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?

[cheela]

the whole dash doesn't need to be replaced. just the airbag itself and the cover, along with the sensors and what not.
but the dash does have to come off or at least half off. it's gonna be a bitch to do but it's doable.

here's the write up for it:
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=80205

good luck!!

[slavie]

cheela got it - the dash has to come out, no other way around it. You may be able to save the dash, but sometimes they get damaged when the airbag goes off. My LeMons celica dash had a small crack in the back of it from airbag going off. It still bolted in place and functioned, but you could see the crack.

I do have a spare pre-facelift "pink" airbag, I can cut you a decent deal on it if you're interested. You need the earlier "pink" one (94-95), not the later "light blue" ones that came in the 96-99 cars.

Also, you will need two of these clips:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-1998-Toyota-A...=item4d34bc3a0e

They hold the front of the airbag cover, and are torn apart when the airbag goes off. You need to put the cover with these clips in before bolting the airbag in.

[brandon702bmx]

cheela got it - the dash has to come out, no other way around it. You may be able to save the dash, but sometimes they get damaged when the airbag goes off. My LeMons celica dash had a small crack in the back of it from airbag going off. It still bolted in place and functioned, but you could see the crack.

I do have a spare pre-facelift "pink" airbag, I can cut you a decent deal on it if you're interested. You need the earlier "pink" one (94-95), not the later "light blue" ones that came in the 96-99 cars.

Also, you will need two of these clips:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-1998-Toyota-A...=item4d34bc3a0e

They hold the front of the airbag cover, and are torn apart when the airbag goes off. You need to put the cover with these clips in before bolting the airbag in.

Hmmm I have a '94 so it would be pre face lift. Can you message me for details?

[brandon702bmx]

Next question:

From my understanding the car saves a crash code from when the vehicle is crashed and the air bags go off. Any way to remove this? I'm basically trying to get the car to back to what it was before the crash at every angle possible.

[brandon702bmx]

cheela got it - the dash has to come out, no other way around it. You may be able to save the dash, but sometimes they get damaged when the airbag goes off. My LeMons celica dash had a small crack in the back of it from airbag going off. It still bolted in place and functioned, but you could see the crack.

I do have a spare pre-facelift "pink" airbag, I can cut you a decent deal on it if you're interested. You need the earlier "pink" one (94-95), not the later "light blue" ones that came in the 96-99 cars.

Also, you will need two of these clips:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-1998-Toyota-A...=item4d34bc3a0e

They hold the front of the airbag cover, and are torn apart when the airbag goes off. You need to put the cover with these clips in before bolting the airbag in.

Also, any idea where I can get a new cover since the cover is split?

[brandon702bmx]

So I was reading a post on the forums. Someone said the module underneath the center console has to be replaced, the sensors fixed near the condenser on the left and right side, and (ofcourse) the air bag on the passenger side, correct?

[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.