30 Dec Airbag Repairs and Service in Plymouth Meeting, PA
Did you know you need a qualified service technician to perform airbag repairs after a car accident? If the fender-bender was severe enough to deploy one or more airbags, the entire supplemental restraint system must be inspected, replaced, and reset. And sometimes, you may need airbag repairs even if you didn’t have an accident. This blog provides basic information on the SRS safety standards and when to schedule a post-collision service for airbag repairs.
Automotive Airbag Safety Standards
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags have saved thousands of lives and help prevent serious injuries. Airbags are part of the supplemental restraint systems (SRS) and work with your vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belts to provide additional protection in the event of an auto collision.
6 Signs To Schedule Airbag Repairs
Be sure to schedule airbag repairs under the following circumstances:
1) Illuminated SRS or Airbag Dashboard Warning Light
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) refers to both the airbags and the seatbelt restraints. The SRS uses sensors to detect situations like heavy deceleration, braking, and loss of steering or stability that occur during a collision. It then uses that data to calculate when to activate the seat restraints and airbags (if necessary). The following situations can trigger the SRS or Airbag warning lights to turn on:
- A bad seatbelt switch
- A broken passenger seat sensor
- A faulty clock spring
- Deactivation or failure of airbag deployment
- An auto collision that deployed airbags
- One or more blown fuse/s in the restraint system
2) After An Accident Or Collision
If you get in an auto accident and any of your vehicle’s airbags deploy, a qualified service technician will need to replace them and reset the sensors.
3) Depleted Airbag Backup Battery
If your car battery recently died or drained, the backup battery that supplies power to the airbags may have also been affected. Once the battery is fully charged or replaced, it may correct itself. Still, if it does not, a technician will need to recharge the backup battery and reset the sensors.
4) Damaged Airbag Clock Spring
The airbag clock spring maintains continuity between the vehicle’s electrical wiring and the driver’s side airbag. The spring moves as the steering wheel turns and can wear out over time. A damaged spring can cause poor electrical contact, leading to an airbag error code or failure.
5) Faulty SRS Sensors
Your vehicle contains numerous sensors connected to SRS components that link to the onboard computer system. They work together to detect and notify the motorist of potential issues. When sensors fail, they need to be inspected and replaced by a qualified technician who can then reset the entire system to comply with automotive safety standards.
6) Wet Airbag Module
If your vehicle suffered internal water damage, the airbag modules located under the driver and passenger seats may have gotten wet. Wet electronic devices can short out or corrode, resulting in malfunctions. Scheduling a diagnostic service with a knowledgeable mechanic can determine whether airbag modules require replacement.
Airbag Repairs In Plymouth Meeting, PA
Repairing and servicing your vehicle’s airbags involves reading error codes with a diagnostic scanner and inspecting sensor connections. The experienced technicians at Plymouth Auto & Tire Center will replace any faulty components and reset the SRS system. Routine maintenance and necessary airbag repairs ensure the manufacturer’s safety standards are maintained.
Schedule SRS Diagnostic Testing or Post-Collision Service
It’s a good idea to schedule a post-collision service for SRS diagnostic testing, even if your vehicle’s airbags did not deploy. Call us at (610) 825-6558 or visit our website to speak with a service technician about your airbag repairs.