What the Airbag Light On a Dodge Journey Means

The Dodge Journey airbag light turns on to warn you about a fault in the airbag system. Get it checked out sooner rather than later.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Pat Roache
Is the airbag warning light on your Dodge Journey illuminating? There could be a possible failure with the vehicle’s supplemental restraint system—which includes the airbag system. If this light turns on, take your SUV to a mechanic as quickly as possible.
When the airbag warning light flashes in your Dodge Journey, drivers need to know what it means, its potential causes, and how to reset it. Even if you’re not a
car repair
expert, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Dodge Journey airbag light. 

What does the airbag light mean on a Dodge Journey?

Whenever the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN position, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) scans your Journey for potential issues in all systems, including the airbag system. As part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), the
airbag indicator light
will turn on or light up on your instrument panel if a problem is detected. This warning light looks like a passenger buckled in with a round shape in front of them that symbolizes the airbag. 
There are many reasons why the airbag warning light in your Dodge Journey may have been triggered. Common causes include: 
  • Defective sensors: Seat sensors let the airbag system know when the driver and front passenger seats are occupied, while crash sensors let your
    airbag control module
    know when to deploy the front and side airbags. If these
    sensors
    become faulty, the airbag light will illuminate. 
  • Drained airbag backup battery: If your
    Dodge car battery
    starts to drain, the airbag backup battery will start to power your SUV instead. This may cause your airbag light to turn on.
  • Failed airbag module: When the airbag control module gets damaged, it can short out and cause the system to fail, triggering the airbag warning light. If you’re not sure where your airbag model is located in your Dodge Journey, check your
    car owner’s manual
    .
  • Faulty airbag clock spring: The airbag clock spring connects your Journey’s steering wheel controls, horn, and airbag to the rest of the vehicle. Like other springs in your SUV, it wears out over time, causing the airbag light to blink. 
  • Wiring issues: Wires connect your airbag sensors to the control module within the airbag system. If these wires become loose or damaged, the airbag warning light will start to flash.   
These are just a few causes as to why your airbag warning light has turned on. If you can’t figure out why this warning light is blinking and resetting it doesn’t work, you should t
ake your car to a mechanic
to uncover what the underlying problem may be. 
If you have an OBD-II scan tool on hand, you can also
check for car OBD codes
dealing with the airbag system.
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What you need to know about the 2011-2015 Dodge Journey airbag recall

In 2017, Chrysler issued a formal recall for certain Dodge Journey SUVs from 2011 to 2015. According to the recall, the driver’s frontal airbag may unexpectedly deploy due to the chaffing of the airbag wiring harness within the steering wheel and short circuits. The unexpected deployment of the driver’s frontal airbag could increase the risk of an accident. 
If you drive a Dodge Journey from model years 2011 to 2015 and haven’t had your frontal airbag inspected, this may be the reason your airbag warning light is flashing. You should take your SUV to your local Dodge dealership immediately for an inspection. A certified Dodge technician will replace this vital part, if necessary, and a protective cover will also be installed. 

How to reset the airbag warning light on a Dodge Journey 

In some circumstances, you may need to reset the system to resolve the issue with your Dodge Journey airbag warning light. To reset the system, follow these simple instructions:
  • Turn the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine
  • Wait for the airbag light to turn on. When it does, turn the ignition off before the light turns on again and wait about three seconds. 
  • Repeat these steps two more times. 
  • Start the engine once more. The airbag light should come on for about seven seconds before it shuts off for good (or until the next time you have an airbag issue). 
After you’ve followed these steps, the airbag warning light should turn off. If it is still illuminated, try repeating the process once more. If the light doesn’t go away after several failed attempts, then you may need to take your Journey to an authorized dealership for further diagnostics. 
MORE: Dodge reset indicator lights

Is it OK to drive with the Dodge Journey airbag light on? 

Technically, you can operate a Dodge Journey as you normally would even when the airbag warning light is on—but that doesn’t mean you should. Why? Because it’s not safe to drive for long durations when this warning light is on!
If your airbag warning light is on, that means there could be a serious malfunction with the airbag system. As a result, your airbags might deploy improperly or not deploy at all if you get into an accident on the road. Due to the high-risk level, you should err on the side of caution and take your Dodge Journey to a trusted mechanic to inspect your airbag light. 
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