Q: Dome light won't turn on unless you press the unlock button for the car. And the airbag light stays on, code 33

asked by on August 16, 2016

Last night the dome light worked just fine but tonight while detailing the car I noticed that the dome light would not turn on, even with the manual gauges/dome light roller switch turned on, and all the gauge lights turn on/off as it should. And the air bag light is not a new problem

My car has 23000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Dome Light Bulb Replacement $101.77 - $296.13 Get a Quote

Code 33 is a passenger side air bag fault. It can also be the seat belt pre-tensioner. The air bag system can be touchy. If you mishandle anything correctly, an air bag can explode. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the Air Bag Light fault. Air bags or pre-tensioners are not "repairable". If there is a fault in the air bag or pre-tensioner, they will have to be replaced. If the dome light bulb is not blown, it can be related to the air bag circuit fault.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Muffler hanging from bottom of vehicle.
I recommend having a qualified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, replace your severed exhaust pipe (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/exhaust-pipe-tube-replacement). The exhaust may have also damaged the manifolds of the engine and caused wiring damage to the exhaust sensors. The exhaust systems on these...
Cranks but won't start
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Your car has a leak which has to be pinpointed and repaired. If by chance the leak is in the head gasket, the head gasket will have to be...
Engine shakes after 10psi.
Check for problem codes anyway, even if the Check Engine light is not illuminated. There may be a transient code for a misfire (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection). I would suspect that either the plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) or coils (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement) are failing under load, and...
Rear pinion seal leaking. Would i also need to change the flange?
The flange is integral with a splined yoke. The yoke segment (of the flange/yoke) has a precision, machined, highly polished surface which mates with the rubber seal (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pinion-seal-replacement). Since the rubber seal is spring loaded and is under tension against...
When I am accerlerating, I feel a vibration.
Hello there, many faults will cause your 2004 Ford Taurus to have a vibration in the gas pedal. It is good that you referenced where the vibration is coming from, as this varies what will cause it. The most likely...
Back window decal
Generally most states prohibit items in the windows that obstruct the view of the driver. Depending on specifically where on the back window the decal is placed it may or may not be illegal. You will need to check with...
Burning smell coming from under the hood
If you smell an odor from the heater vent outlet then you may be smelling fumes from the outside air from another vehicle or you have an oil leak somewhere on the vehicle. Have the engine checked under the engine...
Location of fuel pump inertia switch
The vehicle is not equipped with an fuel pump inertia switch. Your vehicle uses fuel cutoff solenoid on engine only.
My car is very loud when accelerating and smokes when running, stops immediately when the car turns off.
The problem sounds like you have an exhaust problem. You may have a broken pipe or bad convertor and is rattling in the exhaust. Have a mechanic like one from YourMechanic inspect and diagnose the problem for you.

Related articles

2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
The Hyundai Elantra and the Ford Focus are both offerings in the inexpensive compact sedan category, and both represent some of the best offerings in that class. Compact cars are slightly larger than a subcompact, but smaller than a mid-size;...
What Does the Airbag Warning Light Mean?
When the airbag warning light stays on, the airbags won't deploy for seated passengers in a collision. This could be due to a sensor issue.
What Does the Brake Pad Wear Indicator Warning Light Mean?
The brake pad wear indicator warning light comes on when the brake pads are detected to be too thin.