SRS component interchangeability question.

[Daleford]

I am repairing a 2001 Coupe that had deployed it's drivers airbag. [Passenger's bag had been keyed off] I bought the proper used airbag from a reputable E-bay dealer. Also a numbers matching control module from another reputable seller. I installed, and the airbag light did not go out. Now I am being told by some people the following:
1.You MUST replace the clockspring, always.
2.The control module will only work in the original car it was installed in.
You must buy a new one and have the GM dealer reprogram it to the car.

I am enlisting help to find out if all this is true. I am thanking you in advance.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
IT is true that you can only install the orginal module or a brand new one and program it.
Installing another module from another vehicle will NEVER work.
The clockspring replacement is not necessary unless it was damaged inside the column if the column collapsed.
There is a certain service inspection that is required for any accident evaluation. Just because the air bag deployed, assuming the other components are ok is just dangerous.
Allthebest, c4c5:bang

 

[DRTH VTR]

Welcome to the CAC. I cannot answer your question, but someone will be along soon who can. Perhaps c4c5 specialist will see it shortly.

 

[Daleford]

Welcome to the CAC. I cannot answer your question, but someone will be along soon who can. Perhaps c4c5 specialist will see it shortly.

Thanks. Yes, C4C5 saw and spoke. This is a helpful place.
So when I see modules being offered on E-bay or at an auto salvage yard it means these people just don't know!
So after an air-bag goes off, the module MUST be replaced?
and can the original module can be reset? [I see peole offering to do that service] -----------------Thanks again.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Steering column inspection, seat belt inspection, and knee bolster inspection should all be performed, BEFORE you replace any components.
Also, scanning and determining if there are any OTHER diagnostic trouble codes is critical PRIOR to replacing parts.
If there was an air bag deployment, the SDM MUST BE REPLACED>
After a collision involving frontal air bag deployment, replace the following components.

Inflatable restraint IP module
Inflatable restraint steering wheel module
Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
Perform additional inspections on the following components.

Steering wheel module coil and coil wiring pigtail - Inspect for melting, scorching, or other damage due to excessive heat.
Mounting points and mounting hardware for the IP module, steering wheel module, and SDM - Inspect for damage and repair or replace each component as needed.
In bold type is directly from factory service information.
Allthebest, c4c5:bang

 

[Daleford]

Thanks. I am assuming when you mention the inflatable restraint IP module, you are speaking of the passengers air bag? If it was keyed to off during the accident and it did not deploy, can one consider it unharmed?
Can the original control module [SDM] be re-set?

 

[c4c5specialist]

NO, the module must be replaced that controls the air bags.
If the passenger side air bag isnt deployed, you dont have to replace that.
If you cannot afford to repair it correctly, you are taking your life in your own hands.
YOU DO NOT take chances with air bag systems.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Daleford]

I do appreciate the info, and I am not trying to make trouble, but am perplexed by this website http://stores.ebay.com/Hicks-Airbag-Covers_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm.

I have spoke to them and these guys differ from what you say in regards to 2 things: They say in most cases a module can be changed from car to car as long as the part number on the module matches exactly. [maybe this does not include Corvettes?]
Also they say not to change out your deployed module because they can reset it.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
So, your saying you would rather save a little bit of money, then follow repair guidelines from the manufacturer of the vehicle????
This is exactly where my involvement ends. We are not trying to sell you anything, are we? They are. They did not engineer the vehicle, GM HAS.
You have been correctly advised by this website as to the CORRECT and safe repair of your vehicle.
If you chose not to, that is your own problem.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Daleford]

Point understood. Thanks

 

[BlackNBlue95]

HI there,
So, your saying you would rather save a little bit of money, then follow repair guidelines from the manufacturer of the vehicle????
This is exactly where my involvement ends. We are not trying to sell you anything, are we? They are. They did not engineer the vehicle, GM HAS.
You have been correctly advised by this website as to the CORRECT and safe repair of your vehicle.
If you chose not to, that is your own problem.
Allthebest, c4c5

Exactly... so many times as technicians we try to explain to people the situation but because money or the fact they don't want to listen to us they go ahead and do things anyway and it bites them..

It's like a customer who brings a car in for an inspection before they buy the car (check for purchase) you find a long list of things the car needs and tell the customer I would stay away from this car it needs X amount of dollars in work to make it safe & reliable but they buy it anyway after they ask your valued opinion on the car. Then they are upset they are dropping all kinds of cash fixing everything on the car... Which they didn't have to buy there are many many good used cars out there... Are people stuck on stupid sometimes or what??

Paul knows what he is talking about he has experiance, training, & knowledge. AND like he said he is not trying to sell you anything he is just stating his opion and what the FACTORY service manual states...

This is what we are 24 hrs a day...
-=Rick

 

[Daleford]

I do appreciate and believe what he told me. My thoughts were since it appears that these guys are obviously doing it the wrong way, maybe my post could be taken as a warning for the safety consious people to stay away from them.
Actually if one looks closely you will see they offer air bag "covers". If you decide to really take a chance and have no air bag, these dress up covers are the real answer! Now there is a real total disregard for safety.

 

[LLC5]

Exactly... so many times as technicians we try to explain to people the situation but because money or the fact they don't want to listen to us they go ahead and do things anyway and it bites them..

It's like a customer who brings a car in for an inspection before they buy the car (check for purchase) you find a long list of things the car needs and tell the customer I would stay away from this car it needs X amount of dollars in work to make it safe & reliable but they buy it anyway after they ask your valued opinion on the car. Then they are upset they are dropping all kinds of cash fixing everything on the car... Which they didn't have to buy there are many many good used cars out there... Are people stuck on stupid sometimes or what??

Paul knows what he is talking about he has experiance, training, & knowledge. AND like he said he is not trying to sell you anything he is just stating his opion and what the FACTORY service manual states...

This is what we are 24 hrs a day...
-=Rick

A lot of people are stuck on stupid. We get a lot of inspections after they purchase the car. We call them "post buyers remorse". If you are going to pay to find out what is wrong with the vehicle, do it BEFORE you purchase it. There are a lot of legal issues with not fixing SRS problems correctly, especially if you knowingly sell it that way. If you don't have the knowledge or the equipment to fix SRS correctly, then pay to have someone do it.