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Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ 1993-2004: Why is My Airbag Light On?

Any warning light should be a concern, especially an airbag light. Although the issue could be something simple, it's still worth checking for problems.

By Jerry Perez - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ (1993-2004).

Few things are more annoying than when an warning light flashes on the dash. That being said, warning lights turn on for a reason. Although they are there to let us know of benign issues like a loose gas cap or low fuel, they can also be the real deal and warn us of serious problems that need to be fixed right away. The airbag light falls under one of the warning lights you want to resolve quickly, as it could be unsafe not to do so. There are a few main reasons why the airbag light may turn on—some innocent and some not so much—so here is a compiled a guide with the most common reasons why this light may be illuminating on your dashboard. If troubleshooting isn't your forte, it is highly suggested that you visit a local dealer or professional repair shop.

Materials Needed

  • Needle nose pliers
  • Phillips and flat head screwdriver
  • Can of compressed air
  • Shop rags

Step 1 – Check the fuses

They could be blown.

The fuses in your Jeep's fuse box regulate the power to the multiple components in the car. Therefore, if one of the fuses gets blown, the component—or the airbag in this case—will receive an unregulated current of power and could trigger the dash warning light. Follow these steps to inspect and possibly replace the airbag fuses.

  • Locate and remove the fuse box cover; it is behind the left panel of the driver's foot well.
  • Use needle nose pliers to remove fuses F32 and F33 in the yellow block, and check that they aren't "burnt."
  • Replace the burnt fuses as needed.
Figure 1. Check the airbag fuses.

Step 2 – Check the wiring

It could be worn or damaged.

As with every other component in your Jeep, the airbag warning light has to get its power from the battery and that involves intricate wiring. If your airbag light is on or flashing, it's always a good idea to check the wiring that powers the light. For this, you'll have to remove the instrument cluster and check the wires that powers the dash light(s).

  • Disconnect the cluster's wire harness connectors.
  • Use compressed air and a clean rag to clean the connector's terminals and wires.
  • Replace the frayed or damaged wires, and test the system.
Figure 2. Check the instrument cluster's wiring.

Step 3 – Replace steering wheel clock spring

It could be faulty.

Because the steering wheel is constantly turning, the clock spring is designed to maintain a continuous electrical connection between the airbag and the Jeep's power supply as well as airbag sensors. Without a clock spring, the wire harness connected to the airbag would bind up and tear while the steering wheel turns. Over time, the clock spring can wear out and stop working. While replacing the wheel clock spring can be a DIY project, it is mandatory to proceed with caution as the process involves removing the airbag. You should have this done at the dealer or repair shop.

Figure 3. Remove the steering wheel clock spring.

Featured Video: Clock Spring Replacement

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