How do I install airbags in my 2002 chevy cavalier?

Question

I resently hit a deer and my airbags deployed, I was wondering how difficult it is to replace them. Is there anything specific that I need to know or can I just go to a junk yard and pop out the old ones and pop in the new ones, please help!

Answer 1

It is a little more detailed than just installing new airbags. You also have to replace the Sensing and Diagnostic Module. This is the little black box that actually deploys the airbags. In addition to that, you will need to replace the Electronic Frontal Sensor which tells the SDM how severe the impact is. You will also have to inspect all of the other componets in the SIR system for damage and replace as needed. These include the SIR coil, wiring harness, knee bolsters, steering wheel module. Plus you will need a bi-directional scan and diagnostic tool such as a Tech2 to clear all the codes stored in the SDM. You are better off taking your car to a qualified service technician than risking an unintended deployment of your new air bags.

Answer 2

You're treading on dangerous ground. Having airbags installed by anyone other than someone certified to do so is illegal in most circumstances. Just being a "mechanic" or "knowing cars" isn't going to be good enough. Trying to side step regulation and your insurance is going to land you in a heap 'o trouble if you're not extremely careful, and in being careful, you shouldn't post a question like this on a public message board. Shadetree installed airbags aren't the safest way to go, and you could be found liable if it's discovered that they were done in this manner if you resell the vehicle and the purchaser is in an accident. Think about it. You'd be pretty pissed off if someone incorrectly installed airbags in your vehicle and they didn't deploy if you were in an accident.

Answer 3

There is a whole lot of technical problems in installing the airbags because when they are deployed in an accident, there is a cascading effect of a lot of sensors and electrical connections that must be correctly set.

This is a real good example of when to take it to the pros, because you sure don't want this thing to fail to work if needed or worse to deploy at the wrong time (like 75 mph down the interstate).

I would suggest you take it to someone who has the expertise.

Answer 4

air bags arent exactly a do it your self thing really. if you know what your doing, then go right ahead, but if you dont do it right, then your screwed next time one of those ******* jumps in front of your car. there may be more to it then just the air bags, you have to make sure all the sensors are in good working condition and that they wont deploy the things once you plug in the connections. you would be better off going to a dealership to have them replaced because chances are your going to mess it up and kill yourself trying to do it yourself