Airbag Light suddenly coming on - resolved (driver's buckle issue)

I hear this is a common problem, and it’s plagued my Honda Element since I’ve owned it (I am 2nd owner).

Intermittently, the airbag dash light will just come on. I previously didn’t have a code-reader to be able to get the specific code or troubleshoot, but I did lookup and find a way to reset the light, which usually left it off for a few months before it would come back on again. I’d always assumed it was from junk getting rammed under the driver or passenger seat and disturbing one of the many wiring harness connections under there.

Here’s how to reset the light without using an expensive diagnostic tool: “How to Turn Off the Air Bag light On my Honda Element - SRS Light Reset” by Youtuber “Element Lifestyle” - youtu.be/NW-ehRKniIA

I even had this vehicle into Honda for the airbag recall a couple years ago and they said everything was fine after doing the work (and they had reset the airbag light on the dash).

Recently, past few months, the light has been coming on after days or even hours after a reset and I finally decided to try to diagnose the problem and resolve it.

Unfortunately, none of my OBDII code readers are compatible with reading SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) module codes, so I decided to order a new bluetooth OBD dongle that claimed to be compatible with SRS module codes (I’ll have a future post reviewing this dongle in the future). There’s also an OG method for blinking the codes out on the dash if you want to try it. Follow this guide “How to Pull Honda Codes Without a Scanner” by Youtuber “EricTheCarGuy” - youtu.be/8M5BaAa6tCM ).

After finally reading the SRS Module codes, I discover the actual code being thrown is “61-10” which is “Open in Driver’s Seat Belt Buckle Switch”.

I found this exceptionally helpful “DIY fix for your car’s intermittent airbag/seat belt light” by Youtuber “Worse Than Chiggers” - youtu.be/deO2v_ljzHw. I followed this guide mostly - things I did different: I disconnected the negative battery cable first, and I did not remove the seat - I just took apart the buckle in place. I did end up having to spray electrical connection cleaner under the little boot (as pictured in the video) and even sacrificed a straight-pin to make the same tool this guy made for pulling the tiny little rubber boot open.

After all that, I think it’s fixed. Airbag light has been off for over a week and everything is working great. Alternatively, a replacement driver’s side buckle assembly is about $250 from Honda, and I’m trying to avoid that if possible. Unfortunately, there isn’t much out there in the way of aftermarket parts for this kind of thing.

As I said earlier, this seems to be a pretty common issue, so I hope this info helps someone.