How To Fix Deployed Airbags: Whole Process Simplified

“How to fix deployed airbags” is an important query, especially when you are far away from home and the nearest auto shop is several miles away. It’ll serve as a temporary measure until you’re able to get help or drive to the nearest workshop.

However, removing airbags can be dangerous since the bag could easily explode and injure you in the process, leading to even more costs.This complete guide will walk you through the steps of repairing your airbags safely and answer your few questions about airbags.

What Are the Simple Steps To Fix Deployed Airbags?

The simple steps to fixing deployed air bags are decoupling the battery, checking the other undeployed bags, and restoring the control module. You can do these processes by yourself but you need to exercise caution because damaging a component could prove to be costly.

We’ll explain the steps in detail below, but make sure you start off by wearing the proper safety clothes for this type of project.

1. Disengage the Car Battery

Disconnect the battery to ensure that there won’t be a sudden flow of electrical charge that’ll cause the airbag to redeploy. Air bags are capable of redeploying after initial deployment and this can cause injuries to you.
Thus, you need to disengage the negative battery cable and allow the car to sit for at least an hour to ensure that the system is completely discharged. Once you’re sure the system is completely off, you can then move on to the next step.

2. Check for and Remove Undeployed Bags

The next step is to check for undeployed air bags, remove them and store them in an antistatic bag. To remove these bags, you’ll need to undo some screws located around your steering wheel. Removing undeployed bags will depend on the car and its model, therefore consult the car’s manual for assistance. Generally, removing undeployed airbags will involve taking off the plastic panels around the steering wheel and locating the screws at the back of the wheel.

If the vehicle has springloaded tabs, then depress them and locate the holes with screws in them and use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew them. Once the screws are out, you’ll have access to the airbags but before removing them, make sure you unplug them by undoing two connectors.

After removing the undeployed airbags, ensure that you don’t place them face down but have the vinyl side down. This is to prevent injuries to you or damage to anything should the airbag deploy accidentally while you’re handling it. Also, avoid testing the terminals of the airbags with the probe of a meter due to the power that they contain.

4. Restoring the Control Module

The control module, also known as the control unit, also stores crash data and exchanges information with the car’s engine. The airbag is deployed by a control module, which may need replacement or reprogramming to prevent future accidental discharges.

Each control module differs based on the company that made it, therefore, we advise you to consult your car’s manual to know how to remove or reprogram yours. If it’s damaged, then you need to replace it.

5. Re-install New Airbags

The final step is to re-install the new airbags by plugging them in using the wires attached to them. Ensure you follow the right order in plugging them in because the wrong connection could cause the airbag to malfunction. To be extremely sure the wires are firmly connected, give them a gentle tug and if they don’t come off, then you’re good to go. Now, reinsert the bag into the steering wheel and carefully avoid the wires so they don’t get mashed in during the process.

Once you’re done, put the wheel back into place and tighten the screws that you removed. Next, reconnect the battery’s negative cable and test the other features of the wheel like the horn, indicators, etc. to ensure they’re working properly. If they’re not, then check the various wires connected to these features and work on them. Fix the plastic panels around the steering wheel and complete the process.

With the airbag fully in place, you’re assured that you’ll be protected in light of a car accident. If the airbag light illuminates, then it means there’s an issue with it that requires immediate attention.

How To Quickly Fix the Airbag Deployed Light?

To quickly fix an airbag deployed light, you’ll need to determine what is triggering it in the first place. Several factors such as accidentally turning on the light and malfunctioning seatbelts could illuminate the light. You can then take steps to reset it depending on the cause.

1. Switch on the Car’s Ignition and Turn It Off

This method will reset the airbag light, also known as the SRS light, and should be among the first steps to take when the air bag light illuminates. First, turn on the ignition and wait until the SRS light comes on; the light will come on for seven seconds before going off. When it goes off, turn off the vehicle and wait for three seconds before switching it back on.

Repeat the process about once or twice and if it is timed well, the SRS light will shut off permanently.

2. Restart the Engine and Go for a Short Drive

This process involves restarting the ignition and then going for a short drive to ensure the power cycle is renewed. It works when the SRS light doesn’t stay on for too long before shutting off again. Note that it might not work in all vehicles, therefore proceed to other methods if this one doesn’t solve your problems.

3. Check the Airbag Switch Button on the Passenger Side

You should check the passenger airbag switch button because someone could’ve accidentally turned it off. If that is the case, you can just turn it off and the problem will be solved.

You can find the button on the dashboard of some vehicles while others also have it on their passenger door or glove box.

Frequently Asked Question

– How Much Will It Cost You To Repair a Deployed Airbag?

It will cost you between $350 and $1,100 for airbag repair, depending on the type and model of your vehicle. The parts of the airbag module assembly are between $200 and $800, while the labor costs range from $150 to $300 per airbag.

Your next question might be “Does insurance cover airbag replacement cost?” Yes, but it falls under zero-depreciation or bumper-to-bumper insurance coverage. However, the age of the vehicle must be 5 years and under before it qualifies. Third-party insurance doesn’t cover airbag systems replacement while comprehensive insurance only covers about 50 percent of the cost of replacement.

Conclusion

This article has highlighted simple steps on what to do after airbags deploy and demonstrated how to reset the SRS light when it refuses to go off.

Here is a recap of all that we’ve discussed:

• The first precaution to take when removing the airbag is to disconnect the negative cable of the car battery to prevent a sudden jolt of electricity that may be damaging.
• The next step is to check for undeployed airbags and remove them to ensure they don’t cause damage by accidentally deploying.
• Remember to store the undeployed airbags in an antistatic bag and put it face down to keep you safe just in case it explodes.
• Remove the airbag control module and replace or reprogram it depending on whether it is damaged or still intact.
• Finally, connect the wires of the new airbag to that of the control module and push the airbag inside while ensuring that you don’t trip any of the wires.

Replace the steering wheel and use some of its features like the horn and the indicators to ascertain that they are working perfectly. If they are not, then check the wires connected to the malfunctioning feature and fix them accordingly.