Questions and Answers

Lexus Airbag Light Q. After 92,000 miles and 8½ years, my Lexus Airbag light stays on longer than it used to when starting. Would that be a leak maybe, or some other part that may need to be replaced? Is it expensive? Paul

A. There is nothing about how long the light stays on and I don't know of anything that would make it stay on longer than normal. And there is nothing to leak out or anything similar. When the sensors close, signaling a crash, electrical current flows to the air bag inflator. Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal energy (heat), causing the ignition of the inflator gas generant. This ignition reaction combusts the sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag.

But just for giggles you can call put the SRS system into self-diagnostic mode and see if any codes are stored. You do that by turning ignition switch ON - OFF (ON: wait 20 secs., OFF: wait 20 secs.) five times and checking the diagnostic trouble code. If no code flashes, then there is nothing wrong.