1997 528 airbag light

Hello
I have a early 97 528. Does anyone know why the red airbag indicator light on the instrument cluster comes on and stays on. I can't seem to find a reference to it in the manual. Is there a way to troubleshoot this system without the dealer?

This is the 'SRS' warning and SHOULD be in the manual. When this lamp is on, the Air Bags and Restraint Systems DO NOT FUNCTION. Take it to a shop and have the 'fault codes' read out. The most common fialure is the 'seatbelt switch' which requires replacement of the seatbelt buckle.....jeffb.