help! what does flashing SRS warning light mean?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,603
Likes: 1,402
From: Austin, TX
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 5
From: NY
For check engine error codes, it will work with all vehicles with OBD ports.(i.e all those after the later 1990s) Works fine on my 2001 and 2012 Mercedes cars.
For resetting SRS codes, it will *ONLY* work with Toyota, Lexus(including the RX300), Ford, GM, Chryslers vehicles on this list:
http://innova.com/Content/Support/Do..._App_Chart.pdf
I just cleared the flashing SRS light in my RX300 again and it has stayed off for a couple of weeks. Not sure why, but after I clear it, it usually comes back every FOUR months.
(cleared in 02/2014, came back 06/2014. Cleared it and it came back again 10/2014)
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: TX
The day finally came when I had to take my ’03 RX300 to a very reliable Lexus/Toyota shop because of the rare B1140 code. Thanksgiving night, I started the engine and the air bag light came on and blinked all the way home. Nothing unusual in the start, just a surprise.
My 2004 Toyota Camry had a similar air bag light. I took it to the dealer and the fix was to disconnect the battery, clean the cable contacts under the driver’s seat, reconnect the battery and all was well. This lasted about a year or so when it happened again. The dealer repeated the above steps and the problem was fixed again. It was a “freebie” in both cases even though the car was out of warranty. No trouble since. I thought I might be as lucky on the Lex.
I looked at the Lex and said “no way.” This is too critical for me. The shop computer diagnostic was the right side SRS sensor. They swapped sensors left to right to see if the problem moved to the driver’s door, but it didn’t. In the end, it was the SRS computer to the tune of $800 plus labor.
Considering that this was the only dealer repair I had in 10 years (118,000 miles), other than the timing belt, I don’t feel bad that it was beyond my diagnostic capabilities and was well worth the peace of mind.
Dr Dan
My 2004 Toyota Camry had a similar air bag light. I took it to the dealer and the fix was to disconnect the battery, clean the cable contacts under the driver’s seat, reconnect the battery and all was well. This lasted about a year or so when it happened again. The dealer repeated the above steps and the problem was fixed again. It was a “freebie” in both cases even though the car was out of warranty. No trouble since. I thought I might be as lucky on the Lex.
I looked at the Lex and said “no way.” This is too critical for me. The shop computer diagnostic was the right side SRS sensor. They swapped sensors left to right to see if the problem moved to the driver’s door, but it didn’t. In the end, it was the SRS computer to the tune of $800 plus labor.
Considering that this was the only dealer repair I had in 10 years (118,000 miles), other than the timing belt, I don’t feel bad that it was beyond my diagnostic capabilities and was well worth the peace of mind.
Dr Dan
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
From: Florida
I've had SRS light on for quite sometime now. I wanted to try cleaning the connectors under the seat but just couldn't find them (could someone post picture?).
Also heard it's dangerous, with the whole 90 seconds after battery disconnect(Airbags deploying any second lol).
Not many body/collision shops near me to go get light checked at; so I just ordered the OBD2 reader that has ABS. Will try it and let you guys know how it turns out.
Also heard it's dangerous, with the whole 90 seconds after battery disconnect(Airbags deploying any second lol).
Not many body/collision shops near me to go get light checked at; so I just ordered the OBD2 reader that has ABS. Will try it and let you guys know how it turns out.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,603
Likes: 1,402
From: Austin, TX
I have not come across any post indicating some one has a good knowledge to help you. My best guess is one of the sensors is giving marginal output [could be a bad connector too]. How can it be diagnosed without deploying a bag? You need good instrumentation and qualified technician. Keep in mind, that you can avoid being hurt by not being the vehicle, but the value fo the vehicle plummets once the bags are deployed.
The other solution would be keep clearing the code.
Salim
The other solution would be keep clearing the code.
Salim
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
From: Florida
THis is from the Owners Manual 1-3 Instruments and Controls
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned tot he “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags and front seat belt pretensioners are operating properly.The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sensors, side airbag sensors, front seatbelt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning light,interconnecting wiring and power sources.If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle.When the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, the light does not come on, remains or flashes. The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
Guess my issue is likely the seatbelt pretensioner. Gonna disconnect battery for 1hr+ before following the seatbelt wire to the wireharness connector. Just gonna unplug and reconnect, hoping it goes away.
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned tot he “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags and front seat belt pretensioners are operating properly.The SRS warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sensors, side airbag sensors, front seatbelt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning light,interconnecting wiring and power sources.If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle.When the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, the light does not come on, remains or flashes. The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger airbags fail. If the light flashes, the side airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners fail.
Guess my issue is likely the seatbelt pretensioner. Gonna disconnect battery for 1hr+ before following the seatbelt wire to the wireharness connector. Just gonna unplug and reconnect, hoping it goes away.
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Driver
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: South Carolina
RX300 Airbag Light still Flashing
It's actually quite easy with this tool..... takes less than 7 clicks and the SRS code is erased.
The tool allows SRS reset for most Lexus and Toyota vehicles... as well as some GM/Ford/Chrysler/Honda
$149 each, Link to Amazon.com: INNOVA 3150 Diagnostic Code Reader with ABS/SRS for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive
It's also available at my local Walmart store, but with sales tax.
The tool allows SRS reset for most Lexus and Toyota vehicles... as well as some GM/Ford/Chrysler/Honda
$149 each, Link to Amazon.com: INNOVA 3150 Diagnostic Code Reader with ABS/SRS for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive
It's also available at my local Walmart store, but with sales tax.
EJ Dossary, EE
Driver
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: South Carolina
I went to Autozone today with my RX300 Airbag light Flashing. Autozone told me that they do not have a DCR to read the code. I want also to PEP BOYS in my area. The one I visited told me they do not have a technician to reset the code. They are looking for one to hire. The suggested that I see another PEP BOYS store in a town near me that will reset the code for me. I will see if I can have Another Autozone or Pep Boys reset my code instead of buying the INNOVA 3150 DCR with ABS/SRS. I will report my findings.
Thanks to all participants.
EJDossary, EE
Thanks to all participants.
EJDossary, EE
Driver
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: South Carolina
Flashing SRS warning light indicates that the Airbag system is experience a malfunction with its sensors on your vehicle and will not deploy when needed during a collision. Invest in a DCR reader to pin point the troubled sensor(s). I will report my findings after I used my purchased INNOV 3150b this week.
EJDossary, EE
Driver
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: South Carolina
EJDossary, EE