Airbag light and Check Gauges light help please.

[1scoot]

I just bought a 97 Chevy 1500 5.7L with 42k original miles...one owner. All test drives went great no sign of any problems. On the ride home on the highway the Airbag Light came on and then went off several times over a half hour period. Towards the end of the trip the Check Gauges Light came on and went off a couple times along with the Airbag Light.
I know I shouldn't mess with airbag components, but if the Check Gauges Light also came on could it just be a gauge issue? What exactly does the Check Gauges Light indicate? The previous owner is of no help.
I have an obdII code reader. Would that do me any good?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[1scoot]

I forgot to mention, the battery seems to be getting weak.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by 1scoot

I forgot to mention, the battery seems to be getting weak.

Low voltage will give you all kinds of problems.
Check alt and battery and charging system first.
Is the voltage/amp meter on dash or charging light coming on or voltage dropping down?

[1scoot]

The alternator is charging at 14.6 volts, but the battery only reads 11.9 or lower when engine is off. No battery or alternator warning lights appear.

Could the airbag key switch be related? It was keyed off while I was driving.

I also just noticed the coolant in the radiator was low by almost a gallon, but overheating was not noted or any low coolant warning light.

The truck is also equipped with an aftermarket security system/keyless entry/remote start system. Perhaps when that was installed they accidently affected the dash cluster lights or the airbag.