Has there been any study done on air bag sensors after they've been out in the elements for 15 years? Do they still function as new?

 

A couple factors I took into consideration before removing mine:
1> Airbag technology from the early 90s/late 80s is probably about as effective as my windshield stopping my head. I've read in several locations that airbags reach "shelf life" around 10-15 years.
2> Most guys on this forum are either tall or wide - the ******* car is really a tin can wrapped around us. If I wreck my miata I'm most likely going to end up pretty mangled regardless of airbag usage. I've been in exactly 1 miata wreck (thx scott) in which case a telephone pole ended up inches from my back - if it had happened in the front an airbag would most likely not have helped for ****.

 

I wouldn't worry about the sensor itself. In my experience, an electronic sensor which is sufficiently well protected that it can survive being in a harsh environment (eg: a fender well) for 5 days will probably survive for 5 decades.

I'd be more concerned about the pyro, and the electronics in the controller (specifically the electrolytic capacitors.)


Actually, I'm more concerned about the seatbelts themselves. 20 years in the sun and that nylon is looking pretty funky.


Hell, I didn't know you were in the car when that happened!

And don't go exaggerating- that pole was easily a full foot away from your head.