If you’re planning on getting your car inspected this year, be prepared to take it to a mechanic to have the airbag light checked. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), all cars sold in the state must pass an airbag inspection with the light on.
If your car doesn’t pass the inspection, you’ll have to remove the airbag and have it replaced. For more information on how to pass your car’s airbag inspection, check out PennDOT’s website.
What Is an Airbag Light?
An airbag light is a warning indicator on a car’s dashboard that tells you that the car’s airbag system is not operational. If your car has an airbag light on, it means that the airbag sensor is not working properly and should be repaired or replaced.
What Does an Airbag Light Mean?
An airbag light on a car usually means that the vehicle has failed its pre-owned safety inspection. If a car fails its safety inspection, the owner may be required to have the airbag light removed and/or pay a fine.
How to Fix an Airbag Light on Your Car
If your car has an airbag light on, there’s a good chance that you can fix it yourself. The most common cause of an airbag light is a defective sensor. In most cases, you can simply replace the sensor. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a safe place and turn off the ignition.
2. Open the hood and locate the sensor. It’s usually located near the front of the engine block.
3. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws that hold the sensor in place.
4. Remove the sensor and replace it with a new one. Be sure to orient the new sensor in the same way as the old one, or your car will have an airbag light again soon after you reinstall the new one!
Conclusion
If your car has an airbag light on, it is important to know that a Pa inspection will not be able to find the issue. Your car must first have had the airbag replaced, or have been repaired and certified by a mechanic as being in compliance with state and federal safety standards. If you would like more information on this matter, please contact our office at (717) 783-9355. Thank you for reading!