How to Reset Airbag Module: MyAirbags Guides

  • Is your airbag light on?

  • Have your airbags deployed?

  • Do diagnostic tools read “crash data stored?”

  • Did your dealership tell you that you have a bad module?

Airbag Module Reset Service

Vehicles rebuilt after a collision that forced an airbag deployment often need to be reset after repair. Unfortunately resetting the srs airbag module is an often overlooked aspect when repairing a vehicle after a crash, and that may cause other issues like an airbag light turning. At MyAirbags we reset and repair airbag modules of all kinds. We also We reset all fault codes, which means that after you receive your repaired module from us, you will not have to take it to the dealership for additional programming.

All airbag control modules can be reset and reprogrammed, except modules that were damaged by a flood, fire, or some other kind of damage that impacted the hardware.

Airbag control modules store hard and soft codes caused by accidents. Even after small accidents, fault codes will be stored in the module which will turn on the airbag light. We reset and clear all of these crash codes inside the computer module in order to turn off the airbag light.

Airbag Module Reset & Return (Like New, Only Better)

One of the biggest benefits of letting MyAirbags repair your airbag module is that you will not need to have the module coded to your vehicle VIN since it is original and came out of your vehicle. This will save you additional time and money!


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Airbag Control Modules Have Many Common Names.

They are sometimes referred to as:

  • Airbag Module
  • Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) Module
  • Airbag ECU (Electronic Crash Unit)
  • Airbag Control Module (ACM)
  • Restraint Control Module (RCM)
  • Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM)
  • SRS Control Module (SRSCM)
  • Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
  • SAS Unit (Sophisticated Airbag Sensor) Module
  • Event Data Recorder (EDR)

The SRS airbag control module must be reset if your vehicle was in an accident and the airbag light is on. If the SRS light is on but your vehicle was not in an accident, there are a variety of reasons why this may have happened, you will need to have a diagnostic tool scan it for codes to see what the problem is. You can be dealing with a faulty airbag module, and we can only reset your airbag control module if vehicle was in an accident.

Top 5 Questions and Comments About Airbag Lights:

1. Why Is My Airbag Light On?

Common causes:

  • The light randomly came on
  • My vehicle was in an accident

Accidents cause the airbag light to turn on and an accident will also cause the module to store “crash codes” (hard and soft codes) that require code clearing.

MyAirbags is committed to helping you reset your airbag module and seat belts. We provide a reset and return service to repair airbag control modules. This service requires you to remove and send your module to us for reset.

When we receive your airbag module, we reset ALL fault codes. After we return it, you will not have to take it to the dealer for programming.

If your vehicle was in an accident, we recommend that you send your original module to us for reset. This will save you hundreds of dollars and will help you avoid an unnecessary trip to the dealer for re-coding.

If your vehicle has NOT been involved in an accident, but the airbag light is on, please read this article.

2. Why Did the Airbag Light Randomly Turn On One Day?

If the airbag light in your vehicle turned on randomly, there may be an issue with the airbag system computer. There may also be connection issues between components or faulty components within the airbag system, including faulty:
  • seat belts
  • airbags
  • impact sensors (this issue will appear when the module is scanned)

In order to fix this problem, one or more of these faulty components may need to be replaced. In this particular situation, we recommend you watch the accompanying tips and tech video and have your module scanned by a body shop technician before mailing your airbag module to us.

After watching this video and having a body shop tech scan your module, you may discover that there is a fault in the airbag module. If that is the case, send the airbag module to our facility. Our IPC-certified repair technicians will quickly restore your airbag module to its original factory settings and get you back on the road fast!

Once we return your module to you, you must follow these critically important steps:

  • The repaired module MUST GO BACK INTO THE SAME VEHICLE FROM WHICH IT WAS TAKEN.
    • Airbag modules are matched to a specific car, like an address.
      • Each airbag module is matched with all or part of the vehicle’s VIN. Unmatched modules will usually cause the airbag light to illuminate.
  • Complete all other repairs first.
  • Install ALL airbag SRS components (except the module itself) and reconnect them properly. SRS installation components include:
    • Airbags, all seat belts, the clock spring, impact sensors, and fuses.
  • Disconnect your vehicle’s battery prior to reconnecting your module.
    • IMPORTANT: Failure to follow this step usually results in permanent damage to the airbag module.
  • Once the battery is disconnected, reinstall your module and securely tighten the bolts.
    • “Securely” is defined here as completely fastened, i.e. bolts are tightened with the use of proper tools — wrench, ratchet wrench, or torque wrench
      • “Finger-tight” is NOT good enough.
      • IMPORTANT: Failure to tighten the SRS module securely will result in faults and will likely cause the airbag light to turn on.
  • Connect the wiring harness plugs to the airbag module and reconnect the battery.

3. Should I Have My Airbag Module Reset or Should I Buy a Used Module?

The certified technicians at MyAirbags recommend resetting your vehicle’s airbag module if the vehicle has been involved in an accident. Reset airbag modules eliminate the need for any additional programming, and, when properly installing the module back in your vehicle, the airbag light will turn off.

Your repaired and returned airbag modules are “factory reset” and as good as new. The module is free from all hard and soft codes.

If your airbag light is still on after reinstalling it back in the vehicle, there is most likely a problem with one of the connections or one of the following components are bad:

  • Airbags
  • Seat belts
  • Clock spring
  • Impact sensors. Stored soft codes will reveal this damage or fault to the impact sensor. One of our technicians will see this indication during the scan.

Ensure that all SRS components and connections are good. Also, ensure that all purchased components are not taken from a flooded vehicle.

In conclusion: If you still have an airbag light on after receiving your repair service from MyAirbags, and have properly followed the proper procedures for correct installation, then there are additional problems that only a body shop technician is capable of addressing.

If you were to buy a used airbag module, you may have many other problems to deal with. First, you don’t know if the module works at all, and you will have to install it and have it coded by the dealer before you can know if it works. Second, coding an airbag module can be expensive. Dealerships don’t like to provide a good price because they would rather you buy a new module. Third, you will spend a lot more time and money buying a used module than you would if you trusted MyAirbags to reset your existing module. Remember, our airbag module resets are just $49!

4. Does MyAirbags Sell Module Replacements?


MyAirbags does sell replacement airbag computer modules.

MyAirbags does sell replacement airbag computer modules. In order to locate the proper replacement module, refer to the part number that is on top of your module.

NOTE: All used or new airbag control modules require programming or configuration to the specific VIN of your vehicle.

You can quickly search for your replacement module in our database here: OEM SRS Airbag Modules Ready To Ship.

You can also call us about a replacement airbag computer module. If this is your preference, please have the original part number ready to give our customer service representatives. Once we have the original module part number, we will be able to quickly verify if we have the required replacement airbag computer module in stock.

5. What if I’ve Already Purchased a New or Used SRS Control Module Replacement?

We advise our customers to compare the part number of their replacement airbag computer module to their vehicle’s original module. If the part numbers do not match, it is unlikely that the airbag module will work in the vehicle.

It is important to remember that the airbag module must be for the exact same vehicle that it came from. For example, if the bad module is from a 2008 Honda Accord, the replacement must be for a 2008 Honda Accord. The airbag module part number from the original and the replacement must match. Even then, there is still a chance that the airbag light will turn on.

IMPORTANT: you must follow the correct steps, previously detailed above in the “Critically Important Steps” found in the section above. All other repair parts should be verified to ensure that they did not come from a flood-damaged vehicle. If you have done everything else successfully, the airbag module may need to be reprogrammed for the specific VIN of your car by that manufacturer’s dealership. It is for this reason that MyAirbags always recommends that customers send in the original modules from their vehicles for reset. Each module requires the VIN code for the VIN of the automobile it is in.

MyAirbags Tech Amy

Seat belt locked?

IMPORTANT: If your car has been in an accident, the seat belts usually lock up.
  • Locked seat belt pretensioners must be reset.
  • The airbag light will stay on if locked seat belt pretensioners (belts and buckles) are not reset.
  • MyAirbags can reset your locked seat belts.


Start Your Airbag Module Reset Order Today!

If you need your airbag module reset, or you have any other specific airbag repair needs, MyAirbags can help. We offer an impressive selection of quality parts, as well as highly effective repair services, easy shipping, and quick returns. Most orders have a 24-hour turnaround. This may change based on the model, and any repairs that will take longer than 24-hours are specifically detailed in the listing.

MyAirbags makes airbag module resets and repairs fast and easy. We do everything possible to minimize the cost of these services, answer your questions, and provide estimates and pricing over the phone, so feel free to contact us with questions or clarifications about any of the processes we have discussed on this page.

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