When you start your Toyota Tacoma, the OBD-II system runs a self diagnostic check on all major systems. If any of these checks fail, you will see a diagnostic warning light on the dash for the corresponding system. When the SRS system fails this check, you’ll see the SRS light. SRS stands for supplemental restraint system.
Depending on the model year and what country you happen to be in, you may get something along the lines of SRS, a picture of a person with the airbag deployed, or the word airbag. All of these should be treated as the SRS light.
Your Tacoma’s SRS light is there to tell you that there’s a problem with the SRS system. If it comes on for a few seconds as the vehicle starts, that is completely normal and part of the diagnostic cycle. It’s when it stays on that indicates there is a problem.
SRS Light on Causes: Toyota Tacoma
Your SRS light is part of your Tacoma’s larger supplemental restraint system. It works in tandem with the system to protect you in the event of an accident. If all parts of this system are not working properly, it can cause the light to come on.
If you’ve been in an accident, the SRS light will stay on until the system has been restored. It will not work until repaired.
Here are some common reasons that your Tacoma’s SRS light could come on:
Seat Belts
Safety belts are still the most important safety feature in the event your Tacoma crashes. Modern vehicles have sensors running to them to let the computer system know if they are buckled, and if they are locked up.
If you have a seat belt that is stuck in the lock position, it might be the reason why your SRS light is on. See if you can tug at it and get it moving again.
Seat Sensors
The seat sensors tell the SRS system that the seat is occupied. Some older models have a manual button to turn the passenger airbag on or off.
Look under the seats to see if you can find any part of the wiring harness that has come dislodged or damaged. This is a very common reason why the SRS light comes on.
Airbag (No Response)
If the Tacoma’s SRS system is not getting a response from one of the airbags, it’ll turn the SRS light on until the problem has been fixed, and the system has been reset.
Sensors
The SRS system control unit may have gone bad. If this is the case, you can have it replaced or send for a new one. This often happens whenever you get into a fender bender that doesn’t deploy the SRS.
One or more of the crash sensors may have been triggered, but not enough to deploy the SRS. The SRS sensors can also fail and throw the SRS light on if there is water damage. This is one of the reasons why it is not wise to buy a car with flood damage, even if it looks like it is otherwise fine.
Not Reset After Deployment
If your Tacoma’s SRS has gone off and been replaced, the SRS system needs reset. It won’t just work until the SRS system has been reset by a shop, or you send the module to someone who can do it for you.
Driving Your Tacoma with the SRS Light On
It is not as safe to drive with the SRS light on. Airbags have saved countless lives since their invention. If you do drive with your Tacoma’s SRS light on, you are relying solely on the safety belts to keep you safe, which is not as safe.
All of the technology that keeps you from crashing is still there (if equipped), such as the traction control, anti-lock brake system, and blind spot detection. But if you get into an accident, the technology that could save your life is going to be 30+ years out of date.
Conclusion: Toyota Tacoma SRS Light On
Your Toyota Tacoma’s SRS system is complicated. There can be a lot of different reasons why the light may have come on. Most of them should be left to a professional. Just because the vehicle can be driven, does not mean that the problem should be ignored. If there is anything that you would like to add, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and good luck!