The airbag warning light that stays on while your horn has given up is no coincidence on the Suzuki Ignis. These two faults usually appear at the same time due to a problem in the shared wiring or the clock spring in the steering column, especially on the 1.3 engine. It may seem annoying, but the cause is often simpler than you think and in many cases you can fix it yourself.
The Suzuki Ignis is a reliable city car, but even this compact Japanese model has its weak spots. Owners of models from 2003 onwards regularly report an illuminated airbag warning light combined with a horn that no longer works. Both functions are interconnected via the steering column, which means a single defect often disables both systems. On Suzuki Ignis problems you can read more about common technical issues with this model.
This fault not only causes irritation while driving, it also creates an unsafe situation. Airbags will not deploy as long as the warning light is on. In this article you can read what the most common causes are, how to recognise them and which steps you can take yourself before going to a garage.
Why do the horn and airbag fail at the same time?
The combination of an illuminated airbag warning light and a non-functioning horn almost always points to one component: the clock spring. This part is located in the steering column and consists of a spiral-shaped cable that allows electrical connections between the steering wheel and the rest of the car. When you turn the wheel, this spiral turns with it without the wires breaking.
On the Suzuki Ignis, the clock spring connects both the airbag and the horn. Due to wear or a break in this spiral, both systems fail simultaneously. This happens especially after 100,000 kilometres or on cars that do a lot of steering in town traffic. In addition to the clock spring, other causes are also possible:
- Loose or damaged connectors under the driver’s seat
- Crash data stored in the SRS module after a collision
- Defective sensors under the seats or in the seatbelt pretensioners
- A failed relay for the horn in the engine bay
- Heavy objects on the passenger seat activating the weight sensor
‘ That means your airbags will not deploy in an accident. ’
The airbag warning light stays on
When the airbag light on your instrument panel stays on after starting the car, a fault has been registered in the SRS system (Supplemental Restraint System). This system monitors all components related to the airbags. If a fault is detected, the entire system switches itself off as a safety measure. That means your airbags will not deploy in an accident.
On Suzuki Ignis models from 2003 onwards, this often happens due to a faulty clock spring, but loose connectors are also a common cause. Many owners report that the light came on after moving the driver’s seat or after a thorough interior clean. The yellow connector under the seat may then have been accidentally pulled loose.
Another possible cause is crash data in the SRS module. Even after a minor collision or a heavy knock against a kerb, the module can store an event and activate the warning light. This data remains stored until the module is reset or reprogrammed.
Horn no longer works
If your horn no longer responds, the cause is often the same clock spring that operates the airbag. You can test this by pressing the horn button on the steering wheel while gently moving the wheel. If the horn sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, this points to a partially broken spiral in the clock spring.
Another possible cause is a faulty horn relay. This relay is usually located in the fuse box under the bonnet. You can test it by swapping it with an identical relay from the same box, such as the relay for the windscreen wipers. If the horn works afterwards, you know the relay needs to be replaced.
Always make sure you check the battery and earth connection. A poor earth can cause strange electrical faults that affect both the horn and the airbag system.
Diagnosis with an OBD scanner
The quickest way to find the cause of the fault is to read the error codes with an OBD-II scanner. You connect this scanner to the OBD port, which on the Suzuki Ignis is usually located in the centre console or under the dashboard. The scanner displays specific fault codes that you can look up directly in the fault code overview for your model.
Common fault codes for this type of issue are:
- B1650 – open circuit in steering airbag
- B1651 – short circuit in steering airbag
- B1656 – fault in clock spring
- C1403 – passenger seat sensor
After repairing the cause you can clear the fault codes with the scanner. Then start the car and check whether the light stays off. If it comes back on, the repair has not been fully successful or there is another underlying cause.
‘ This prevents the airbag from accidentally deploying during installation. ’
Trying to fix it yourself
Before you go to a garage, you can try a few simple checks and resets. Start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. Then wait 15 to 30 minutes and press the brake pedal several times to discharge any residual current. Reconnect the battery and start the car. If the fault was temporary, the warning light may now be off.
Also check the connectors under both seats. These are often yellow or orange and are located on the side or front of the seat rails. Unplug the connector, check whether the pins are clean and straight, and push it back in firmly. This often solves the problem for owners who have recently moved their seats.
Another trick that regularly works is fastening and unfastening the seatbelt five to ten times in a row. This can reset the sensor in the seatbelt pretensioner. Some owners report that this simple action made the warning light go out after restarting the car.
Replacing the clock spring
If the clock spring is faulty, you can replace it yourself if you have basic mechanical knowledge. Always disconnect the battery first and wait at least 30 minutes before starting. This prevents the airbag from accidentally deploying during installation.
Remove the airbag from the steering wheel by releasing the clips at the back. Disconnect the connectors and place the airbag in a safe place with the front facing upwards. Then undo the steering wheel bolt and pull the wheel off the shaft. The clock spring is located directly behind it and is usually held in place with three screws.
Make sure you centre the new clock spring before reassembling everything. Count the number of turns by rotating the spiral fully to the left and then turning it back halfway to the neutral position. This prevents the spiral from breaking when you steer. A new clock spring costs between €50 and €150.
Resetting the SRS module
If crash data is stored in the SRS module, the warning light will stay on until this data is cleared. The module is usually located under the centre console or under the driver’s seat. You can remove the module yourself and send it to a specialist company for an EEPROM reset.
This reset clears the stored crash data without having to replace the module. That saves a substantial expense, as a new SRS module will easily cost €200 or more. After refitting and reconnecting the module you must clear the fault codes with an OBD scanner.
Note: always check the local legislation before doing this. In some countries an airbag module may not be reset after a collision and must be replaced in order to pass the roadworthiness (MOT) inspection.
When should you go to a garage?
Do not drive any longer than necessary with the airbag warning light on. The airbags will not work and that makes your car unsafe. If the simple resets and checks do not help, you should go to a garage with Suzuki-specific diagnostic equipment. They can look deeper into the system and test sensors and wiring that you cannot access yourself.
A professional diagnosis usually costs between €50 and €100. Depending on the cause, repair costs can range from about €100 for replacing a relay to around €300 for a new clock spring including fitting. Always ask for a price estimate before agreeing to any repair.
‘ On cars with more than 100,000 kilometres it is wise to have the clock spring checked preventively during a service. ’
Prevention is better
Regular maintenance can prevent many faults. Check the connectors under the seats from time to time and make sure they are properly secured. Avoid placing heavy bags or objects on the passenger seat, as this can activate the weight sensor and trigger a fault.
Treat your steering wheel with care and avoid heavy blows or excessive turning of the wheel while the car is stationary. This speeds up wear on the clock spring. On cars with more than 100,000 kilometres it is sensible to have the clock spring checked preventively during a service.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common causes are a faulty clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering column, causing both airbag and horn to fail at the same time, and loose or poor-contact connectors/connections, especially under the seats or in the steering column. Crash data that remains stored in the SRS module after (even a minor) collision can also make the airbag light come on and block operation. In addition, defective seatbelt pretensioners or sensors in the belts and seats can trigger faults.
Start by reading the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner and note which airbag- or horn-related codes appear. Then visually check the yellow connectors and cables under the front seats and around the steering column for loose or damaged connections. If both the horn and airbag light fail together, the clock spring in the steering wheel is a strong suspect; you can carefully check it for damage or play (without unnecessarily removing the airbag if you have no experience with this). Finally, you can try a temporary reset by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 15–30 minutes, but if the light comes back on or you are unsure, go straight to a garage.
No, it is not safe to drive with an airbag or horn fault on your Suzuki Ignis. An illuminated airbag light means the airbags may not work in a collision. A non-functioning horn also limits your ability to warn other road users. Have the fault read and repaired professionally as soon as possible before using the car as normal again.
The repair costs for fixing an airbag or horn fault on a Suzuki Ignis depend mainly on the cause. For a faulty clock spring in the steering column, costs are usually around €150–€300 including labour. If only connectors, sensors or wiring connections need to be checked and secured, this can often be resolved for €50–€150. If a reset or reprogramming of the SRS module is required, expect to pay around €100–€250, depending on the company.
First check the yellow connectors and cables under the seats and around the steering column for loose connections and click everything firmly into place. Then disconnect the negative battery terminal for 15–30 minutes (press the brake pedal briefly), reconnect it and see whether the airbag light stays off. Test whether the horn still works and whether the problem occurs at the same time as the airbag light; that often points to a worn clock spring. If you have an OBD scanner, read out the fault codes and write them down for the garage.