Why is the SRS airbag light on in my Honda del Sol?

Short answer: The SRS light means the airbag system found a fault and has shut itself off. The airbags won't deploy in a crash while it's on. It isn't designed to simply be reset. Check the SRS fuse, check whether the horn works (a dead horn points to the clock spring in the steering wheel), then have the fault code read. An older airbag control module may need replacing.

Symptom: The SRS light stays on. Reset tricks from the internet may have worked before but don't anymore.

What to check first

1. Check the SRS fuse (a 10-amp SRS fuse is in the underhood fuse box).
2. Does the horn work? If not, the clock spring (the coiled wiring behind the steering wheel airbag) is a likely culprit.
3. Have the SRS fault code read by a shop that can read Honda airbag codes.
4. Check your VIN for the 1994 passenger airbag recall.
5. Never probe airbag wiring with a test light or meter. It can set off the airbag.

Likely causes

1. Clock spring in the steering wheel. A common fault, especially if the horn also stopped working.
2. Airbag control module. On cars of this era a fault can mean replacing the module.
3. Blown SRS fuse. The cheap thing to check first.
4. Wiring or connector fault. Under the seats or in the dash.

What it usually costs

One 1995 owner's mechanic recommended replacing the SRS unit for about $1,000. Price from an owner post; a Honda dealer or airbag specialist can confirm what's actually needed.

Is it safe to keep driving?

The car drives normally, but with the SRS light on the airbags won't protect you in a crash. In a small car like the del Sol, that matters. Get it repaired, and don't disconnect the airbag to make the light go away. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY only for checking the fuse and horn. Airbag work is a shop job; airbags can deploy and injure you if handled wrong.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Honda del Sol: 95V203000 (1994-1994 model years, air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• In plain words: On some 1994 cars, the passenger airbag was installed incorrectly (the tabs holding the module together were drilled wrong). If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Members noted the del Sol is not one of the Takata airbag recall cars.
• NHTSA complaints: 4 keyword-matched complaints for Honda del Sol 1993–1997 (of 21 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-24; keywords: air bag, airbag, SRS, clock spring, warning light) (NHTSA returned no complaint data for 4 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 1995 Honda del Sol SRS light on Car Talk, a 1995 owner had reset the SRS light before but couldn't this time, and the mechanic recommended replacing the SRS unit for about $1,000. One member questioned spending that on an old car, but warned that just killing the light means the airbags won't work in a crash.
• In Srs light reset? Honda Del Sol s 1994 on Car Talk, a 1994 owner bought the car with the light on and wanted to reset it. Members said the system isn't meant to be reset; the airbags won't deploy with the light on. They said to check the fuses, see if the horn works (if not, suspect the clock spring), and that on cars of this age the control module may need replacing after the fault is fixed.
• In Airbag disconnect Honda Del Sol 1993 on Car Talk, a 1993 owner worried about an old airbag asked how to disconnect it. A member said removing the 10-amp SRS fuse under the hood would do it; others said that in a small, light car you want the airbag working, and that the 1993 del Sol doesn't have the defective Takata airbags.

Quick tip

Try the cheap checks first: the fuse and the horn. If those don't explain it, get the actual SRS code read before paying for a whole new unit.

Vehicle focus: 1993–1997 Honda del Sol (sold as the Civic del Sol in some markets).

Safety / mechanic note

With the SRS light on, the airbags will not deploy in a crash. Verify with a mechanic.