Air bag light is on after turning the key off

Hi all, I noticed yesterday when I shut my truck off, the airbag light was still on. This is the first time this has ever happened. After a few minutes it slowly faded away to black. Today when I got to work I noticed it was on again after I shut it off, when I went out to lunch it was still illuminated when I went to start the truck. After the truck starts up the air bag does its self check and the light goes off like normal. I turn the truck off, it goes blank then a few seconds fades back on. I cycled the key a few times and sometimes it dim and other times it's full brightness.

I tried to check through search but there's not alot of results that specifically state the light is on when the truck is off. There seems to be a few but they had other issues like horn not working / cruise control.

One person mentioned that their car charger could have been causing the issue. I unplugged mine but the light still persists.

Does anyone have any ideas what could be the cause? My battery is probably 4 or 5 years old but still cranks fine. I'll get it checked today, but even if it was bad I couldn't see how that would result in power leeching to the air bag light.

My truck is a 2.7 1997

 

You checked the SRS system for codes?... Also take a look at this
SRS Air Bag Light Flickering On Solved
Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by cbhunt, Dec 20, 2021.

 

I don't have a scan tool that can do it, unless you know of an emulator that might work? I have a Ross-tech obdii cable that I've used for vw, Idk if it would work in another program, connected to a Toyota.

I wanted to assume there wouls be no faults, since under normal conditions the the light power cycles and goes off like normal after the self test.

 

The SRS system on the 1st gens doesn't talk to the OBDII system. The FSM for your year truck will detail out how to pull codes. This video explains and demo's the process: https://youtu.be/dGQtEDfnATM

 

On my way home today the air bag didn't complete the self check and the light stays on bright. Cycling the key a few times and it just remains solid. Starting to think it might be the air bag module. It's been rainy and humid the past few days. Wondering if some moisture got to it.

 

I know there have been a few members who send their SRS module off for servicing with good results. That may have been in that thread linked above. But it is an option. I would try pulling the codes, and then make a decision from there. You don't want to spend the money on the module if some other sensor is an issue. It's more logical that a sensor got wet than the module.

 

The video you posted looks like it's for abs. Would it be a different set of pins to pull codes for SRS?

 

You are right! My mistake. However, the process is similar. You need an FSM for YOUR YEAR truck. I only have the 2003 version.

 

I ended up finding the service manual, it said to jump the pins at the diag port under the hood. I jumped them and cruise flashes as it should, airbag light is steady on. manual says to check the voltage of the diag pins, as long as they're between 10 and 16v the circuit for the light is good. it was at 13. I do not get any blink codes, the light just stays constantly on.



I don't understand this diagram though. this is the connector to the airbag module, where does the crash sensor come into play? alot of people say to check the sensors, but i couldn't find them, or atleast even find how they connect to the module.



I ended up pulling the module out and the light went away. for now i can atleast get to work and not have to worry about my battery draining ( i think)

i'm going to run the diag on the assembly connector tomorrow, i have to read about it some more but depending on the resistance of some if the pins i'm starting to think the module might have went bad.

 

I wanted to disable my whole air bag system.....
......there were other threads that did this by pulling that module....
they indicated it would set off and keep the warning light on even after the key was out....
there by slowing running down the battery.......which seems to be opposite what you experienced....

Would love to disable my 26yr old widow makers.....but didnt want a dead battery.....

 

I drove to work today without any issues. No air bag light, no sudden deployment. I would think with the module removed, there's no possible way for the air bags to fire off.



I ended up taking my module apart last night expecting to find a blown capacitor or some kind of damage to the board. But to me everything looks flawless. If there is someone who is more educated in electronics I can send some pictures of the insides when I get home.