Airbag light coming on

[SuzCruz]

Recently my airbag light has been coming on. It comes on and stays on sometimes, other times it will go on and off with the accompanying dings. I am bracing myself each time I get behind the wheel in fear of airbag deployment. I am probably small enough to be decapitated. If anyone could help I would be eternally grateful. Took my car in for warranty work today only to discover warranty expired 2 days ago. Chrysler refuses to do any outside of warranty work because it is a "grey market" vehicle. Thanks.

[Sci-Fi]

Believe the airbag warning light tells you one of the airbag(s) has a fault in it and may not deploy in an accident. The PCM runs a diagnostic check and keeps track of all the systems. Take it into the dealers to have them repair/replace the faulty parts or it may simply be a loose connector. It's not something you can fix yourself, you may inadvertently set off the airbag if you start playing around with the airbag connections (it has to be discharged first). Maybe MX5 can explain it better and in more detail.

[MX-5]

If the light is on, the airbag WILL NOT deploy in a crash.

There are many sensors, wiring, and control modules in the SRS system.
There will be diagnostic codes in the module memory, even if the light is off.

Any competent tech can repair your fault. You don't have to go to a dealership.

[IRPT]

SuzCruz, welcome to the forum.

[quicksilverdon]

The term "grey market" to me means a car that was built to standards for another country, then brought to the US. I believe they are given a period of time to prove compliance with US safety and emissions laws. Is that the case? If not, I don't know what your dealer's problem is, and I'd go elsewhere.
I gather from MX-5's post that the airbag won't go off accidentally, but it also won't go off when it's needed.

[CJJ]

I've had this happen on several of my cars. It's probably the hair spring in the steering column. This is the device that makes the electrical connection between the rotating part of the steering wheel hub and the steering column. When it goes bad you start getting the airbag light since it isn't making the connection and setting off the warning. Usually cost about $200 to replace.

[bigslim]

Just had this same problem fixed on my Marauder. Dealer found a faulty switch under the passenger seat.

[PTConnie]

If anyone finds out about the airbag light, let me know. I've had my cruiser for two months, and all of a sudden, the light comes on, and ding ding..... goes off for 20 seconds, and goes on again. It's weird, but it only happens when someone is in the passenger seat.

[slartyblarfast]

How is it that the dealer calls your car a "grey market" vehicle? That term is usually applied to cars that are imported from out of the country and then brought up to US crash and emission standards. Unless your car was imported from out of the country..... I would have a little chat with the dealer about this. Especially if your only 2 days out of warranty! Hmmmmm......

[tpscruiser]

I would have the dealer look up the email that has been talked about elsewhere on these forums, Warranty Bulletin D-07-29 , This email sounds like Chrysler wants to eliminate any Gray areas and keep the customer happy and hopfully come back and buy another Chrysler product in the future.