Passenger Airvag Replacement Options

[brandon702bmx]

Seems like I've been on here a lot.

Anyway, I recently wrecked my Celica enough to set off the bags. However, I've fixed the cosmetic damage. Replaced the hood, driver fender, and bumper. I don't really know how airbags work, but I was wondering if the whole dash needs to be replaced. Bare with me if that was a dumb question. I figure that not to be the case. My next question is: can I get a new bag unit for the dash and reseal it or how am I going to have to go about this?

[slavie]

I should have a spare cover or two as well - I can check this weekend whether I can still find them if you're interested.

The airbag computer has to be replaced (the one under middle storage comp). The computer saves permanent information to a chip at the time of the crash, and you either need to replace the whole thing or reprogram it. Reprogramming involves unsoldering the EEPROM and using a serial data writer. There's a video on youtube, but it's definitely an advanced job.

As for crash sensors in the front: technically they're supposed to be replaced, but from what I've been able to gather they tend to work fine. Either way, the airbag system performs startup checks and will give you a code if the sensor is no good.

Finally, don't overlook the seatbelts - they can stretch in a crash.

[brandon702bmx]

I should have a spare cover or two as well - I can check this weekend whether I can still find them if you're interested.

The airbag computer has to be replaced (the one under middle storage comp). The computer saves permanent information to a chip at the time of the crash, and you either need to replace the whole thing or reprogram it. Reprogramming involves unsoldering the EEPROM and using a serial data writer. There's a video on youtube, but it's definitely an advanced job.

As for crash sensors in the front: technically they're supposed to be replaced, but from what I've been able to gather they tend to work fine. Either way, the airbag system performs startup checks and will give you a code if the sensor is no good.

Finally, don't overlook the seatbelts - they can stretch in a crash.

Okay. My concern with keeping the front sensors is if they aren't any good, they will write that hard permanent code into the new computer. I don't really know much about the airbag system. Just my speculation.

[slavie]

I should have a spare cover or two as well - I can check this weekend whether I can still find them if you're interested.

The airbag computer has to be replaced (the one under middle storage comp). The computer saves permanent information to a chip at the time of the crash, and you either need to replace the whole thing or reprogram it. Reprogramming involves unsoldering the EEPROM and using a serial data writer. There's a video on youtube, but it's definitely an advanced job.

As for crash sensors in the front: technically they're supposed to be replaced, but from what I've been able to gather they tend to work fine. Either way, the airbag system performs startup checks and will give you a code if the sensor is no good.

Finally, don't overlook the seatbelts - they can stretch in a crash.

Okay. My concern with keeping the front sensors is if they aren't any good, they will write that hard permanent code into the new computer. I don't really know much about the airbag system. Just my speculation.

If the sensor is no good, it will trip a code that you can then read, same as CEL or ABS light. The system only writes the permanent bit if there is an accident and the airbag(s) go off.

Also, I was looking around and looks like there are companies that will reset your SRS module. There are several on eBay that do it for $40 - I'd say it's a no-brainer at that price.