Airbag/SRS — supplemental restraint fault
The red icon showing a seated occupant and a circular airbag (or the letters SRS) lights up when the passive-safety module detects a fault. Risk: the airbag may fail to deploy in a crash — or, conversely, deploy spontaneously.
What this indicator means
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) module monitors impact sensors, seatbelt tensioners, airbag pyrotechnic actuators and its own ECU. When a deviation is detected, the module locks the full functionality and turns on the indicator. Faults read as B-codes (B0001–B0100) — a separate DTC group for body modules.
Common causes
- Broken or oxidised connector under the seat (most common cause)
- SRS backup power supply discharged
- Pyrotechnic charge fired (post-crash or spontaneous)
- Impact or seatbelt-tension sensor failure
- Battery replacement without correct reset procedure
- CAN-C bus issue between control modules
What to do as a driver
Read B-codes with an adapter — they identify the specific circuit. After a seat swap or battery replacement, the fault often appears due to a power interruption; it must be cleared with proper diagnostic equipment (not the dashboard).
Safety
Critically important: do not ignore — the airbag may fail to fire. Do not probe connectors with the ignition on (risk of spontaneous deployment).
Related DTC codes
- B0001
- B0028
- B0050