2003 Honda Element Airbag Light

The Air Bag Computer detected a problem, set a diagnostic fault code, turned the system off, and turned the warning light on to tell you. If you're involved in a crash, the air bags will not deploy. If you're hurt because of that you won't be able to sue, as way too many people do today, because it can be proven how long you've been driving with the problem. The date the warning light first turned on is maintained in the computer's memory.

The first thing to do is to have the fault code read. That will usually require finding a mechanic with a scanner that can access that system.

It's always best to head to your mechanic to read the codes related to the SRS system. More times than not the code is a 9-3 which is a "open driver's seat belt switch". If the code is related to the seat belt such as this one the repair will be free of charge at the dealer. Seat belt related failures are covered by Honda under a lifetime warranty.