Expert: Douglas Gan - 7/31/2010

Question
Recently on my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT, the airbag light came on with the words 'service airbag.'  Is this something that I will have to take to the dealer? Or, are there certified mechanics that can repair this problem?

Answer
Hi Fred:
On most vehicles, the airbag light should come on for @6 seconds, and then go off if the system is working properly.  If there is a fault or a problem in the system, the light will remain illuminated, or flash continuously.  If the airbag light does not work properly, some vehicles have an audible tone that sounds indicating a problem with the airbag light system.  When the light is on (or the tone is sounding), the airbag will NOT deploy, even in an accident.  

Your vehicle will require a scan tool for the proper diagnosis (and not the one at Auto Zone---it needs to be airbag system specific, like a good body shop or the dealer).  Here's a site that will explain everything you need to know about airbag lights and resetting the system.   Once you know the code, you can may be able to repair it yourself.  There are fairly easy procedures that most people are capable of repairing.  
Airbagsolutions.com has the fault code charts to tell you what is wrong but you need the scan tool first!  Although it’s a pay site ($14.95/day), it’s a lot cheaper than going to the dealer.  

Some vehicle manufacturers accommodate systems without a scanner (like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, Honda, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda & Mercury).  Most all other vehicles require a scan tool for the diagnosis.  Here is a link to the list of vehicle and scanner requirements.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/scanlist.aspx

Check out these websites also for more info on airbag systems and the light.
Lastly, check your vehicle for recalls through this link.

http://www.airbagsolutions.com/
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/light.aspx
http://blog.airbagsolutions.com/archive/2007/11/18/why-is-my-airbag-light-on.wha...
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/nhtsa.aspx