be related to the SRS system, such as oil reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, throttle relearn, etc. These functions help maintain and reset the SRS system.