It’s no secret that the automotive industry is in a bit of a rough patch right now. Sales have been on the decline for years, and manufacturers are struggling to find new ways to drum up interest. One way they’re trying to market their products is by doing safety tests on vehicles before they go on sale. While this process is supposed to ensure that cars are safe, it seems like sometimes things go wrong.
In this article, we’ll take a look at one such incident – a car that passed inspection with an airbag light on. We’ll explore what exactly went wrong, and how you can avoid similar problems in the future.
What is the Airbag Light and When Does it Appear?
The airbag light is a warning light that appears on some cars when the airbag sensor is activated. The airbag light will usually turn off after a few minutes, but it can stay on for a while if there is an issue with the airbag.
How to Fix the Airbag Light on a Car
If your car has an airbag light on, there’s a good chance you can fix it. Here’s how:
1) Disable the airbag protection system. This is usually done by removing a panel at the back of the car or by pressing a button on the dashboard.
2) Look for the airbag light-harness connector. It will be plugged into a computer that monitors airbag deployment. Simply unplug the connector and the light should go off. If not, try reconnecting it in another way.
3) If you still can’t get rid of the light, you may have to replace the airbag control module (ACM). This is a pricey repair, but it’s usually doable with a few hours of work. Again, check with an expert if you’re unsure about any of this.
What Happens If the Airbag Light Is Not Fixed?
If your car has an airbag light on, there is a good chance it will not pass inspection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires that all cars have an airbag light turned off unless the car is being inspected. If the airbag light is on, the car will not be able to be registered or sold in the United States. This is because if there was an accident and the airbag deployed, it could cause serious injury or death if people were in the car at the time of the accident.
If you have an airbag light on, you should contact your car dealer or mechanic to have it fixed. If you do not have access to a mechanic, you can try to fix it yourself by following some tips. First, turn off the car’s electrical system by removing the battery and Breaker Panel Cover. Then remove the three 10 mm screws that hold down the Airbag Light Switch and disconnect the wire from it. Next, unscrew the Airbag Light Switch cover and remove it. Finally, disconnect the two wires from the switch and replace them with new ones. You can then reattach the switch cover and screws.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not straightforward. Different states have different inspection procedures and it is possible for a car to pass an airbag light inspection in one state but fail in another. Ultimately, you need to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles office in order to find out which inspections are required for your particular make and model of car.