The SRS light on your Honda Accord indicates a problem with the supplemental restraint system, which means the airbags may not deploy properly in a crash. Don’t ignore it; have it repaired as soon as possible.
As an ASE-certified technician who has worked on Honda Accords for over ten years, I’ve seen my fair share of SRS lights illuminate, indicating problems with the airbag system. At the same time, while it may appear to be a nuisance, the SRS warning light is critical, and ignoring it could be dangerous. In this blog, I’ll use my experience to explain what causes the SRS light, how to properly diagnose and repair the problem, and whether you can safely drive with it.
What Is The SRS System In A Honda Accord?
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) in Honda Accords controls the deployment of airbags and seat belt pretensioners in the event of a crash. It consists of:
- Driver and passenger front airbags
- Side airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Seat belt pretensioners
- Sensors that detect sudden deceleration
- A control module
When a crash occurs, sensors signal the SRS control module to inflate airbags and tighten seat belts to protect occupants rapidly.
What Does The SRS Light Mean?
The SRS light, which resembles a car airbag with the letters “SRS” written on it, indicates a problem with a component of the supplemental restraint system.
This light will briefly illuminate and then turn off when you first start your Honda Accord. If it stays on or comes on while driving, it indicates that there is a problem with the system that must be diagnosed and repaired.
Here’s a quick rundown of what the SRS light signals:
- On solid: The SRS system has detected a problem and has deactivated the airbags and pretensioners to avoid accidental deployment. This could make the airbags ineffective in a crash.
- Blinking: The SRS system has a temporary fault that may correct itself and turn the light off. If it stays blinking, there is still an issue that needs repair.
- Comes on after a crash: The airbags and pretensioners have properly deployed. The SRS components will need to be replaced.
- Flashes repeatedly when the ignition is turned on: The SRS system is faulting continuously and needs diagnosis.
This important light should never be ignored – continuing to drive with it on means you could be without airbag protection in a collision.
What Causes The SRS Light To Come On?
There are a number of things that can trigger the SRS light in your Honda Accord:
- Faulty Clock Spring
- Loose Connections
- Bad Sensors
- Airbag System Defects
- Pretensioner Fault
- Weak Battery
- After a Crash
- Recalled Parts Installed
Faulty Clock Spring
The clock spring makes the electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering column. If it’s damaged, it can cause an open or short circuit that turns on the SRS light.
Loose Connections
Vibration while driving can loosen the connections to SRS components like sensors and airbag modules. The SRS light will come on if a loose connection is detected.
Bad Sensors
Faulty crash sensors or a malfunctioning seat occupancy sensor can cause the SRS light to activate.
Airbag System Defects
Any problem with the airbags themselves or the accompanying wiring and connectors can turn on the warning light. Defective airbag control modules are a common issue.
Pretensioner Fault
An issue with the pretensioners in the seat belts will trigger the SRS light.
Weak Battery
If the battery voltage drops too low, it can cause SRS faults and turn the light on.
After a Crash
A collision that deploys the airbags or pretensioners will turn on the SRS light. It signifies the SRS components need to be replaced.
Recalled Parts Installed
Installing recalled Takata airbags, which may explode in a crash, can activate the warning light in affected Honda models.
How Do You Fix The SRS Light In A Honda Accord?
Repairing the SRS light involves pinpointing the fault through diagnosis, fixing the problem, and then resetting the light.
Here is the basic process I use to repair this issue in Honda Accords:
- Diagnose the Codes
- Inspect SRS Components
- Make Necessary Repairs
- Reset the SRS Light
- Verify that the Light Stays Off
Diagnose the Codes
I connect a professional scan tool and access the SRS system to pull any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that point to the source of the problem. Honda SRS systems require a higher-end scan tool; basic code readers cannot access these codes.
Inspect SRS Components
I inspect the SRS components like the control module, crash sensors, clock spring, wiring, connectors, airbags, and pretensioners for any visible damage. I test components like the seat occupancy sensors as well.
Make Necessary Repairs
If a particular SRS component is faulty, I replace it to restore normal system operation. I only use genuine Honda replacement parts from the dealer.
Reset the SRS Light
Once repairs are complete, I use the scan tool to erase SRS codes and reset the warning light. This turns the light off so it can start fresh once the ignition is cycled.
Verify that the Light Stays Off
Finally, I test drive the car, cycle the ignition a few times, and verify the SRS light stays off. This ensures it is fixed for good before returning the car to the owner.
Resetting the light without actually fixing the underlying problem will likely result in the light coming back on. The entire process of professional diagnosis, repair, and reset is needed to get that SRS indicator working correctly again.
Is It Safe To Drive With The SRS Light On?
I strongly advise against driving for an extended period of time with your Honda Accord’s SRS warning light illuminated. Driving with this light illuminated means that your airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in the event of a collision, removing vital protection for you and your passengers.
You should take your car to a skilled mechanic, such as one certified by ASE, right away to have the problem properly diagnosed and repaired. I understand that getting it fixed right away can be inconvenient, but ignoring this light risks serious injury in the event of an accident.
However, as long as you exercise extreme caution, a short 10-15 minute drive to an auto repair shop after the light first illuminates is generally safe. However, the SRS system
What Causes The SRS Light To Stay On?
There are a few common causes for the SRS light to remain illuminated in a Honda. A continuous SRS light can be caused by faulty crash sensors that provide inaccurate readings, loose or damaged wiring connectors, faulty control modules, and clock spring failures.
Airbag problems, such as ripped bags or depleted chemical propellants, will also keep the light illuminated. Even low battery voltage and the installation of recalled Takata airbags can cause the SRS indicator to illuminate.
The specific cause of the light must be identified using stored trouble codes and scan tool data. To permanently turn off the light, the problematic component must be replaced.
How Do I Get Rid Of SRS Light?
To permanently remove an SRS light, you must first resolve the underlying issue. Begin by scanning for diagnostic trouble codes with a sophisticated scan tool capable of accessing Honda’s SRS system.
The codes point to the source, which could be a faulty sensor or control module. Examine SRS components for damage and test as needed. Replace any worn or damaged parts with new Honda OEM components. Once the problem has been resolved, use the scan tool to clear the SRS codes and reset the light.
Before considering it repaired, test drive it and ensure it remains turned off. Turning off the light without addressing the underlying issue will almost certainly result in it turning back on.
How Do You Remove The SRS Light On A Honda?
The SRS light on Hondas can only be properly removed after the system has been serviced. To begin, identify the specific problem by scanning codes and testing components. SRS parts that are damaged or faulty should be replaced with new Honda parts. When the repairs are finished, use a professional scan tool to erase the airbag codes and reset the SRS light.
This should remove the light. However, before releasing the vehicle to the customer, it is critical to test drive it and ensure that the light remains off. The light can only be permanently removed if the underlying fault is repaired rather than simply reset.
Conclusion
The SRS light in your Honda Accord is critical; when it illuminates, it indicates that there is a problem with the supplemental restraint system that requires immediate attention. Driving for an extended period of time with the SRS light illuminated disables the vital crash protection provided by your airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
Ignoring this warning light puts you at risk of serious injury in the event of a collision. As soon as you notice the SRS indicator illuminate, have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician before returning to normal driving. While a quick trip to the repair shop is generally safe, this system is far too important to postpone for long.
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