If the front airbag light on your Ford Explorer flashes or remains on while the engine is running, there is a malfunction with the vehicle’s restraint system. If you notice this, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
The dashboard on your Ford Explorer is filled with lights that come and go, and it’s important that you know what they mean—especially the airbag warning light. If it has come on in your car and you’re unsure of what to do, we have you covered. We’ll walk you through what it means, why it might turn on, and how to reset it when it starts flashing. And if you’re not a car repair
expert, don’t panic—it’s pretty simple stuff! What does the airbag light mean on a Ford Explorer?
When you turn on the engine of your Ford Explorer, the vehicle’s computer system scans for faults in any of the vehicle systems, including the airbag system. If a problem is detected, the airbag light
will illuminate or begin to flash on your Explorer’s instrument panel. If you’re not familiar with the light, it looks like a person buckled into a seat with an airbag, represented as a round shape, in front of them.
While there’s no single cause that results in the airbag light illuminating in your Ford Explorer, there are a few possible causes. The most common reasons that this warning light stays on include the following:
Faulty sensors: Your Explorer has many sensors connected to different car components, which all link directly to your car’s computer system. It will notify the driver of a potential issue if one is found. Crash sensors tell your airbag control module
when the front and side airbags need to be deployed, while seat sensors signify when either seat is occupied. If these sensors
fail or trip, it can cause the airbag warning sign to illuminate. Malfunctioning airbag module: Whether from water or general damage, a malfunction of the airbag control module can be shorted out or corroded, which will cause the system to fail and the airbag light to turn on. If you suspect this is the case, refer to your owner’s manual
to find out the location of your airbag control module. Depleted airbag backup battery: If your Ford Explorer battery
has recently been drained, there’s a chance it could have also drained the backup battery that powers the airbag system. The light may turn off once the battery is fully charged, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need to recharge the airbag battery and perform a sensory reset. Damaged airbag clock spring: The airbag clock spring, generally located in your Explorer’s steering wheel column, is designed to maintain continuity between the vehicle's wiring and the driver-side airbags by coiling in and out as you turn the steering wheel. When these springs become worn (part of natural wear and tear on a vehicle), it can result in a poor connection and the potential for the airbags to fail, resulting in a flashing airbag light.
While these aren’t the only four reasons for the airbag light to illuminate in your Ford Explorer, they are the most common. If you’re unsure why the airbag light is illuminated or flashing on your vehicle and you can’t perform a reset, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with Ford or your mechanic for a diagnosis as soon as possible.
You can also use an OBD-II scan tool to check for trouble codes
associated with the airbag system. 
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What you need to know about the 2021 Ford Explorer airbag recall
On August 23, 2021, Ford issued a recall on specific 2021 Ford Explorer models due to improper deployment of the side airbags, which could result in injury during a crash. In the affected models, the side airbag attachment weld studs could detach when the side airbag is deployed, resulting in an improper deployment. Although it’s not likely that this recall would affect the airbag light illumination, it does lead to safety concerns in 2021 Explorer models.
The affected vehicles did not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection," and were subject to side airbag assembly replacement free of charge.
If you own a 2021 Ford Explorer and think your model might be affected, contact your local Ford dealership for more details or log on to the NHTSA website and enter your VIN for more information on your vehicle.
How to reset the airbag warning light on a Ford Explorer
Getting your Ford Explorer diagnosed by a mechanic is often the best route when the airbag light comes on, but sometimes all you need to do is reset the system. To do this, follow the steps below:
Turn your Ford Explorer into the ON position without starting the engine.
Wait until the airbag warning light turns off.
When the light turns off, turn your car’s ignition off for about three seconds.
Repeat steps one through three two more times for a total of three cycles.
Turn the ignition switch back on for the airbag light to reset completely.
Start the engine. The airbag light should illuminate for about seven seconds before turning off.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the light should remain off. If it’s still flashing, repeat the process. If the light stays on after multiple attempts to reset the system, bring your Explorer to the Ford dealership or mechanic for further testing.
Is it OK to drive with the Ford Explorer airbag light on?
The airbag system in your Explorer is a critical system designed to keep you safe in your vehicle, and while you should still be able to operate your Explorer, driving with the light on for long periods isn’t advised.
In some instances, the airbag light may just need to be reset, but in most cases, the airbag light indicates an issue with the airbag system. If you ignore the light and continue driving, it could lead to improper deployment of the airbags in an accident, resulting in injuries or even death.
The vehicle airbag system saves thousands of lives each year, and driving with the light on is risky, so it’s best to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as you notice the light flick on.
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