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Honda Civic: How to Reset SRS Light

The SRS light is there to tell you when something is wrong with your airbags, but sometimes it'll stay on for no reason. Here's how you reset it.

By Jared Hammond - February 19, 2015
Contributors: dogpile5, gatorbill, vpp1999

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

The SRS (Supplement Restraint System) warns you if something is wrong with the air bag system. Sometimes the light comes on when there's nothing wrong with the system at all. Performing a quick reset should shut off the light.

Tools Needed

  • Jumbo sized paper clip
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Screwdriver

Step 1 - Find the MES (Memory Erase Signal) connector

Pop open the panel underneath the dashboard to reveal the fuse box. The MES connector is a yellow connector at the top right of the fuse box that connects to an empty socket. Unplug it and pull it out.

Figure 1. Circled is the MES connector.

Step 2 - Reset the SRS light

Take a twist a jumbo paper clip into a U shape. Turn the ignition off and connect each end of the paperclip to the pins on the MES connector. Turn the ignition on, and the SRS light will come on for six seconds before turning off. Disconnect the paper clip as soon as the light goes off. When light comes back on reconnect the paperclip. Wait for the light to go off once more then disconnect the paperclip. The SRS light will blink twice to indicate that its memory has been erased. Turn off the ignition and wait ten seconds to restart the car. The light should come on for a moment then go out.

Figure 2. SRS light (highlighted above) will blink twice when it's been reset.

Pro Tip

The timing can be tricky so if it doesn't work at first try a few more times. You'll know it worked when the SRS light blinks twice.

Step 3 - Troubleshoot the SRS

If the reset didn't work, it means that the SRS is getting an error. This can be caused by the steering wheel, airbags, gauges, or seats being disconnected when the ignition comes on. It could also be a bad SRS module.

Troubleshoot the SRS by finding the blue 2-pin service check connector underneath your glovebox. Turn off the ignition. Wait ten seconds, then connect the U shaped paperclip to the connector. Turn on the ignition and wait for the SRS light to give you a code. The code is formatted using long blinks followed by short blinks. Any code with 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 long blinks means that the problem is with the SRS module. If the code is a 1 or 2 then the problem is with the driver's or passenger's air bags respectively. If the code is a 9 then the problem is with the power supply.

Figure 3. Service check connector under the glovebox.

If a diagnostic doesn't help identify the problem then it's time to take it in to a Honda mechanic.

Related Video: How to Erase SRS Light || Honda Civic & Acura EL

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