# SRS and airbag code reader **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [June 24, 2026, 4:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895 "2026-06-24T04:51:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 4:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/1 "2026-06-24T04:51:19Z")
I have a 2016 Subaru Forester with a persistent “passenger airbag off” message and an illuminated airbag light on the instrument cluster. My current code reader doesn’t have the capacity to read any codes associated with that system, so any advice about an affordable code reader that would work for this particular problem would be welcome. I love buying new toys but affordability is always an issue. Ideas? I’ve tried resetting the light by disconnecting the battery for a few hours but that didn’t seem to accomplish much. There was a recall on the harness that was completed in 2021, but I don’t know if that is the problem again or if something else is to blame. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 5:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/2 "2026-06-24T05:42:11Z")
Does it turn off when the passenger seat is occupied? ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 6:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/3 "2026-06-24T06:47:13Z")
Not sure I understand your question. The message about the passenger air bag being off and the airbag light are constantly on, regardless of whether or not there is a passenger. In other words, it appears as if the airbag is always off. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 10:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/4 "2026-06-24T10:01:58Z")
With a properly functioning SRS, the airbag mechanism will, in cars so equipped, automatically shut off, indicated as such on the dash, if a minimum weight is not present in the passenger seat bottom. Evidently, yours is not functioning properly as the airbag off indication is illuminated all the time ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 1:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/5 "2026-06-24T13:36:18Z")
If you are wanting to repair it yourself then you will probably need more than just a code reader, next step would be a scanner with bidirectional control and all module scan, you need to be able to watch live data to see if the seat sensor for example… Check out the XTOOL D7, great reviews and about the best bang for you buck… And right now it’s on sale during Amazons Prime month… > **[Amazon.com: XTOOL D7 Bidirectional Scan Tool: 2026 Ai-Assisted OBD2 Scanner...](https://www.amazon.com/XTOOL-D7-Bidirectional-Scan-Tool/dp/B098LF38DS)** > > Buy XTOOL D7 Bidirectional Scan Tool: 2026 Ai-Assisted OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool with 36+ Resets, Full System Car Scanner with EPB, Injector Test, Throttle, Crank Sensor Relearn, FCA, CANFD & DoIP: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE... And right now with both being on sale the D7 is only $52 higher than the Innova 5610, the 5610 is a decent little hand held scanner with bidirectional control and live data, but I just checked and it doesn’t seem to support Active Test and Special Functions for your vehicle… My next scanner will be the Xtool D8 (I hope)… ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/6 "2026-06-24T18:04:02Z")
An Autel AP2500 is a plug-in dongle that connects to an app on your phone or tablet that reads those codes. Costs $55 and allows the use forever on a single car. Additional models can be added for a few dollars each. > **[Amazon.com: Autel MaxiAP AP2500 Code Reader, Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner, All System...](https://www.amazon.com/Autel-AP2500-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Upgraded/dp/B0DGKCMXL6)** > > Buy Autel MaxiAP AP2500 Code Reader, Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner, All System Diagnostic, Oil Reset, TPMS, EV Battery, BMS Reset, Upgraded AP200, OBDII 10 Tests, 45+ Car Brands, EV Battery, for Android/iOS: Code Readers & Scan Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE... ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/7 "2026-06-24T18:05:00Z")
Wally World has this scanner that can do what you want. > **[Robot or human?](https://www.walmart.com/ip/GOOLOO-DS100-Bluetooth-OBD2-Scanner/17229956140?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1800&from=%2Fsearch)** Tester ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2026, 7:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/8 "2026-06-24T19:04:21Z")
Thanks for the helpful replies. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/9 "2026-06-25T12:36:30Z")
If all you are looking for is something to give you the codes then just go by about any chain parts store, they will check the codes for you for free… ---
**Author:** ![Cavell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cavell/32/43396_2.png) [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/10 "2026-06-25T13:53:04Z")
> [@jdmere](#): > > Not sure I understand your question. The message about the passenger air bag being off and the airbag light are constantly on, regardless of whether or not there is a passenger. In other words, it appears as if the airbag is always off Answer is? It’s always off. ---
**Author:** ![TheWonderful90s](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/thewonderful90s/32/29584_2.png) [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/11 "2026-06-25T17:25:51Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > If all you are looking for is something to give you the codes then just go by about any chain parts store, they will check the codes for you for free… It wouldn’t hurt to try, but accessing airbag codes on a Subaru would require the full pro feature set on any scanner, if it even advertised Subaru compatibility in the first place. For Ford, you can buy Forscan which runs on Windows and it does all that. I like the PC software tools, but many of them now require an active Internet connection for their copy protection. In that case, an embedded device may be better. I just learned about secure gateways. I’ll start another topic on that. ---
**Author:** ![tepelena\_166886](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/838e76/32.png) [@tepelena\_166886](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tepelena_166886)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/12 "2026-06-25T18:35:16Z")
Disconnecting the battery is not going to reset the airbag. Airbag codes require a scanner to clear even if the issue was addressed. The cheapest way to get the airbag light reset would be Autel AutoLink AL619 which is under $100 but that unit only does like engine and airbag system diangoistic. If you really wanted something full system and dealer level then I would look at Youcanic ucan-ii pro but that is an investment. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/13 "2026-06-26T13:59:06Z")
As I stated in my 1st post, the Innova 5610 will pull all module (SRS/air bag included) codes on a Subaru, but it does not support Active Test and Special Functions for the Subarus, however the XTOOL 7 & 8 and the better DIYer scanners does support those features… The parts houses in my area (don’t know about AZ as I don’t use them) typically use the top scanner that they sell for checking codes, at least the Advance and O’Reilly does… The Innova 5610 is/was O’Reilly’s choice when I bought mine right after I retired… Your area may differ… ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 2:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/14 "2026-06-26T14:32:26Z")
Just picked up the XTool D7. We’ll see how things work out. Thanks for the suggestion. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/15 "2026-06-26T15:12:57Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > but it does not support Active Test and Special Functions for the Subarus, Have you noticed that there is a lack of functional testing for SRS systems? All the brands I’ve worked on and all the scan tools I’ve used, even factory level, I’ve never seen a functional test for “Deploy Airbags” to verify that they actually work! 😀 😀 😀 ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/16 "2026-06-26T21:51:44Z")
> [@asemaster](#): > > All the brands I’ve worked on and all the scan tools I’ve used, even factory level, I’ve never seen a functional test for “Deploy Airbags” to verify that they actually work! And even if one did, would it be able to reset the deployed airbag back to factory specs?? 🤪 🙃 ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 9:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/17 "2026-06-26T21:56:28Z")
No harder than putting ketchup back in the bottle. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/18 "2026-07-02T13:10:50Z")
@jdmere Any updates yet??? ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 1:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/19 "2026-07-02T13:58:50Z")
I disconected the battery for several hours, then reconnected things. After that everything seems to be back to normal. I hooked up the XTool D7 to check on the airbag system and it reads that nothing is out of line. If the passenger airbag goes back to not turning on when I have passenger I’ll see if the tool can reset things, but as it stands now there is no issue. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895/20 "2026-07-02T14:36:43Z")
@jdmere congratulations for now sounds like you never actually retrieved the fault codes? [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895.md?page=2)