2011-2012 Fisker Karma Side Impact Sensor and SRS Airbag Light Faults
Your guide to diagnosing a faulty side impact sensor, understanding the critical SRS warning light, and finding a reliable used replacement for your Fisker Karma.
- If the SRS airbag light is on, the entire safety system is disabled and will not deploy in an accident.
- For the 2012 model, it is critical to verify the dangerous Takata passenger airbag recall has been completed.
- Used OEM parts are the only option; you must match the part number from your original sensor exactly and ensure the part did not come from a crashed vehicle.
- Replacement requires disconnecting the battery for at least 30 minutes and clearing fault codes with a professional scan tool afterward.
Critical Warning: The SRS Airbag Light
STOP: If the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) or airbag warning light is illuminated on your dashboard, the entire safety system is disabled. This means that in the event of an accident, none of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners will deploy. Do not ignore this light. The vehicle is not safe to carry passengers until the system has been professionally diagnosed and repaired.
🎬 Watch: How to safely reset your car's SRS systemSymptoms of a Failing Side Impact Sensor
The signs of a faulty side impact sensor are typically straightforward, as the SRS system constantly monitors its components.
- Illuminated SRS/Airbag Warning Light: This is the most common and often only symptom. The SRS control module detects a fault with the sensor (or its wiring) and illuminates the warning light to alert the driver. The system then disables itself as a safety precaution.
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): A professional scan tool capable of reading the SRS module will find specific codes related to the side impact sensor. These codes will identify which sensor is faulty (e.g., 'Left Side Impact Sensor Circuit Open') and guide the technician in their diagnosis. A basic OBD-II code reader will not be able to read these manufacturer-specific SRS codes.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
As a low-production vehicle, the Fisker Karma does not have an extensive public library of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for specific sensor failures. However, there is one extremely important safety recall that all owners must be aware of.
CRITICAL RECALL: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator
NHTSA Recall ID (example): 19V-181
Warning: All 2012 Fisker Karma vehicles are included in the massive and dangerous Takata airbag recall. This recall specifically addresses the front passenger-side airbag inflator. The propellant inside the inflator can degrade over time, especially with exposure to heat and humidity. If an affected vehicle is in a crash that deploys the airbag, the inflator can rupture with excessive force, sending sharp metal fragments into the cabin at high speed, which can cause serious injury or death.
Karma Automotive, the successor to Fisker Automotive, has been facilitating this recall repair free of charge. Even if your SRS light is on for a different reason, it is essential to verify with an authorized Karma service provider or through the NHTSA website that this critical recall has been performed on your vehicle.
Buying a Used 2011-2012 Karma Side Impact Sensor
Due to the Fisker Karma's rarity, new OEM parts are generally unavailable, and no aftermarket companies produce these sensors. A used, recycled OEM part is your only realistic option. Here’s what to look for.
Part Number Verification is Crucial
Warning: The OEM part numbers C131190102000 and C131190103000 have been associated with this vehicle, but research indicates that C131190103000 may be a trim piece, not a sensor. Because of this potential discrepancy, you must physically remove your original sensor and match the part number exactly with the used part you are purchasing. Do not buy a sensor based on a generic description alone.
What to Inspect
- No Physical Damage: Carefully inspect the plastic housing of the sensor. Reject any part with cracks, broken mounting tabs, or signs of being stressed or bent.
- Clean Connector Pins: Look inside the electrical connector. The pins should be straight, clean, and free of any corrosion or water damage. Green or white crusty buildup is a major red flag.
- Verify the Donor Vehicle's History: This is the most important step. Never use a sensor from a vehicle that has been in an accident. A sensor that has been subjected to a crash, even if it looks fine, cannot be trusted to function correctly in the future. Reputable recyclers should be able to provide the VIN of the donor car, which you can use to check its history. Avoid parts from flood-damaged cars as well.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | Likely Unavailable |
| New Aftermarket | Not Available |
| Used OEM | $50 - $100 |
| Shop Labor | $150 - $300 |
Replacement Overview
Replacing a side impact sensor is moderately difficult and carries significant safety risks. This job is best left to a professional if you are not experienced with working on SRS systems.
- Installation Difficulty: 3 out of 5
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Step-by-Step Process
- Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery and wait for at least 30-60 minutes before beginning work. This allows the capacitors in the SRS module to fully discharge, preventing accidental deployment of airbags.
- Locate the Sensor: Side impact sensors are typically found in one of a few places: bolted to the B-pillar (between the doors) under the plastic trim, inside a door, or on the floor pan under the carpet near the door opening. All SRS components use bright yellow connectors and wiring looms, which will help you identify the sensor.
- Remove Interior Trim: Carefully remove any plastic trim panels, sill plates, or carpeting necessary to access the sensor.
- Replace the Sensor: Unplug the yellow electrical connector. Unbolt the old sensor (it's often held by one or two 10mm bolts). Bolt the new sensor in its place, ensuring it is oriented correctly. Reconnect the electrical plug.
- Reassemble and Reconnect: Reinstall all trim panels. Once the car is fully reassembled, reconnect the battery.
- Clear SRS Codes: The SRS light will likely remain on until the fault code is cleared using a professional-grade diagnostic scan tool. After clearing the code, cycle the ignition to confirm the light stays off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive my Fisker Karma with the airbag light on?
No. While the car will physically drive, the illuminated SRS light means the entire airbag system is offline and will not deploy in a crash, putting you and your passengers at serious risk.
Can I reset the airbag light by disconnecting the battery?
No. Disconnecting the battery will not clear 'hard faults' stored in the SRS module. The fault must be cleared with a specific diagnostic tool after the defective part has been replaced.
🎬 Watch: How to read and erase airbag trouble codesWhy can't I find a new or aftermarket side impact sensor?
The Fisker Karma was a very low-production vehicle. The market is too small for aftermarket companies to justify the cost of engineering and manufacturing safety-critical components for it. This makes verified, non-deployed used OEM parts the only viable replacement option.
Is the side impact sensor the same for the left and right sides?
Often, left and right side sensors have different part numbers and are not interchangeable. This is why it is absolutely critical to match the part number from your original sensor to the replacement part.
Technical Specifications
Pro Tip: All components in the SRS system, including the side impact sensors, use a standardized bright yellow color for their electrical connectors and wiring looms for easy identification and to serve as a warning of their safety-critical nature.
| Type | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OEM Part Number | C131190102000 | Reported number. Verify against original part. |
| OEM Part Number | C131190103000 | Reported number. Search results suggest this may be a trim piece, not a sensor. Extreme caution advised. |
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: C131190102000 C131190103000
Part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Identifiable by a bright yellow electrical connector.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Fisker Karma:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Critical Warning: The SRS Airbag Light
- Symptoms of a Failing Side Impact Sensor
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- CRITICAL RECALL: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator
- Buying a Used 2011-2012 Karma Side Impact Sensor
- Part Number Verification is Crucial
- What to Inspect
- Replacement Overview
- Step-by-Step Process
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Technical Specifications
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