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Is a warning light for SRS or airbags a MOT failure?

Do you know why, in the case of a collision, certain vehicles’ airbags activate to protect the driver and front-seat passenger? Do you know why some cars collide or crash, yet the front seat airbags fail to protect the driver and passenger? These are questions that many vehicle owners, particularly new car owners, have pondered.

The car’s SRS system is at the root of the two different experiences mentioned above. “What does SRS mean in a car?” you might be thinking.

This document provides enough information to help you understand what the term “SRS” means, how it works in a car, and how to fix the problem when the SRS light comes on and won’t turn off.

We’re also aware that if your dashboard’s SRS/airbag light is illuminated, it’s not only an MOT failure but also a risk to your and your passengers’ safety. Check MOT status of your vehicle online to be sure there hasn’t been a trend of failure in past MOT tests and inform your car mechanic of your findings.
You’ll find all you need to know about the subject here

SRS is an acronym for Supplemental Restraint System. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is a technical component in your car that regulates airbags and automatic seatbelt restraints. The restraint system is passive since it does not require you to do anything to use it. It is self-contained and serves to protect both the driver and the passenger. Examine the MOT certificate and check the MOT status to determine the expiration date so the faulty airbag issue may be rectified before the next MOT test.

A computerized restraint system is the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). While your vehicle is in motion, the computer connects with a specialized network of sensors that assist in the identification of various actions. The technology, which has been developed as an artificially intelligent component, detects deceleration, braking, and collision location. It can also determine whether there is a passenger in the front seat of the car.

After automatically identifying the actions mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the SRS system sends a message to the car’s Airbag Control Unit. The car’s Airbag Control Unit may then decide which airbags to activate and which seatbelts to tighten. You don’t have to do anything because all of these functions are automated.

However, presuming that the SRS system would continue to function properly for the duration of the vehicle’s life is insufficient. Every component in your vehicle was designed with a certain life expectancy in mind, which generally does not exceed the vehicle’s life expectancy. Certain parts, on the other hand, fail when you least expect it. Has this issue been resolved by your local mechanic before your next MOT testing service?

Meanwhile, the SRS light may glow due to a problem with your car’s airbag; it may also illuminate due to a malfunctioning seatbelt buckle, a loose wire, or a challenge provided by your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). If your SRS light lights but does not turn off, you should be concerned since the airbags will not deploy in the event of a collision.

As a result, if your vehicle’s SRS light activates and remains illuminated, the following section of this article will provide a remedy. You can also do a check my MOT history online or go through all of your prior MOT certificates to see whether this has been a problem in the past.

What is an SRS Light and How Do I Fix It?

The instructions below will show you how to fix your car’s SRS light if it comes on automatically and won’t turn off.


Utilize an OBD2 scanner. The OBD2 scanner is a device that can read a car’s status and pinpoint its specific faults in a couple of seconds. The OBD2 scanner comes with code readers and scan tools.

Scanning tools are more expensive since they provide more information about problems and help with troubleshooting. In the meanwhile, attempt to locate a scanner capable of reading and resetting your vehicle’s SRS system. To utilize the OBD2 scanner, follow these simple instructions:

1. Connect the scanner to your automobile using the data link connector situated beneath the control panel after turning it off. The scanner will start working as soon as you connect it in. Your car owner’s manual should be able to update you on the location of the port.

2. Wait for the OBD2 scanner to start up once you switch on your car. If it does not start up automatically, use the power button to begin the procedure.

3. When the scanner is ready, it will request you to enter some vehicle information. If relevant, enter information about your car’s make, model, and engine. The system will then scan and analyze the vehicle’s diagnostic system.

4. When the scan is complete, the scanner will display an error message or a sequence of codes; write them down.

5. To assist you to find a solution, look up the meaning of each code in the OBD2 scanner manual. If you can’t find the answers to the code in the manual due to a lack of information, you can search the internet for a solution. Look for codes that are particular to your vehicle’s make and model.

Finally, immediately put the solution you discovered in the manual or on the internet into practice. One of your car’s components is generally to blame for the SRS light is on. As a result, the scanner provides accurate information about the component in question, allowing you to repair it with a simple reset. If you notice that the SRS/airbag light has been a problem in the past from the results of an MOT history checker, a simple reset may not be enough. Seek the assistance of a skilled car mechanic.

Typically, there is an issue with a component that connects to the SRS system that the scanner is unable to resolve immediately. As a consequence, before the SRS light would turn off, a mechanic would have to fix that specific component.

After using the OBD2 scanner to turn off the SRS light, it’s also a good idea to contact a car repair technician because the light may turn off temporarily while the actual problem remains. Even if you believe the problem has been resolved, disaster may still be waiting around the corner. As a consequence, rather than assuming that the scanner aided you in turning off the SRS light, you should check that the problem is fully fixed.
Final Thoughts

After reading this article, you may no longer need to question, “What does SRS mean in a car?” because relevant information has been supplied on the subject.

As a car owner, you should prioritize ensuring that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition before hitting the road.

As a consequence, if your car’s SRS light turns on and stays on for an extended period of time, get professional help to diagnose the problem and provide a solution before doing anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Is a warning light for SRS or airbags an MOT failure?

Yes, you’re right. When your vehicle’s SRS warning light comes on, it nearly usually indicates a failed MOT. MOT is the abbreviation for the Ministry of Transport. An MOT is an annual vehicle examination that determines the legal roadworthiness of the vehicle. They examine vehicles to ensure that they are safe and that emissions and environmental regulations are satisfied. The car’s engine light is also not to be ruled out.

Is it safe to drive with the SRS light illuminated?

Yes, you may drive with the SRS light on because it has no impact on your vehicle’s flawless performance. However, it is risky to do so. The Supplemental Restraint System is in charge of the airbag and automatic seatbelt restraint systems in the vehicle.

As a result, if you drive with the SRS light on, the car’s airbag may not deploy in the case of a collision, endangering your and your passengers’ lives.

Furthermore, you may be unable to submit an insurance claim if you are engaged in an accident since the car’s black box recorder, which is part of the SRS, is responsible for showing the data that your car’s airbag warning light has been on constantly. Regardless, you failed to notice and fix the sign before the incident.

As a result, driving with your car’s SRS light illuminated is reckless. If this happens to you, take your automobile to a competent technician to get it corrected.

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