How to Fix Your Land Rover’s Airbag Malfunction Light

One of the great perks of owning a modern car like your Land Rover is its advanced safety features. The airbag is one of these features that helps to ensure that you and other passengers in your Land Rover are protected in case of a collision or accident.
However, the airbag, like every other vehicle part could run into some problems and begin to malfunction. The airbag malfunction light is an indicator of a problem with your car's airbag system and you should not take this lightly if it comes on.
In this guide, we will provide useful information to help you fix the Airbag Malfunction Light once it comes on.
What Triggers the Airbag Malfunction Light in Your Land Rover
Before we move on to the triggers, let's discuss what the airbag system is and how it works. The airbag is a part of a vehicle's Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) and its role is to inflate once a vehicle gets into an accident so occupants of the car are cushioned against bad collisions. The Airbag Malfunction Light (AML) comes on in a car after a crash.
However, if this light comes up without a crash happening, then it means there is a problem and you need to fix it or the airbags won't work when you actually need it. This light can come up for various reasons:
- Faulty Sensors: The sensors are part of the SRS network and they help to notify the system of any crash or accident. However, if these sensors malfunction, the system could think a crash has happened and then trigger the light to come on even when there hasn't been any issues.
- Seat Belt Problems: Both the seatbelts and the airbags are part of the supplementary restraint system and they work hand in hand. Hence, if your Land Rover’s seat belts get faulty, it could cause the system to assume a fault with the airbags too and this can trigger the airbag malfunction light.
- Water/Moisture in the Airbag: Another reason why the Airbag could get faulty and trigger the Airbag Malfunction Light to come on is if moisture or water gets into the airbag modules. Water could damage the sensors or electrical wiring in the modules, leading to a failure in the Airbag system and triggering the malfunction light to come on.
What Can You Do to Fix the Airbag Malfunction Light?
Here are some steps you can take to fix your Land Rover’s airbag malfunction light.
- Reset the System: You can reset the airbag system if the airbag malfunction light is on due to a sensor malfunction. You should turn off your ignition, wait a few seconds and turn your car back on. This will reset the system and the light will go off.
- Identify the Cause of the Problem: If resetting the system does not work, then it means that the light is on due to another reason other than a sensor malfunction. You need to understand why the light is on before you can find a solution. You can use an OBD II scanner to identify the exact cause of the issue. Just plug the diagnostic link connector (DCC) to its port under the steering wheel and you will have all the information you need.
- Remove Heavy Item from Front Seat: If you have a load in your Land Rover's Passengers seat, then removing the load could solve your Airbag Malfunction problem. Most modern cars have a front passenger occupant classification system and if the load in your front seat does not match the information in this system, it could trigger the light to come on. In this case, all you have to do is use the seatbelt in that seat or remove the load, and you are good.
- Seek Professional Help: If any of the above options does not work, then you may need to contact a professional mechanic to help you diagnose and fix the problem. You should not attempt to repair any part of your airbag system by yourself.
European Auto Repair Solutions in Humble for Your Land Rover
If your Land Rover’s airbag malfunction light remains on even after you have tried everything possible, then it's time to let a professional have a look at your car.
Motorwerks Auto Group is a leading Automobile specialists shop in Humble, TX. We understand your love for your luxury vehicle, and we will treat your car with the same level of care and affection you treat it.
Our team of dedicated and ASE-certified technicians have all the necessary skills and equipment to handle various issues with European car models. You can trust that your Land Rover is in safe hands with us.