Does the Airbag Light On Pass the Inspection?

Does the Airbag Light On Pass the Inspection?

When we talk about road safety, the mandatory periodic inspection (IPO) is the evaluation that ensures vehicles are in good working condition and safe to operate, in accordance with the law. Therefore, in Portugal, all vehicles must undergo their respective inspections by the date and month of their registration.

Although legislation may vary from country to country, among all the points analyzed, the warning light panel is one detail that does not go unnoticed. But what does the illuminated airbag warning light actually mean? And does it affect passing the inspection? Before we begin, find out more about what the icons and colors of warning lights on the dashboard mean.

In today’s article, we will answer all these questions related to the inspection. Additionally, learn what might be causing the illuminated light on the dashboard and how to resolve it before facing the IPO.

Does the illuminated airbag warning light pass the inspection?

The logical answer is no. If the airbag warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, it is considered a failure in the vehicle's safety system.

It is important to note that the airbag is an essential component of the car’s passive safety system, designed to protect all occupants in the event of an accident. Since its functionality is crucial to meet road safety requirements, proper operation is imperative.

During the inspection, technicians check the instrument panel and, upon starting the vehicle, analyze whether the warning lights behave as expected.

Therefore, if the airbag warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, it will result in a failure in the IPO.

What is the normal behavior of the airbag warning light?

The airbag warning light should briefly illuminate when the ignition is turned on and turn off within a few seconds, indicating that the system has been tested and is functioning properly. If it remains illuminated or fails to turn on at all, it will be interpreted as a system issue, which results in a failed inspection.

What does the illuminated airbag warning light mean?

As we have seen, when the airbag warning light remains illuminated on the car's dashboard, it indicates that something in the safety system is not functioning correctly. It could be a simple issue, such as a sensor malfunction, or something more serious that compromises the airbags’ activation in the event of an accident—such as a break in the airbag ribbon. The key takeaway is that regardless of the cause, it signals that the system requires attention.

In our article Airbag Warning Light On? Discover the Causes and How to Fix It, we provide an overview of the possible causes and what to do when the airbag warning light turns on.

How to fix the airbag warning light issue before the inspection?

If the airbag warning light is on, it is essential to resolve the issue before taking the car for inspection. Ignoring this signal can not only result in failing the inspection but also put your safety at risk in the event of an accident.

Indeed, this warning can indicate different problems, some of which may be easy to identify, while others may not. Therefore, the best course of action is to seek the assistance of a specialized technician who will perform a detailed evaluation to identify the exact cause.

In the article Airbag Repair: What Role Do Airbag Cables Play?, we delve into the details of how this evaluation is performed and the steps involved in repairing the system.

At Nova Luz, we offer airbag system evaluations, repairs, and quick airbag cable replacements in the presence of the customer. Visit our online store to find a selection of the best airbag cables for over 40 car brands.

Rely on a team of excellence, with numerous airbag cable models in stock. If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment at our warehouse in Vialonga.

If you need help or advice, do not hesitate to contact us.

Our team of specialists will be delighted to assist you.

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