Audi S3 SRS Light Mystery: Airbag Warning Decoded

I had a similar automotive safety issue with my 2014 Audi S4. As someone with some experience working on cars, I initially tried diagnosing the SRS light problem myself using a basic OBD scanner, but quickly learned that airbag systems require specialized diagnostic equipment. The issue turned out to be a faulty cable connection under the driver seat, affecting the airbag system. This is actually quite common in these models and impacts vehicle safety. My trusted workshop identified the problem during diagnostics, it was a loose connection that needed proper reseating and securing. The total repair cost was 95 Euro, which included diagnostic time and fixing the cable connection. The work took about an hour. After the repair, the SRS light turned off and hasnt returned for over a year now. For your S3, it would be helpful to know: Have you had any work done recently under the seats or center console? Did the SRS light come on suddenly or did it flicker first? Did you notice any error codes? This information would help determine if youre dealing with a similar airbag repair issue or if its something else in the safety system.

Thanks for the detailed insight! Following up to clarify, my S3 had its last service at 63000 KM. The SRS light came on suddenly with no flickering beforehand. I havent noticed any error codes since I dont have access to a proper diagnostic tool. No recent work was done around the seats or console area. The airbag sensor issue happened completely out of nowhere during normal driving. Wondering if I should try that cable connection check you mentioned or if I should look into potential airbag recalls first before visiting a workshop. Good to hear your repair cost was reasonable, definitely gives me hope this wont break the bank.

Having gone through this exact situation with my S4, I would strongly recommend checking for any airbag recalls first through official channels, but dont attempt to inspect the cable connections yourself. Airbag systems are critical car safety components that require professional handling. The sudden SRS light activation without prior seat work actually sounds different from my case. While my issue was a loose connection, yours might be pointing to a different airbag system problem, possibly a sensor fault. These sudden failures often relate to the crash sensors or the airbag control module itself. Based on when your last service was, this might be perfect timing to schedule a proper diagnostic scan. The workshop I used had the specialized equipment to properly diagnose the SRS system. Even though my repair was straightforward, they identified several potential points of failure that could have compromised vehicle safety. In your case, since there was no warning or previous work done, I would expect costs between 100-300 Euro depending on whether its a sensor, module, or wiring issue. The diagnostic fee alone should be around 80 Euro. Just make sure to find a shop with proper airbag system certification, its worth the extra effort for this type of automotive safety repair.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. After checking, I found no active airbag recalls for my model. I decided to take the safe route and booked an appointment with a certified Audi workshop for next week. You made good points about not messing with the airbag system myself, definitely not worth risking improper airbag deployment or compromising vehicle safety. The fact that my issue came on suddenly without any prior work does seem to point more toward a crash sensor or module problem rather than loose wiring. The cost estimates help set realistic expectations. Will make sure to request a full diagnostic scan to properly identify if its the crash sensors, control module, or something else in the airbag system. Having a proper airbag repair done by certified techs is worth the investment for safety. Will update once I get the actual diagnosis and repair completed. Thanks again for sharing your experiences and helping me avoid trying DIY fixes on critical safety systems.