Camry Forums - Toyota Camry Forum

Toyota Camry 1997-2001: Why is My Airbag Light On?

The airbag light coming on is a serious issue to address. But scary as it is, the problem may be as simple as a loose connection. Here are the possible reasons why your Camry's airbag light came on and what you can do to fix it.

By Brett Foote - July 22, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry 4th Generation (1997-2001).

The airbag light, much like a check engine light, warns you of a particular problem associated with the airbag, which means your supplemental restrain system (SRS) is damaged. Sometimes the light will come on and stay on, and other times it may randomly blink if you drive over a solid bump. Much like any light in your dash, the airbag light can be cleared if the warning is determined to be faulty. An airbag reset tool can be purchased for as little as $25 and might be a good investment in this case. Otherwise, the root cause of an airbag light can come from a variety of sources, each with their own unique quirks. Keep reading as this article will help you correct any potential problems.

Material Needed

  • Airbag reset tool (optional)
  • Code reader

Step 1 – Check for loose connections

If your airbag light turns on and off at random or if it flashes when you hit a bump, your problem could very well be a loose connection somewhere in the system. If your car has side airbags, check the connections under the seat to ensure they are plugged in securely. Also, check the connectors in the steering wheel and dash.

Figure 1. Check all airbag connectors to ensure they are securely plugged in.

If all connections are solid and intact, move on to the following step.

Step 2 – Check for a flashing airbag light

If your Camry's airbag light is flashing, SRS may have detected a problem while performing a self-check. This means that the airbag system will not activate in the event of an accident, which is a major concern that you should fix as soon as possible. To perform a diagnostic, you must either purchase a code reader or take the car to a dealer; your local auto shop should also provide you with your car's trouble codes free of charge. However, as retrieving the code is a simple and easy task, repairing the problem is more difficult. A professional will charge you anywhere from $50 to $300 for the diagnostic and between $600 to $1,000 for the repair depending on how extensive the problem is. Parts of the system that may have failed are the airbag sensors, wiring, seat belt pre-tensioners, or the airbags themselves.

If the trouble codes indicate multiple problems at fault, move on to the following step.

Step 3 – Check the clock spring

If your airbag light is on but your horn and cruise control don't work, the problem is likely a broken clock spring. A dealership will charge you around $300 to $350 to replace it, or you can find them online for around $30 online and replace it yourself. Be aware, however, that removing of the steering wheel is necessary and if done improperly, may cause serious injuries.

Figure 2. Camry airbag clock spring.

If the problem is not the clock spring, move on to the following step.

Step 4 – Check the airbag sensors

If your Camry's airbag light is coming on and going off in no particular fashion or pattern, you most likely have a bad airbag sensor(s). Depending on which sensor is bad, prices for each range between $35 to $100. A professional may charge upwards of $300 to $600 to replace them depending on which ones are bad and how many need to be replaced.

Figure 3. Camry's passenger's side airbag sensor.

Related Discussions