If you see the airbag light of your Volkswagen come on, you may be wondering what the problem is and how dangerous it is. Well, this is not a light you can afford to overlook because it is a warning sign that there could be a problem with the airbag system of your car. A faulty airbag system can be life-threatening to the driver and the passengers in the event of an accident so it is advisable to have it fixed as soon as possible. Here are the possible reasons why the airbag light illuminates and how professional repairs can solve the issue.
Common Causes of Volkswagen Airbag Light Issues
- Defective Sensors: Your Volkswagen model has various sensors that help detect impact and release the airbags when required. If one of these sensors is faulty, the system may not function as it should and this will cause the airbag light on your dashboard to come on. Sensors can get damaged due to various reasons such as wear and tear, exposure to moisture or electrical failure.
- Defective Airbag Module: The airbag module is the central control unit that is responsible for receiving information from the sensors and the control of the airbags’ deployment. If this module is exposed to water, corroded or the electrical system fails, it can cause the airbag warning light to turn on. Sometimes, it can also be caused by an unplugged or loose connection.
- Seat Belt Pretensioner Problems: Seat belt pretensioner is a safety feature that adjusts the seat belt to hold the passengers firmly in the event of an accident. There are some Volkswagen models that are equipped with seat belt sensors which can cause the warning lights to turn on even when they do not need to.
- Wiring and Connection Issues: Airbag systems are fitted with wires that relay signals between the sensors, the control module and the airbags. If any of the wires get disconnected, cut, or rusted, it is likely to affect the normal functioning of the system and turn on the airbag light.
How Professionals Solve Volkswagen Airbag Light Problems
- Diagnostic Scan: The first step that you need to take when troubleshooting Volkswagen airbag light is to carry out a diagnostic scan with the help of scan tools. Your car should be connected to a diagnostic scanner that can capture codes stored in the airbag control module. These codes give important details regarding the source of the issue.
- Repairing Sensors: If the problem is with the sensors, then the mechanic will have to check and fix or replace them. Sensors can be contaminated by dirt, corroded, or damaged by impact, and all these issues can be addressed by cleaning or replacing the sensors.
- Resetting Airbag Module: If the airbag control module in your car has recorded an accident, then it will need to be reset. Technicians can clear the data and reprogram the module to make sure that the system is working effectively.
- Checking and Fixing Wiring: Defective wiring is one of the leading causes of airbag lights. A certified technician can inspect the wiring system and look for signs of loose connection, corrosion or any form of damage and correct them to allow proper communication between the various components.
- Replacing the Clock Spring or Seat Belt Components: If the cause of the problem is with the clock spring or the seat belt components such as the pretensioner, then these may need to be replaced. An auto repair technician will put in new parts and adjust all necessary components so the airbag light can go off.
Get Expert Advice And Solutions From The Volkswagen Specialists At Solo Motorsports
At Solo Motorsports, we have been 
diagnosing and repairing Volkswagen airbag lights in Georgia since the establishment of our company in 2003. Our skilled mechanics are well-equipped to diagnose the cause of the warning light and offer a sound solution. We have 9 shops where we attend to our clients and they are situated in Gainesville, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Roswell, Johns Creek, and Norcross, GA. If your airbag light is on, don’t take chances – come to Solo Motorsports now to have your Volkswagen’s safety system fixed as soon as possible. Call us now!