Expect to pay between $80 and $120 to repair a pretensioner and even more to replace with new components. At the very least, the ECU or airbag module will need to be reset costing about $50 to $150. If the airbag control module needs replacing, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,200 for a new one.
Accidental Airbag Deployment CausesThe electrical system of the airbags are sensitive to even the slightest change to its wiring and power supply. Airbags can also accidentally deploy when a car is exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as severe dust, moisture and salt residue.
Signs of a Bad Airbag Sensor
- Airbag Light. The most common symptom you will see is that your airbag light is flashing or lit up on your dashboard.
- Checking With a Diagnostic Tool.
- Airbag Battery Backup Depleted.
- Faulty Airbag Clock Springs.
- Damaged Airbag Module.
- Disconnect the Car Battery.
- Reconnect the Battery.
How to Reset an Airbag Light
- Put the key into the ignition and turn the switch to the "on" position.
- Watch for the airbag light to turn on. It will stay illuminated for seven seconds and then shut itself off. After it shuts off, immediately turn the switch off and wait three seconds.
- Repeat Steps 1 and 2 two more times.
However, in many vehicles, the airbags will still deploy whether or not an occupant is fastened by a safety belt. Unfortunately for the occupant, not wearing a seat belt and crashing into an airbag can yield much more serious injuries than if a seat belt were worn.
You cannot drive a car on public roads where a safety system like an airbag does not work. Thus, you cannot on-sell a car to a buyer as it will never pass inspection. Are there any warning lights on dash?
It might mean nothing much, or it could mean that in the event of an accident, your airbags will not deploy. On your dash, you will see a light that either says Air Bag or SRS. SRS stands for “supplemental restraint system.” In some vehicles, you might also see an illustration of a person with an airbag deploying.
In some older cars it is possible to reset the airbag light without a scanner by removing the car battery terminals though. If you are repairing the problem, the airbag light will go away by itself in most cars. Check the wiring system underneath the driver or passenger seat for any loose wires.
In some vehicles, it is found in the center console, kick panel, behind the steering wheel, or under the radio. The importance of the seat belt sensor is that it detects when the metal buckle of the seat belt is inserted into the female portion of the seat belt.
A clock spring or crash sensor may run around $75 to $125, a seat belt with pretensioner may cost you around $200 to $300, and the computer itself could run upwards of $800 to $1000. Keep in mind, pricing will vary by location and your vehicle make and model.
The way you know if the sensor is at fault or not, before scanning your airbag system for faults, is to simply look at the “Passenger Airbag Off” light. If there's no one in the seat, the light should illuminate. If there is someone in the seat, the light should turn off, signifying that the system is armed.
So, is the air bag always on or always off? It is normal for a passenger air bag to be off if the passenger seat is empty or below a certain weight. Usually at least 50 lbs of weight is required to turn it on.
Airbags are generally triggered by forces of more than 20 Gs, or 20 times the force of gravity. Depending on the calibration and location of the airbag sensors, crashes in which the car dives into and under an object or vehicle, or accidents in which the vehicle rolls, may not generate enough Gs to trigger the airbags.
Your passenger airbag will turn off if your passenger is: Light enough that the weight sensor detects that someone is occupying the seat, but not heavy enough that deploying the airbag is a wise idea. The sensor believes the person sitting in this chair is too light and deploying the airbag would be unsafe for them.
To disable the passenger front airbag:
- Remove the emergency key from within the Smart key. See UNLOCKING THE VEHICLE.
- Insert the emergency key blade into the slot in the switch and rotate to the OFF position.
- Make sure the passenger airbag's operational status indicator illuminates yellow.
Vehicles Affected
- Acura (Honda) 2003 Acura 3.2CL.
- Audi (VW) 2006-2013 Audi A3.
- BMW. 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series.
- Cadillac (GM) 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade.
- Chevrolet (GM) 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche.
- Chrysler. 2005-2015 Chrysler 300.
- Daimler Trucks North America (Sterling Bullet)
- Daimler Vans USA LLC (Sprinter)
For a passenger-side airbag, it can be around $400 to $1000. If a modern vehicle has side curtain airbags, the price can be about $200 to $700. For knee airbags, the price tag can be $400 to $1000. You may have sensors, springs and the instrument panel to replace for your car to be safe again.
The airbag recall does not affect all Takata airbags. Two types of Takata airbags, alpha and beta have been identified as defective and are being recalled. Vehicles with a high-risk or critical Takata alpha airbag must have the airbag replaced immediately to make sure your vehicle remains safe to drive.
The statute of limitations, according to NHTSA, for all no-charge recall repairs is 10 years from the original sale date of the vehicle. However, one exception is tires. Tire recall repairs must be completed within 60 days of receiving a recall notice.
When the recall does not fix the problem specified in the defective issue within the recall paperwork or the issue increases and harms the driver, a passenger or causes additional property damage, the owner of the vehicle may need to contact the manufacturer to make amends immediately.
What Toyota Models Are Being Recalled For Takata Airbags?
- 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner.
- 2003-2013 Toyota Corolla.
- 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix.
- 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix.
- 2004-2005 Toyota Rav4.
- 2002-2006 Toyota Sequoia.
- 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna.
- 2003-2006 Toyota Tundra.
How to check if your car has a recall
- Find your VIN. Your unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found in a number of places.
- Check the NHTSA database. Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall page, at recalls, and enter your VIN.
- Call your dealer.
