Ever read that auto crashes are responsible for most deaths of infants between ages 1 and 13? Alarming is that the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) blames the cause of the failure to use the safety restraint system or the SRS malfunction. That means these are avoidable if not all.
The records of fatal auto crashes do not exclude adults, as the number of safety fatalities, among others, has increased over the years, involving children and adults. There’s one solution to this problem, among others – fix your car’s service safety restraint system issue.
The SRS warning light conveys a vital message that you must not ignore. Let’s see what the service safety restraint system means and how to rectify the problem.
What does service SRS mean?
Service SRS (safety restraint system) warning signal means there’s a malfunction in the safety restraint system (pretensioner of the seat belt or the airbag) of a car.
The warning signal indicates two issues with the SRS. Firstly, the seat belt pretensioner or air bag may not engage during an auto crash. Secondly, the two aforementioned components may trigger unintentionally, even in the absence of a crash. These two situations are typically bad news.
Sometimes, auto crashes can leave slight injuries even with the operation of the safety restraint system. Imagine a crash without the airbag release or the seat belt pre-tensioners operation. This will eventually result in a fatal accident.
Automobile manufacturers have continued to improve their product lines with several safety features and warning signals that inform a driver about an imminent accident. For example, the goal of the service safety restraint system in a 2021 Escalade is to reduce the rate of crashes to the barest minimum.
Meanwhile, if you drive a Yukon, the service safety restraint system in a 2021 Yukon is one of the signals that indicate a compromise in the seat belt pretensioner and the airbag in the car.
Read Also: Service Airbag Light – Meaning, Diagnosis, and Fixes
Why does my car say service safety restraint system?
Although the service safety restraint system warning message is linked to a malfunctioning seat belt pretensioner or airbag, these issues are only a reflector of the real problem.
So, if you’re wondering why your car says service safety restraint system, one or more of the issues outlined below may be responsible.
Previous auto crash
One of the common reasons for the GMC service safety restraint system warning signal is a previous crash.
Even though you may have fixed the damaged components after the accident, a slight connection issue may trigger the light. Sometimes, the airbag and seat belt sensors may be intact, yet the light illuminates, merely causing confusion.
Defective SRS computer
Electrical components are not immune to faults that result from aging, excessive vibrations, corrosion, etc. Hence, the service SRS warning signal may be triggered after using your car for a long time. Remember that virtually nothing lasts forever.
Dead SRS backup battery
A dead or faulty SRS backup battery is another culprit to the warning light. The SRS operates with a backup battery that works at all times, especially when the car is off. This enables the system to retain data. This battery is subject to exhaustion over time. This may trigger the service safety restraint system in a Chevy Cruze.
Faulty passenger seat occupancy sensor
The passenger seat in most modern cars is fitted with a sensor that notifies the computer system when someone occupies the position. This sensor works in synergy with the SRS.
Therefore, any malfunction within the passenger seat sensor will automatically trigger the SRS warning signal.
Defective seat belt latch
The latches that hold the driver’s and passenger’s seat belts in place are designed with a sensor that indicates whether the buckles fuse in perfectly or not. Sometimes, if anything gets in the way of the buckle, this may release the service safety restraint system in a Cadillac Escalade and other cars alike.
Read: Service Trailer Brake System – Meaning & Error Reset
How do I reset my safety restraint?
The foremost remedy for a sudden SRS warning light is a quick reset of the system. This can help to quickly rectify the service safety restraint system in a GMC Acadia, Cadillac, Silverado, and any.
The reset process is relatively easy compared to fixing some other problems within the safety restraint system. In order to reset your car’s safety restraint, do the following:
Option 1: Engage reset with the ignition switch
This procedure is designed to help reset the service safety restraint system in a Toyota RAV4. Although, it can also be applicable in a wide range of vehicles irrespective of the different makes and models.
Nevertheless, ensure to contact a professional auto mechanic or your manufacturer’s manual to find out which procedure is best for your car if this approach doesn’t work perfectly for you.
- Insert your vehicle’s key into the ignition switch.
- Turn the key to “the ignition – ON” position.
- Observe the SRS light as it goes up for 7 seconds and returns off.
- Turn the key to the “ignition – OFF” position.
- Allow the system for about 3 seconds.
- Repeat the steps above (from 2 –5)
- Finally, start the car’s engine.
Option 2: Delete service SRS code
- Get an OBD II scanner with the SRS reset feature.
- Plug in the scanner’s cord into the OBD II port beneath the dashboard at the driver’s side.
- Scan for the service SRS problem code.
- Delete the code from the computer system.
Read: What Does Service Brake Assist Mean & How to Fix It?
How do I fix the service safety restraint system?
The service safety restraint system reset options above may not completely rectify the actual cause of the SRS problem.
If the cause of the service SRS warning signal is a defective seat belt latch, a bad SRS computer system, or a dead SRS backup battery, you have a more serious issue to deal with.
So, if you see the service safety restraint system in a 2021 Acadia or any other car, irrespective of the brand and model, kindly ensure to diagnose the real cause of the warning signal. Once you determine the exact issue, replace the component immediately.
How much does it cost to fix a service safety restraint system?
Since the service SRS signal may involve the malfunction of one or more components within the system, fixing the problem may be relatively expensive. However, the cost of fixing a service safety restraint system issue is estimated at around $1,000 – $5,000.
The estimated cost covers parts and labor costs. Needless to explain, some of the factors that will most likely impact the cost include the vehicle type, the number of faulty parts, and the location of the auto technician.
Final Words
Like every other safety alert, do not joke with the service safety restraint system warning signal in your car. Neglecting this important signal is at your peril. Its impact can be disastrous in the long run.
Therefore, ensure to trace the service safety restraint system in a 2022 Silverado and upgraded versions of any car brand to the root anytime you see the warning message. Resetting the system is okay, but replacing the faulty components (if any) is better.
To be safe, do not procrastinate whenever you have a safety problem to deal with, as delay can be dangerous.
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