Kia Picanto Air Bag Light

[fiftyplusfive]

I own a Kia Picanto (2011), for approximately 3 years the airbag light has been permanently on. Every year it has gone for its MOT and the mechanic has said oh that's nothing and passed the car. However took it yesterday and the garage has changed hands, the new "mechanic" had a computer box of some description and failed the car because the light wouldn't go off. He didn't seem certain of how to work the diagnostic box. Can anyone suggest how I can fix it? Is it anything to worry about? or should I just take it to another garage?

[spathiphyllum]

It would be something i'd rather look into than not.

[bhg481]

The airbag warning lights are part of the MoT, so I'm amazed your car passed with the light on in previous years.
Whilst I dread the MoT throwing up expensive repairs I would be wary of using a garage that passed my car with obvious faults; the test is largely there for your safety at the end of the day.

[Buenchico]

The airbag warning light indicates that the airbag might not deploy if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

MOT test rule 7.1.5 states that "an airbag obviously inoperative" is classed as a 'major' fault and therefore an MOT failure.

Further rule 7.1.6 states that a supplementary restraint system (SIL) malfunction indicator light (MIL) being on is also a 'major' fault and thus, once again, a reason for the vehicle to fail the test.

Irrespective of that though, why would anyone want to drive a vehicle that's got an inoperative safety feature. Get it fixed!

[Note: If the car was involved in a minor bump, which might have been nothing more than bumping it over a kerb to park on a verge, it could have triggered the first stage of the airbag's deployment system but without actually inflating it. That's all that's needed to get the warning light to come on. If that's the case, resetting it should be a simple job].

[fiftyplusfive]

Thank you for all your answers. I know I may sound naive but when I take the car to a reputable garage,been trading decades not weeks, and the mechanic tells me its nothing to worry about I believe him. However car is now booked into Kia franchise so we will see.

[_mybekke]

How did you get on with this issue? Mine has come on today and won't go off! I took it round to Kia at lunch and they said it will be £103 P/H to have a diagnostic.