How to Reset an Airbag Module

  • Written by Sage C.
    on Jun 16, 2010
    To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
    Reviewed by
    H.R. Helm
    on Feb 07, 2020
Lead Image
  • 2-4 hours
    •
  • Advanced
    •
  • 1,000-1,500
What You'll Need
Service manual
Number of a professional
New airbags
An airbag module is something that you may find yourself needing to reset. The airbag is by far the safest feature that is on your vehicle. The module is basically the brains of your vehicle’s air bag system. If it is not in top working condition then this could create issues with deployment.
Materials Needed:
Owner’s Manual
Number of Professional
New Airbags
Step 1 – Determine Issue
You may find that all that you need to do is replace the airbags in your vehicle. The owner’s manual will tell you where all of the airbags in your car are located and will also tell you how to get to them. Once you have replaced the airbags check to see if the airbag module light is still flashing. If it is, then the module will have to be reset.
Step 2 – Remove Module
The module itself will need to be removed from the vehicle. The module is usually below one of the two front seats of your vehicle. Refer to the owner’s manual for exact locations.
Step 3 – Send Off
The module will need to be sent off so that it can be reprogrammed. This process will usually take up to ten business days depending on where it is sent.

An airbag module is something that you may find yourself needing to reset. The airbag is by far the safest feature on your vehicle. The module is basically the brains of your vehicle’s air bag system. If it is not in top working condition it could create issues with deployment.

Step 1 – Determine Issue

You may find that all that you need to do is replace the airbags in your vehicle. The service manual will tell you where all of the airbags in your car are located and will also tell you how to get to them. Once you have replaced the airbags, check to see if the airbag module light is still flashing. If it is, the module will have to be reset.

Step 2 – Remove Module

The module itself will need to be removed from the vehicle. The module is usually below one of the two front seats. Refer to the service manual for exact locations.

Step 3 – Send off

The module will need to be sent off so that it can be reprogrammed. This process will usually take up to ten business days, depending on where it is sent.