Causes of Illumination of Airbag Malfunction Light in VW From Experienced Mechanics in Thousand Oaks

Volkswagen vehicles were built to be an affordable family car known for its reliability. Another main goal of the Volkswagen brand is safety. All of the systems of any Volkswagen model should be functioning properly to ensure the safety of all who ride in it. The airbags are a key part of the safety features in your car.

Your Volkswagen vehicle has 2 main airbag lights, one for the driver’s side and the other for the passenger’s side. When it measures enough weight to be a passenger, the airbag light will indicate “airbag on”. This is how you know the airbags are engaged.

On rare occasions, the airbag light will remain illuminated when the seat has the less than the minimum required weight. When this occurs, there is a malfunction in the airbag light. This can be dangerous, because if an accident were to happen, the airbags will not deploy.

Knowing the reasons behind airbag light illumination malfunction can help to understand the repairs that will need to be done when you bring your Volkswagen into the shop.

Faulty Sensors

The first reason that leads to airbag light illumination malfunction is faulty sensors. To ensure, the airbags are connected to multiple sensors. These sensors are all monitored and controlled by the Volkswagen computer.

When the seat belt is clicked and the minimum seat weight is achieved, the computer engages the airbags. If an accident occurs, the computer uses the readings from the sensors to deploy the airbags.

As you can see, there is constant communication happening throughout your vehicle to ensure the airbags respond accordingly. If there is an issue with one or more of the sensors, the airbag light will remain illuminated, leading to an inactive airbag that can potentially be dangerous.

Airbag Clock Spring Damage

The airbag clock spring is the spring that directly relates to the deployment of the driver-side airbag. The clock spring is located in the steering wheel and is responsible for maintaining continuity and communication between the electrical wires and the airbag itself.

As you drive your Volkswagen and turn the steering wheel left and right, the clock spring coils in and out. Over time, the clock spring can wear out due to general wear and tear. Not only will this cause airbag failure, but the airbag light illumination will malfunction by remaining lit.

Water or Fluid Damage

The last reason behind airbag light illumination malfunction is water damage. This reason is the least likely to occur, but it is good to know, especially if you live in an area that frequently has floods or heavy rainstorms.

Even if you don’t live in that specific environment, water leaks can happen in your Volkswagen. The water leaks can corrode the electrical wires and render the airbag light unreliable.

Not only can water leaks occur, but leaks from the oil and coolant that are circulating through your Volkswagen can happen. If one of these systems leaks on the sensors or wires of the airbags, then malfunctions occur. Any type of liquid will corrode the airbag electrical system, causing the airbag to malfunction when someone is sitting in the seat.

Repairing the Malfunctioning Airbag Light in your Volkswagen

As previously stated, driving with the airbag malfunction light illuminated can be dangerous to all the passengers in your Volkswagen. When the malfunction light remains illuminated even when people are seated and seat belts are fastened, the airbags are not guaranteed to work.

This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as you notice a malfunction has occurred. Bringing your Volkswagen into your trusted, experienced mechanics at Bavarian Performance Specialists for proper diagnosis and repair.

We are easily accessible from the areas of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA. Once you bring your Volkswagen into us, the latest and most up-to-date diagnostic tools are used to determine the exact reason behind the airbag light malfunction.

When the reason has been identified, we use high-quality parts to replace components or to reset the airbag sensors, if that is the main issue. We stand by the high-quality and professional work we provide to every single repair we do. We look forward to getting you back on the road safely with confidence in your vehicle. Call us today.