Repairing Guides

how to repair deployed airbags

by Angus Luettgen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Steps to Repairing or Replacing Your Airbags

  1. Disconnecting the Battery. You want to make sure that you are disconnecting your battery terminals. You will then want the vehicle to sit for about an hour.
  2. Careful with the Meter/Undeployed Airbags. Your airbags will deploy with only two or three ohms. ...
  3. Replacing the Control Module/Sensor. The next thing you will need to do is replace the control module. ...

If the airbags have deployed, they may be able to be reset in some makes and models of vehicles, as long as they are not damaged. This basically involves stuffing the airbag back into the airbag module and then resetting the airbag light. However, newer vehicles typically are not allowing the airbags to be reset.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to fix a deployed airbag?

Airbag Deployment Repair: How much does it cost to fix a deployed airbag? Airbag deployment repair on average maybe around $1,000 to $1,500 per airbag that will have to be replaced. This does not include any other parts that need to be replaced. That amount is only for the airbags themselves.

Is it possible to repair deployed airbags?

Be noted that those airbags are deployed are not genuinely damaged. It just needs to get reset. In case of resetting an airbag, please concern the makes and models of your vehicle. After fixing the airbag lights, deflating the airbag is necessary. For some vehicles, the airbag is completely deflated. But, if it’s not, you’ve got a step ahead.

Can you replace airbags that have deployed?

You can replace deployed airbags in a car, meaning the repair is possible. However, replacing the airbags can be very expensive. For this reason, cars with deployed airbags are often not repaired. When you add up the cost of the airbags and other necessary repairs, it will often cost more to fix the car than it will be worth.

How do you reset the airbag system after its deployed?

This can include:

  • Front or rear seat belts
  • Head rests
  • Door mounted airbags

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Can a deployed airbag be fixed?

Airbags cannot be fixed – they must be replaced, which will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, according to automotive tip site AutoChimps.

How much does it cost to repair airbag deployment?

You can expect a bill of anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000 for your replacement; the average cost is between $3,000 and $5,000. You could be looking at a much higher cost if the deployment of your airbags caused your insurer to declare your vehicle a total loss.

Can you repair airbags?

If your airbag was overinflated and exploded or you have a vehicle where you can't reset the airbags, the airbags will need to be replaced following an accident. This can involve needing to replace the entire airbag set up and having an all new one installed.

Is a car worth fixing if the airbags deploy?

While airbag deployment does not necessarily mean a total loss, it does add to the grand total of repairing your car. Replacing airbags is not cheap. On average, airbag replacement can end up costing anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000. This cost has to be added on top of all the other damages your car sustained.

Does insurance cover airbag replacement?

Yes, most policies will pay for airbag replacement if you were involved in an accident and the other driver was at fault (this means the at-fault driver's liability insurance covers it) or if you have collision insurance that will pay for damage to your car no matter who was at fault.

Is it expensive to replace airbags?

On average, expect around $1,000 to $1,500 per airbag that needs to be replaced. That doesn't take into consideration other parts that need to be changed; just the airbags themselves. Airbag module replacement will run another $600 and up.

How much does it cost to reset airbags?

Expect to pay between $80 and $120 to repair a pretensioner and even more to replace with new components. At the very least, the ECU or airbag module will need to be reset costing about $50 to $150. If the airbag control module needs replacing, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,200 for a new one.

Will car start after airbags deploy?

After a collision where the airbags deploy, many newer cars will automatically shut off power for safety reasons. A battery cable may need to be reconnected if the car won't start on its own. In many cases though, it's possible to drive the car after airbags deploy.

Why is a car totaled if the airbags deploy?

Before answering the question 'is car totalled if airbags deploy,' we should know 'what is a totalled car. ' A totalled or written-off car is one that your insurer deems not fit for repair because its overhauling cost exceeds its market value.

How much does it cost to repair all airbags?

After a significant accident, expect the total cost of replacing your air bags to range from $1,000 to $6,000, with most bills averaging $3,000 to $5,000. The average driver-side air bag can cost $250 to $800 in parts alone, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

How much does it cost to reset airbags?

Expect to pay between $80 and $120 to repair a pretensioner and even more to replace with new components. At the very least, the ECU or airbag module will need to be reset costing about $50 to $150. If the airbag control module needs replacing, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,200 for a new one.

How much does it cost to fit airbags?

Most shops take up to 10 hours to install a full air bag suspension kit, add-ons included. At a labor rate of around $100 - $125 per hour, you can expect the installer to charge you $1,000 - $1250 plus shop fees.

How much does it cost to repack airbags?

All said and done, including labor, you'll likely spend between $650-$750. That's basically a best-case scenario. Can you imagine if you were in a car accident and several airbags inflated? In this case, you're looking at an airbag replacement cost of as high as $5,000.

Can You Do Your Own Airbag Repair?

If you are wanting to repair or replace your airbags, you may be wondering if you can even do the repairs yourself. More people do it on their own to help them save their money. However, if you make a mistake, it could be costly if you are doing it yourself. Plus, it is all going to depend on what your car make and model is.

Steps to Repairing or Replacing Your Airbags

When you are repairing your airbags or replacing them you need to make sure that you know every vehicle is different. The items that are discussed are general guidelines for most makes and models. Make sure that you are researching anything specific to your car’s make and model.

FAQs

We are going to look at some questions that surround the airbag and the module. These are questions that people have asked very commonly. We hope that these questions and answers will help you replace your airbag with ease.

Conclusion

Taking the time to know how to replace your airbags is important. However, if you are not sure, take it to the professionals. They are going to know how to fix the problem or if it is even worth fixing. Sometimes replacing the airbags could cost as much as you getting another vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix a front airbag?

So, if your driver's and passenger's front airbags have deployed in a front collision, you can expect your airbag system to cost roughly $3,000 to fix.

What is replacement airbag?

Replacement of damaged or deployed airbags, airbag sensors, and modules by a specialist guarantees that the vehicle is fixed properly and safely. The technician will need to recalibrate after all of the airbag systems have been replaced and all damaged parts on the vehicle have been found and replaced or fixed.

How to reset airbag light?

You can use a handheld computerized gadget obtained from an auto parts supplier to reset the airbag light after all repairs have been completed. Place the key in the ignition and turn the ignition switch to “on.”. Keep an eye out for the airbag light to come on. It will remain lit for seven seconds before turning off.

Why does my car have an airbag light?

The airbag light, also called the SRS light (supplemental restraint system), illuminates on the car's instrument panel after airbag deployment and the vehicle has been in an accident. However, there are other scenarios that can cause the SRS light to illuminate, such as when a new radio is installed or when the airbag system malfunctions.

How fast do airbags deploy?

Because the belts alone are anticipated to provide adequate protection up to these low speeds, most airbags will deploy at a higher threshold — around 16 mph — for strapped occupants.

What is DTC in airbag repair?

Before starting any portion of the airbag repair procedure, the technician should do a full diagnostic pre-scan to see what Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) have been triggered in any area of the airbag system, including the crash sensors and airbag module.

What happens when an airbag deploys on the passenger side?

When an airbag deploys on the passenger side, it rips the dashboard apart. In the event of a side impact, an airbag may rip the seat cover as it exits. The headliner is also destroyed by side curtain airbags. As a result, the cost of collision repair skyrockets.

1. Unleash the airbag warning light

Airbag sensors triggered by bumpers or fender benders must be reset. A car will almost always feature a cautionary light that simulates an airbag repair light, much like the light on your car’s dashboard. The airbag light has to be reset if your car’s light is on.

2. Turn the airbags back on

Usually, as long as the airbags have not been tampered with, a mechanic should be able to reset the deployed airbags in most cars. It’s essential to get your ignition examined by professional mechanics who can tell you if your ignition can or cannot be reset.

3. Do away with the airbags

You will have to replace the airbags if your airbag was inflated to an extreme level and it went off or if you own a car where you cannot reset the airbags. Replacing the entire airbag system, and having a brand new one fitted, might be part of the solution.

To Do-it-yourself (DIY) or Not?

Personal automobile projects require careful consideration because of the many issues that come with airbag repairs, so think twice before proceeding. Regardless of your technical skill, you must be confident that you can adequately and safely make repairs accurately and safely.

Conclusion

In most situations, you will not be required to obtain an airbag replacement from a dealership or trained technician; but, where your vehicle warranty is concerned, you should make sure that the replacement of your airbags is covered.

What is an airbag deployment?

Air bag deployment: a guide to properly replacing and resetting. A vehicle involved in a collision severe enough to warrant airbag deployment typically has obvious collision damage. The SRS parts are expensive and often have a direct effect on the reparability of the vehicle.

Why does my airbag light on my dashboard?

Even if the driver or passenger airbags have not deployed, the airbag light on the dashboard may be on if any deployment device within the vehicle was triggered. This can include: Front or rear seat belts. Head rests.

Can airbags be replaced?

Airbags and other safety elements may need to be replaced or repaired, but they also need to be properly reset and calibrated. Using a remote scanning tool like the asTech ® device at the beginning and end of these repairs can make the process much easier. Conducting an asTech ® Pre-Repair Scan.

What does it look like when airbags are deployed?

In an accident where airbags have deployed, the scene usually looks like carnage. There will be pieces of car everywhere, white dust all over the interior, and billowing material draped from the places the airbags deployed.

How much does it cost to replace an airbag?

On average, expect around $1,000 to $1,500 per airbag that needs to be replaced.

What happens if you don't change your airbag?

If the airbag control module isn’t changed, the entire airbag system won’t work. Seatbelt buckles and retractors are commonly replaced. Some vehicles are equipped with pre-tensioners in the seatbelt buckle or retractor that tightens before the airbags deploy. They’re one-time-use components. Airbags need to replaced.

How do airbags save lives?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), airbags are proven to save lives. When you combine the use of a seatbelt, an airbag can reduce driver fatalities by 52 percent in a front collision. Statistics are similar for passengers as well as side impact collisions. Nobody wants to be involved in an accident but, Unfortunately, ...

What happens when an airbag rips through the dashboard?

On the passenger side, an airbag rips through the dashboard when it deploys. On a side impact , an airbag may tear through the seat cover on its way out. And side curtain airbags destroy the headliner. These make collision repair costs increase substantially.

What happens if you don't wear a seatbelt?

And if you don’t wear a seatbelt, the fatality rate is 52 percent higher.

Can you register a car in Virginia without an airbag light?

Your vehicle may not pass its safety inspection. In some states like Virginia, your vehicle’s airbag light can’t be illuminated, or it will not pass its state inspection. That means you won’t be able to register your car for use on the road.

How long does it take to fix deployed airbags?

The repair work is expected to take about 2 hours to complete, depending on dealer schedules. While repair times can vary from 1 to 2 hours, wait times might be longer depending on dealer schedules.

How much does it cost to fix deployed side airbags?

On average, expect around $1,000 to $1,500 per airbag that needs to be replaced. That doesn’t take into consideration other parts that need to be changed; just the airbags themselves. Airbag module replacement will run another $600 and up.

How long does it take to get airbag replaced?

The time to replace the front-passenger airbag inflator is approximately two hours. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle for an extended period of time on the day of your appointment to allow your retailer flexibility in scheduling.

Is a car totaled if side airbags deploy?

No, airbags deploying does not automatically make a car a total loss. If a vehicle’s airbags deploy and the cost of replacing them is more than the total loss threshold for your state, it would be declared a total loss.

How long does it take to replace passenger side airbag?

The time to replace the front-passenger airbag inflator is approximately two hours.

How do you fix a deployed side airbag?

If the airbags have deployed, they may be able to be reset in some makes and models of vehicles, as long as they are not damaged. This basically involves stuffing the airbag back into the airbag module and then resetting the airbag light. However, newer vehicles typically are not allowing the airbags to be reset.

How much does it cost to replace a side airbag?

Passenger Side Airbag – The average replacement cost of a passenger side airbag tends to be between $400 and $1,000. Side Curtain Airbag –The average replacement cost of a side curtain airbag is somewhere between $200 and $700. Knee Airbags – The average replacement cost of a knee airbag is between $400 and $1,000.

What Do You Do If Your Airbags Deploy?

Before considering the removal of airbags, you need to know how to handle the situation they do deploy. Follow these steps to address deployed airbags in your vehicle safely:

Can You Still Drive The Car If Airbags Deployed?

If you’ve walked away from an accident with nothing more than a sore neck and a scratched car, you may think you can drive off with the airbags deployed. Even if you plan to drive straight to a mechanic, you should never drive a vehicle with deployed airbags.

Can You Fix and Reuse Deployed Airbags?

Replacing a deployed airbag isn’t cheap, but there isn’t a situation where you can fix the deployed airbagHowever, even. In fact, in most states, it is illegal to reinstall deployed airbags into a vehicle. So if a vehicle’s airbag has been deployed, you must replace it.

Is It Dangerous To Remove Deployed Airbags?

If you’re worried about the price of replacing an airbag and want to cut costs by doing it yourself, think again. Working with the airbag system of a vehicle requires knowledge of your car’s electrical and safety components.

Can You Remove Deployed Airbags Without A Mechanic?

In general, you should not attempt to cut out your deployed airbags or remove them by any other means yourself. The best and safest solution in this situation is to have your vehicle towed to a certified mechanic for repairs.

How Are Deployed Airbags Removed and Replaced?

Removing deployed airbags is relatively straightforward to a trained mechanic, but it can seem like a complex project to a bystander. This is because the airbag system of a vehicle works closely with electrical systems and explosives that trigger the release of the airbag.

Does The Passenger Airbag Always Need Replacing After An Accident?

Plenty of car owners wonder if an undeployed passenger airbag needs replacing after an accident. The answer is no. If you did not have a passenger in the front seat and the airbag did not deploy, you may not need to have the airbag replaced.

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Can You Do Your Own Airbag Repair?

Steps to Repairing Or Replacing Your Airbags

  • When you are repairing your airbags or replacing them you need to make sure that you know every vehicle is different. The items that are discussed are general guidelines for most makes and models. Make sure that you are researching anything specific to your car’s make and model. This will ensure that the process is done properly. The biggest thing ...
See more on vehiclefreak.com

FAQs

  • We are going to look at some questions that surround the airbag and the module. These are questions that people have asked very commonly. We hope that these questions and answers will help you replace your airbag with ease. Taking the time to learn how to properly replace an airbag is important. That is why we have some frequent questions that people have asked about airbags.
See more on vehiclefreak.com

Conclusion

  • Taking the time to know how to replace your airbags is important. However, if you are not sure, take it to the professionals. They are going to know how to fix the problem or if it is even worth fixing. Sometimes replacing the airbags could cost as much as you getting another vehicle. You have all the information you need to change an airbag in your vehicle. However, remember that e…
See more on vehiclefreak.com

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