Airbag light stays on for a few seconds when car started

[Bush020773]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum, would like some help please. I have just bought a ibiza mk4 1.4s 53 plate, and am not sure about the "airbag off light" coming on when i switch the ignition on, because it only stays on for a few seconds is that normal or is there a problem? The key switch in the glove box is set to on anyhelp would be gratefully recieved thanks.

 

[YorkIbiza]

I believe that is normal as it has always done it on my car.

 

[Bush020773]

Thanks for that i can rest easy now

 

[NickyJam]

that is normal. the light will turn off when the airbags are inflated to a point of pressure, meaning that they are in good working order. If the light stays on continuously then you may have a faulty airbag.

the only time you'll need to turn the airbag off is if you ever carry a baby seat in the passenger seat (for safety)

 

[Bush020773]

thanks for that very helpfull

 

[mixupz]

WOW ive been looking for an answer to this question for ages.... thank you SCN

 

[NickyJam]

WOW ive been looking for an answer to this question for ages.... thank you SCN

next time ask me in person

 

[mixupz]

I posted this exact same question quite a while ago, i got a good hundred views and no one responded so i assumed it was either a stupid question or an unknown fault with no resolution...

 

[Nath.]

that is normal. the light will turn off when the airbags are inflated to a point of pressure, meaning that they are in good working order.

That is class Where did you get that info from

The air bags are not inflated with air as such, they have an explosive device in them that is set off with an impact, the delay with the light going off is the cars electronics doing a self check of the airbag system and it takes a second or 2 to complete the check

 

[NickyJam]

there is an explosive device in them but they are inflated slightly at first. that is the noise you hear when you turn the ignition

but i believe this is only for the driver and passenger airbags as these are the primary points of impact upon collision, hence, more important

 

[mixupz]

Erm i thought the noise on ignition was the fuel pump priming..

 

[Nath.]

^^^^correct

there is no pump for the air bags


read here >>>> http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question130.htm

 

[NickyJam]

correct. but there is also an electrical noise which is the general check up carried out before the airbag light goes out

i may be wrong but when i first got the car i tried to work out more or less what was happening when the noise came up

 

[Nath.]

As said it's the fuel pump priming ready for you to start the engine (OR) the climet control air direction flap finding it's correct position on it's stepper motor

there should not be any noises from the air bag system as it's all solid state electronics and a (rocket booster)

 

[NickyJam]

As said it's the fuel pump priming ready for you to start the engine (OR) the climet control air direction flap finding it's correct position on it's stepper motor

there should not be any noises from the air bag system as it's all solid state electronics and a (rocket booster)

thanks for clarifying Nath, i wondered this for ages then came to my conclusion...obviously not the right one most probably the air flap you're on about

 

[Nath.]

i may be wrong but when i first got the car i tried to work out more or less what was happening when the noise came up

heehee, oh well you know now rather than guessing, that HOWSTUFF WORKS site is good for finding out stuff

 

[mixupz]

VERY GOOD! turbos are soo intriuging...most of what i know about mechanics i learn from that site....although its not reccomended when your on a deadline its easy to be distracted to read other articles...i.e. conspiracy theories

 

[muddyboots]

there should not be any noises from the air bag system as it's all solid state electronics and a (rocket booster)

And when they do go off, you don't hear/notice the airbags as whatever you hit makes a much louder bang and you've probably shut your eyes. Well I did anyway

 

[Ibiza 130 tdi]

The light does the same on mine too.

 

[lex26]

Hi guys

I have the same problem. After reading your answers they put my mind to rest for a bit, but then I looked into the owner's manual which says:

"Ensure that when the ignitions os switched to the 'ON'position, the 'AIRBAG OFF' warning light does not come on."

Any ideas?