Hey all, hopefully I won't receive a bunch of responses to this like "you shouldn't be working on the airbag system" like I would on a certain other forum.

I have been trying to rework an airbag system for a car that was previously hit in the rear pass quarter, where both airbags deployed. We have gone through and tested resistance and continuity of all sensors, installed new airbags, clockspring (for different reasons than the crash), and installed a new diagnostic module. This is a 94 car for reference.

We were baffled by the fact that all of the sensors seem to be functioning properly. I was under the impression that the ball bearing switch that makes up the crash sensor was not going to reset itself, but could it be that after some spirited driving in the car the ball bearing relocates itself up against the magnet?

After replacing everything the car throws no airbag blink codes, but the car's owner is concerned that he'll hit a pothole and blow an airbag (and his windshield) out again.

Does anyone know?

 

I'd say put in a new steering wheel. Airbags are a PITA, not even worth the trouble.

 

that's what i'd do, but it's not my car.

let me also mention before someone asks that i've been referring to the m.net garage faq, enthusiast manual, and the 90-93 shop manual (don't have a 94 shop manual unfortunately). I believe with the exception of the blink codes the sensor test data is the same for 90-94

 

The sensors are typically not replaced after an accident. The bags, clockspring, and computer are. Technically, the computer could be flashed and reused, but I don't think anyone will due to liability reasons.

 

Hey Ben - thanks for the confirmation - have you had to do this to a few cars?

 

No, I used to sell the components to insurance companies, body shops, and accident investigators. The investigators might use the same set of sensors and computer on their test sled for 50 or 100 "wrecks." They'd just reset the computer each time.

 

good deal - you obviously have some experience on the matter in that case. thanks for your help.