EdupradaThe airbag is essential equipment to absorb shock in the event of an accident while guaranteeing your safety and that of other passengers.
Equipped with a warning light on the dashboard, it lights up to signal a malfunction linked to one or more airbags. The airbag is notably checked during the technical inspection.
Is the airbag checked at technical inspection?
The airbag is checked during the technical inspection. In fact, it is only triggered in the event of a significant shock or accident; technicians must therefore check its inflation . In addition, it is essential safety equipment , so it is not neglected by them.
They will also refer to the airbag warning light which is present on the dashboard . Like many other parts, the airbag is linked to a sensor and electrical harnesses to communicate via the lighting of a warning light.
So, if the airbag is defective, you will be informed by the triggering of the airbag warning light. Red in color , it can take two forms: either that of a seated man with a red circle on his face, or the words AIR BAG.
The technical inspection technicians will therefore check, among other things, the proper functioning of the airbag by ensuring that the airbag warning light does not go off on the dashboard when the vehicle is turned on.
How to pass the technical inspection with an airbag light on?
If your airbag warning light stays on constantly, this could be due to several faults linked to it. In fact, this can come from a general failure of the system, deactivation of the airbag following the installation of a baby seat in the front, low battery voltage , a steering wheel switch faulty steering or even a failure of the airbag connectors.
To try to deactivate the warning light, you can try the following maneuvers on your vehicle:
- A check of the airbag switch: it may be in the glove box or on the passenger side dashboard. It is activated and deactivated using the key to turn on the vehicle’s ignition.
- Charging the vehicle battery: the battery voltage must be measured using a multimeter. If it is lower than 12 volts, you will need to recharge it with crocodile clips, a battery booster or a battery charger .
- Checking the airbag connector connections : the electrical harnesses are located under the front seats, so you can try unplugging them and then plugging them in again to see if the problem is coming from their side.
If none of these operations turns off the airbag warning light, you will need to go to a mechanic before passing the technical inspection to be able to remedy this situation.
Is the airbag a reason for a technical inspection?
The persistence of the airbag warning light coming on is one of the reasons for a technical inspection. Indeed, as it is essential equipment for the safety of the motorist, it cannot be ignored by the workshop technician during his diagnosis.
This is why it is advisable to go to a garage beforehand to carry out a technical pre-inspection diagnosis in order to correct these various malfunctions.
In the majority of cases, this light stays on because there is an electrical problem in the airbag system. This could be a false contact or a problem connecting the connectors. It is very rare that the problem comes from the quality of the airbag itself, which deteriorates very little over time.
Airbag malfunction: minor, major or critical failure?
Technical inspection has 133 checkpoints which can reveal 610 faults . They are themselves divided into 3 categories according to the severity of the failure : minor, major and critical.
The airbag malfunction can be classified as a minor or major failure depending on the problem it presents:
- Minor fault : the airbag switch is deactivated on the passenger side;
- Major fault : the airbag is inoperative, missing or not suitable for the vehicle and the airbag warning light is on continuously.
If your vehicle has a major fault, this will inevitably lead to a second inspection to be carried out within 2 months .
The airbag is part of your car’s safety equipment, in particular to limit bodily damage during a collision or accident. It must therefore function flawlessly during your travels and even more so as you approach your technical inspection. Use our garage comparator if you want to find one at the best price to carry out a technical pre-inspection diagnosis!