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SRS Airbag System Diagnostics & Repairs

Written by John Wells | Sep 28, 2018 4:00:00 AM

Replace Intimidation with Confidence

The SRS, or Supplemental Restraint System, of your vehicle can present itself as rather intimidating in regards to determining the diagnostics and repairs. To clarify for those who may not consider themselves “auto guru’s,” the SRS of your vehicle refers to the airbags, modules, crash sensors, seat weight and position sensors, warning lights, pre-tensioning devices, and seat belt switches. These components are primarily responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers while the vehicle is being operated, which is why a well-maintained SRS is critical. With specific inputs, outputs, and control modules that consist of the SRS components, there are specific tools and necessary procedures to properly diagnose and facilitate repairs. Do not be discouraged by the seemingly overwhelming diagnosis and repair process! With a basic understanding and knowledge of SRS, obtaining the proper tools, and following the set procedure, you will ensure a successful SRS diagnosis and repair! First, it is helpful to understand each component separately, as the three contain separate potential issues and require slightly different approaches.

SRS Troubleshooting

In regards to the SRS input components, diagnostics typically require a simple up-to-date non-factory scanner, as well as a volt ohm meter. The scanner will accurately retrieve and clear codes after the repair is complete. There are some vehicles whose SRS input components have a tendency to experience corrosion issues in their front crash sensors or front end sensors (FES). This issue that will typically result in the SRS light flashing seven times and remaining turned on. Paying close attention to the sub digits of the trouble code that your scanner produces is important because there are particular codes that will suggest an FES issue. If corrosion is found, you will most definitely need to make arrangements for the sensor to be replaced. However, if corrosion does not appear to be the issue, swapping the sensors from side-to-side could effectively diagnose the failed sensor. MyAirbags does have airbag control modules in stock. The output issues of the SRS can also be accurately diagnosed and repaired with inexpensive non-factory scanners and a volt ohm meter. In regards to this SRS component, resistance issues tend to be the most common. If the resistance is too high or too low, it will set codes. For your reference, the normal resistance is about 1 to 3 ohms, which is typically shown in the SRS data by utilizing a scan tool. There are usually specific SRS load tools required to diagnose the circuits and resistance codes to properly substitute the removed inflator/deployment circuits.

Seat Belt Pretensioner Repair

Check your seat belts to make sure they are working correctly. That they pull out and retract as they should. Usually after an accident seat belt pretensioners will lock up and will need to be repaired or rebuilt. MyAirbags can rebuild your seat belts back to its original factory state by replacing all damaged components with new OEM replacement parts and will be as good as new. This will save you time and hundreds of dollars! Get your seat belts rebuilt today!

SRS Airbag Control Module Reset

For the airbag control modules component, this category of SRS can be divided into two separate parts, known as the airbag control module replacement and the occupant classification system (OCS) recalibration. These parts are separated, due to the fact that each contain their own issues and tool-use requirements for a successful repair. In regards to the srs airbag module reset, this is quite typical after only one collision, upon which must then the airbag control module must be reset. It is important to understand that, unlike seat belt pretensioners, airbags, and crash sensors, most airbag control modules will require a proper set up, programming, or re-calibration after the repairs. Due to the fact that most airbag control module setups are accompanied by rather specific procedures, it is crucial to follow the correct steps, as well as thoroughly understand the service information regarding what capabilities your scan tools possess. However, it does not need to be complicated. If you have your original airbag control module reset instead of replacing it. This is an advantage because the airbag control module that is your vehicle is already programmed to your vehicle and will not need any additional programming at the dealer. MyAirbags can reset your airbag control module for $49 and when you get it back it will not need any additional programming. After a collision occurs or after the airbag control module reset, OCS recalibration is quite a common problem that may or may not require a factory scan tool to effectively be accomplished. It is primarily for this reason why it is critical to understand the limitations of your scan tool. While many non-factory scanners have the ability to conduct the setup of the OCS and re-calibrate the weight sensors of the passenger seat, there are other tools that may also be required. Instead of replacing the airbag control module, you can send your airbag control module to MyAirbags and have it reset.

MyAirbags will save you hundreds on airbag module reset & seat belt repair

The best part is, instead of replacing the airbag control module it can be reset. Send your airbag control module to MyAirbags and have your airbag control module reset. The crash data and accident info is stored in the airbag control module that needs to be reset, then the airbag control module can be used again. The process is simple and will save you hundreds of dollars! With up-to-date service information, accurate techniques, and the necessary equipment, an SRS problem is a relatively simple fix. Not only will you gain a newfound knowledge and understanding of SRS system, but you will have developed a confidence in gaining more of an understanding on your vehicle’s safety components. If you still feel unsure of the procedures, explore the services offered at MyAirbags to eliminate the stress of your SRS diagnostic and repair – we at MyAirbags are proud to assist with your airbag module reset and seat belt repair!  

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