need to replace airbags, but dont want to pay an arm and a leg. found two on ebay for 27.50 a piece and want to install them myself..
2006-10-03 16:22:09 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i own a repair shop,,and it is possible to do it your self but you have to be really care full,even a static electricity spark can trigger it to go off on you i have seen that happen before,that's why it cost so much to get it done now days,but i have replaced a lot of them before ,just make sure you take the battery cable off of it before you attempt it,you might want to ask a friend for some help with it,i believe you can do it though,if you take your time and are care full with it,good luck i hope this help,s.
2006-10-03 16:31:24 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Airbag Repair
Let's take a moment to examine some of the items that are Required to test and repair these systems.
You will need the Specific Repair Manual for your car. You may get by for only 40-50 bucks on this one.
Another option is to call one of the suppliers of collision repair information and buy their Airbag Repair Procedures manual, but this will cost you a few hundred dollars.
Open the repair manual to the pages on Airbag Replacement and Repair Procedures and get a big note pad and pencil.
Read the Entire Section.
Make notes of Cautions and any Special Tools Needed.
Pay Attention to the section on the proper Handling of Airbag Modules and Static Electricity
Make a List of the parts that MUST BE REPLACED.
Leave room on the bottom of this list.
Make another List of the Parts that MUST BE INSPECTED.
Typically on the driver side, in addition to the airbag, you will probably need a steering wheel, turn signal switch assembly, horn assembly, lower dash cover and steering column. You will need these because the force of deployment usually causes the steering column to collapse as it was designed to in the case of a crash. (Remember the part about head, neck and chest injuries?)
If the passenger bag deployed, you will probably need a dash pad, instrument cradle, windshield, vents, and a number of parts not directly connected to the airbag system. This is because in airbag deployment to save your life, airbags beat up a car's dashboard pretty good.
Remember the MUST BE INSPECTED List?
For the sake of argument, we will assume that your car is one of the vehicles that does not require the dealer to reset the ECU to clear the error codes that are set in case of a crash. If your car is one of those that require the dealer to reset these codes, you have already lost. The dealer will want to backtrack the entire repair sequence to ensure that there is no danger to their technicians, and that all of the repair proceedures took place in the correct order.
If You are still not convinced that airbag repair is not a back yard activity, let's move to the tools section of the the repair process.
Tools
Bring MONEY.
You will need to go to one of the Major Tool suppliers and buy a Scan Tool. Scan Tools perform a variety of the necessary testing proceedures. The one's you can get for $40-50 bucks at the local auto parts store, are not up to the task, nor do they have the specific diagnostic software for the Airbag System.
These tools will set you back between 3,000 and 10,000 dollars. Be sure when you buy it, you get the software for your car. Also, make sure that you get the training in using this equipment. (They usually throw this in.) This training will show you how to use the tool, not how to repair your airbag system.
Set aside a couple of weeks for courses in theory and practice in Supplemental Restraint and Airbag Systems before beginning repairs. You will need to pay for these courses.
Since you have "some tools", you already have a DVOM, ( Digital Volt Ohm Meter) to check the ECU, SENSORS, airbag circuits, and wiring harnesses in the case of breaks and continuity checking. If not, you Will have to get one!
You cannot use a analog VOM because they send current thru the circuit for testing. This small amount of current will explode the airbag!!
Static electricity and airbags are an Explosive mix!!
Drag out the DVOM and make a Mark One Eyeball inspection of ALL the parts that MUST be inspected. One of the most critical areas are the wire harnesses in the Airbag system. Perform a continuity check on any suspect wires. Repairs to these wires are very dangerous and in most cases not recommended unless you are trained and have the correct materials. So it's a good idea to replace them.
Add the Parts that Fail to the MUST BE REPLACED List.
Once you have assembled all of the equipment and training necessary, you are almost ready to go.
Check Your Lists and Get More MONEY.
You will need to have between 1,000 and 5,000 dollars for the parts at factory list prices.
You will need the airbag(s). This is where the paper trail begins..........
You will need to provide the VIN number of your car to even begin to approach finding an airbag. Model and midyear changes by the manufactures mandate this information to provide the CORRECT parts. Just because they fit and bolt up does not mean they will work. This applies to the SENSORS, electronic control unit, wire harnesses, clockspring, brackets, clips, and backup power supply in the case you car used one. You will have a real hard time going to the dealer and walking to the counter and buying these items.
They WILL NOT sell them to the general public.
Okay, you say, I'll get them from a wrecking yard. Same deal.
Automobile Recyclers that deal in salvage airbags will not sell them to the public. First, they are dangerous. Second, whatever money they make on them will not begin to cover the liability insurance or the court costs involved in an accident by doing this.
You have enough on your plate at this point, so we will not discuss stolen bags.
2006-10-03 16:34:20 · answer #2 · answered by ladylucknc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With the main remarkable quantity of money, rattling close to something is attainable. A 1970 Impala shouldn't additionally be labeled as a vehicle while in comparison with the crap they build as we communicate. i could somewhat crash in a brilliant previous boat like a 1970 Impala any day than in a sort of little sh**boxes they call autos now a days, basically because of the fact it has air luggage.
2016-10-18 11:04:42 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's your car.......
but I would NOT install a $27.50 airbag. You would be better off disconnecting the system and just using your seatbelts.
2006-10-03 16:25:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOOK those need to be installed correctly. UNLESS you know what your doing leave it to the experts. OR DO WHAT we did for 1/4 of the price and use a back yard mechanic.THIS one worked 4 a Chevy company and quit. So we knew he knew what he was doing. I Believe there are people out there that are cheaper. Good luck.
2006-10-03 16:29:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Um, I would not try. I think they could cause some damage if they expanded on you--break your neck, etc.
Does this price exceed the bluebook value of your car? If so, the insurance company might total your car (you can get another).
2006-10-03 16:28:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am surprised its legal to sell an airbag on ebay.why would you want to be so cheap on something that could save your life. let someone who knows what their doing do it for you.
2006-10-03 16:29:44 · answer #7 · answered by namkciub 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the insurance co should have payed to have them installed.
2006-10-03 16:36:26 · answer #8 · answered by bungee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, they do them their self at the dealership
2006-10-03 16:24:11 · answer #9 · answered by lonesomewalks 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what kind of car?
2006-10-03 16:35:52 · answer #10 · answered by TIM S 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋