03 hyundai sonata air bag light stays on

There is no "shut off" for the drivers air bag. However, you can remove the airbag fuse and this will disable the entire system.

THE PROBLEM IS YOUR AIRBAG MODULE (computer) it is pretty expensive to fix since it needs to be replaced. Around $500 prolly more unless you know someone. Airbags won't go off randomly. But they prolly won't work when they are supposed to.

You cannot, First thing you need to do is get the codes using a diagnostic scanner that is able to access the airbag module. Your basic code reader will not do this. The code will tell you what airbag has an issue. If your a smoker in the car most likley the ASH destroyed the clockspring under the steeing wheel.

When the airbag light (SRS) is on or blinks it means a fault has occurred in the system and the airbag diagnostic monitor has disabled the system, the most common problem that turns the light on is a break in the connection to the steering wheel mounted airbag, this is due to a rotating ribbon contact that breaks under the steering wheel that connects the airbag to the wiring harness and the diagnostic monitor, the part is called the clock spring contact, a coiled up ribbon electrical contact that turns with the steering wheel while maintaining a mechanical connection to the airgag mounted on the steering wheel, to replace this part you must disarm the airbag system and remove the steering wheel, this requires a special steering wheel puller tool and that you disarm the airbag system before you start the work, to do this disconnect the battery negative cable for 1 hour prior.

Are you touching the glass part of the bulb with your fingers? The oil in your skin will blow them right away. The lighters are common to blow the fuse with a bad phone charger cord. Can't help with the air bag. Good Luck!

Could be several causes... but the result is consistent - when the light is on the air bag is disabled

The motion sensor board has a failure - or one of the crash sensors has failed - so the motions sensor board is not receiving the desired signal. To prevent an accidential firing of the bag, the system disables the airbag and turns on the light....

call the dealer ship there is a recall on airbags

There are no campaigns/recalls for the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag). However, there is a Service Bulleting regarding the wiring harness under the seats:
DESCRIPTION: Motion of the side impact air bag wiring harness and connector may result in illumination of the air bag warning light and one or both diagnostic codes listed below:

• B1378: Driver side air bag (DSAB) resistance high.
• B1382: Passenger side air bag (PSAB) resistance high.

This campaign provides a new side impact air bag wiring harness connector mounting procedure. VEHICLES AFFECTED:

• Model : 1999 - 2002 SONATA vehicles
• Production date range: - Produced through July 23, 2001
  
• VIN range: - Produced through KMHWF35H82A526636
  

SPECIAL NOTES: The service procedure to be followed depends on the original wire harness routing under the seats. The required parts are different for each procedure.

• For vehicles produced on or before June 30, 1999, use the procedure for Type 1 seats. Order service kit part number 88010-38A00.
• For vehicles produced on or after July 1, 1999, use the procedure for Type 2 seats. Order service kit part number 88010-38B00.

If your vehicle doesn't fall within the production range, it's not affected.
I recommend you take the vehicle into a Hyundai Service Department and ask them if your vehicle has had this repair already. If it doesn't apply, pay the diagnostic fee to find out what the problem is. They will give you an estimate of repairs (parts, labor, tax, time-frame, etc.).. Then you'll know what the problem is.

disconnect and connect the battery several times this resets the computer system.

I would advise getting the dealer to check it. Some small local shops will cut the light off, but there have been cases where the air bag can go off for no reason, and potentially cause a saftey issue. I would say to get it check for your saftey. An airbag light can also be a forwarning to a potential computer problem. Good luck, and be careful.