Airbags: repair and restoration of triggered SRS elements

Almost every modern car is required to be equipped with at least one airbag. The requirements for the number of airbags in EU countries are more stringent, which is why the basic configuration must have at least 2 airbags.

Their task is to protect the driver and passengers in collisions, accidents, and accidents. In many ways, they help save human life, protect them from death and more serious injuries.

Cars often get into accidents. At the moment of a collision, a special sensor is triggered, which causes the pillow to shoot, managing to place itself under the person’s head, legs and other parts of the body. It all depends on how many airbags are in the car and where they are located.

An accident does not always result in serious damage to the car. The body is being restored. But one more problem remains unresolved. This is the need to restore the dashboard after firing the pillows.

Methods for repairing a dashboard after airbag deployment

When restoring the dashboard after the airbags deployed, a comprehensive repair is required. Here it is important to consider how the car owner plans to restore the interior.

1. If new airbags are installed, the dashboard will have to be repaired, taking into account possible destruction when triggered again. In addition, the “brains” that control the airbags will need to be reprogrammed.
2. When the cost of new airbags becomes an insurmountable obstacle for the car owner, the internal cavity of the dashboard can be filled with lightweight and porous materials. One of the popular options is polyurethane foam. It takes the place of an airbag, and excess is easily removed with a stationery knife. All that remains is to close the panel with a lid using glue. However, with such repairs, the lives of the driver and passengers are at greater risk in the event of any accident.
3. The most effective way to repair a torpedo after the airbags have been fired is to reupholster the panel with vinyl, leather or Alcantara. Variations of several colors and materials are possible here. By making such tuning, you can kill two birds with one stone. First, repair the damaged torpedo. And secondly, to create a new look for interior decoration. The steering wheel can be rethreaded in the same way.

Principle of operation

The security unit was developed in the middle of the last century. With the introduction of electronics, it has undergone some changes, but the principle of operation has remained virtually unchanged. Automakers do not adhere to any standards; moreover, many of them use their own developments.

At first glance, this appears to imply a narrow specification of the constituent parts. In fact, everything is just the opposite. Main components of the block:

• a set of sensors;
• airbags;
• SRS unit;
• wiring;
• lamp on the instrument panel;
• squib;
• belt tensioners.

The general principle has remained unchanged for many years. And this is what he looks like.

1. When an impact occurs, sensors are activated - there can be up to 10 or even 15 of them. They transmit information to the SRS unit about the location and force of the impact.
2. The electronic unit processes this information. Taking into account the side of the impact and the number of passengers, it sends a signal to activate the airbag and belt.
3. The squib fires and the airbag covers are knocked out.
4. Bleeding air through a special valve or hole.

In addition to the points listed above, it is necessary to clarify one point. When the airbags deploy, Crash Data is recorded in the electronic unit. After this it stops functioning.

Replacing faulty pillows

In order to replace faulty airbags, you need to do the following:

1. Erase Crash Data from memory. You can do this yourself or contact a service center. This is done in order not to replace the sensor with a new one, but you won’t always be able to save money.
2. After this, you need to check the wires and sensors located on the steering column. During the explosion of the squib and the firing of the pillow, they are often damaged.
3. The last step is replacing the airbags. After installing them, you need to turn on the ignition and see if the SRS light is on; after 10 seconds it should turn off. If this does not happen, then you will have to check the entire electronic unit.

In cases where the car owner does not want to replace the faulty airbag with a new one, it will need to be repaired. It is important to remember that it does not always help, and at a crucial moment there is a high risk that the protective system will not work.

Repair methods

There are three main approaches to repairing a dashboard after airbag deployment:

• Functional repair of instrument panels includes mechanical restoration. The dashboard and steering wheel are installed in place, and new airbags are mounted under them. After this, the program resets information about airbag deployment;
• A complete interior dashboard repair includes not only mechanical repairs, but also aesthetic ones. The console is dismantled, a complete reupholstery is carried out using selected materials, a new SRS complex is inserted under the steering wheel and covers and reprogramming is carried out. This method makes it possible not only to recreate the transport security system, but also to change its internal appearance;
• A rough repair is suitable for cases where the car has received minimal damage and does not require major restoration procedures. In this case, the holes where the pillows used to be are filled with polyurethane foam, and the covers are installed in their original place. This method is bad because in the event of a new accident, the SRS complex will not work, because there will be nothing to work. By resorting to the third type of repair, you endanger not only your life, but also the lives of your passengers.

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Secrets of restoring your security system

Once the airbags are activated, the system will require restoration. It is recommended to contact a car service to solve the problem.

Possible manipulations when opening an airbag:

• installation of new airbags (this is the only option for cars under warranty);
• The control unit is being re-flashed and a dump of the new car is installed;
• Installation of a plug or blende is in progress.

Car owners often have a question: if the airbags have deployed, can they be repaired? It is important that to perform any procedures you need to contact specialists. Otherwise, situations of system failure in a collision cannot be excluded. Even worse are cases of spontaneous activation.

Subtleties of recovery:

1. The cushion and squib are a one-piece structure. You can pick them up in a specialized store. It’s easy to cut costs by turning to a car dismantling service. But they take into account the likelihood of defects, misfires, and malfunctions in the event of an accident.
2. It is not recommended to change only the squib while keeping the old pillow.
3. In most cases, the system control unit is also replaced. But sometimes a flashing with deletion of collision and disclosure data is enough.
4. Replacing belt pretensioners is required to restore their functionality. When an impact occurs, they tighten the straps more to compensate for the stretch.
5. Activating the passenger airbag requires an equally professional approach. There is no separate hole for it, so the official dealer will offer a new panel. You can reduce costs by soldering the area where the break occurred and then applying the texture. A more affordable solution is to cover the dashboard with a leather substitute or natural material.

DIY AIRBAG SRS restoration

If a car owner is going to sell a car that has been in an accident, it is at least unfair for him to install dummies instead of the PB. By selling such a car, he puts the buyer at risk, since without a passive safety system in an accident, the passengers of the car can be seriously injured.

If the car is not new, you can try to restore the SRS by purchasing all the necessary parts from used cars, but here it is necessary that the “donor” car is not damaged. You will need to buy:

• the airbags themselves;
• seat belts with squibs, they are activated in an accident in 99 cases out of 100;
• shock sensors.

All parts can be changed independently, but specialists must configure or reflash the SRS control unit. Still, you shouldn’t trust the work to dubious companies - even though the repairs will cost a little more, the car owner will be sure that his car is in perfect order.

Why do you need to reflash the SRS control unit?

The airbag control unit contains a special program; when the impact sensor is triggered, it changes. If you completely restore the passive safety system, but do not touch the SRS control unit, an indicator on the instrument panel will light up, indicating a PB error, and in the event of an accident, the airbags will not work. The ECU is reflashed in many specialized car repair shops, but it should be noted that not all units can be restored. When flashing, the data is reset and returned to its original state.

On many cars, the SRS unit is located under the instrument panel, next to the gearshift lever. It is usually covered with a plastic panel; removing the ECU is very simple, you can do it yourself. On the Infiniti FX, the airbag control unit is removed as follows:

• the gearshift lever tunnel is removed;
• two connectors going to the block are disconnected;

• The bolts securing the ECU housing are unscrewed.

Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

Dashboard repair technology

Repairing the dashboard after the airbags have been deployed is best left to professionals. Conventionally, it can be divided into several stages:

• Comprehensive repair of a dashboard after an accident begins with dismantling the dashboard.
• Then the removed panel is pre-cleaned and processed.
• Damage is repaired using adhesives, and the protective coating is removed with special chemical solutions.
• According to the shape and curve of the panel, a cover is sewn in the sewing studio from the material chosen by the client. For this purpose, individual patterns are used.
• During repairs, you can install decorative inserts that imitate polished metal, carbon fiber or wood. At the request of the car owner, you can use chrome elements or a new speaker system.
• The finished cover is put on the dashboard and fixed with glue.
• After installing the updated panel, the driver will find it difficult to recognize the tuned interior of his car.

Repairing the dashboard after the airbags deployed can completely transform the interior. It is desirable that the safety of people in a car restored after an accident is at its best. Only a comprehensive solution to the problem will be the optimal solution when restoring a damaged car.

Repair and possible risks

As already mentioned, it is not enough to simply put another pillow. It won't function. For proper operation, the following activities will be required.

1. Replacing shock sensors.
2. Reflashing or installing a new SRS electronic unit.
3. Check and possible replacement of all wiring of the unit.
4. Replacing airbags that were deployed upon impact.

If it is not possible to find original components, then you should not despair. Almost every car service center will be able to fit elements from available manufacturers to the car. But there is nothing better than the original.

If an electronic module breaks down, then when purchasing replacements, you need to take into account the number of airbags in the car and the unit. They must match completely.

Risks

Removing and installing airbags is a hazardous task. It is important to take all precautions. What can happen? It's all about the firing of the squib.

The speed at which the airbag flies out is approximately 200 km/h, and on some models even 300. It is easy to imagine the consequences of such an impact during installation or dismantling.

What should you do to protect yourself?

1. Disconnect the unit from the battery so that it does not accidentally give an activation signal.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes - during this time the internal energy reserve will be exhausted.
3. Disconnect and remove the block.
4. Be as careful as possible when removing and installing the cushions.
5. Never keep your head in front of the steering wheel, and therefore the pillow.

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The use of metal tools should be minimized whenever possible to avoid short circuits and tripping. You need to be no less careful when working with a squib. Essentially, it's a small explosive. Mixing the elements creates a thermal reaction and explosion.

Replacing faulty airbags

The first thing you need to start with is erasing Crash Data from memory. Manufacturers suggest replacing it with a new electronic unit, but its price is quite high and not everyone can afford it.

The second option is to contact a service center. Many of them carry out memory erasing. This procedure is almost always possible, but there are cases when only a complete replacement is necessary.

Step two is to replace the sensors and check the wiring. Very often, when triggered, the wires on the steering column are damaged. This is explained by the activation of the same squib.

The repair of airbags is completed by replacing them. After this, you can check the system. When you turn on the ignition, the SRS light should come on. After burning for 5-10 seconds, it turns off. If this does not happen, then the electronic unit will need to be checked to ensure it is fully operational. This is basically where the action ends - the restoration of the airbags is complete.

From words to deeds

How to remove the airbag? If difficulties do not deter you, then let’s look at the procedure for installing/removing the airbag from the steering wheel on your own.

The procedure is as follows.

1. Adjust the steering wheel for comfortable operation. Lower it as far as possible and pull it out.
2. Turn the steering wheel left/right. On the back of the steering wheel you will notice a hole in which the latch is located.
3. Insert a screwdriver into this hole and lift up the mount.
4. Repeat the procedure for the second side.
5. Pull the detached cushion forward slightly. Disconnect the wires on the steering wheel.

All. Installation of new elements is carried out in the reverse order.

Note

To completely restore security, you will need to do some more manipulations.

1. Replace the torpedo - deformation and fragments after the impact can affect the operation.
2. Replace the steering switch spring.
3. Replace belt tensioners.

In conclusion, I would like to add a few tips. The first is that replacement is more reliable than reconfiguration. Only complete replacement of all active components guarantees correct operation of the system. Second, recovery from an impact is not done halfway. This may reduce the likelihood of operation in emergency situations and reduce safety. Third, when purchasing analogues, you need to make sure that they are fully compatible with a specific car.

Repairing torpedoes after an accident: Use a piece of putty on the scoreboard. 1 part.

Hello everyone) I’ve been on Pikabu for a long time, I like this resource for its omnidirectionality and special humor, but I’ve never posted anything myself. And there’s a lot to talk about, so I decided to correct myself a little and tell about my experience in helping auto resellers. I confess, I worked in the field of torpedo repair for two years and in order to correct my karma, I want to tell you about what kind of cars you can inadvertently purchase on the secondary market.

So, briefly about airbags in a car. Let's imagine that a modern car, with two airbags, gets into an accident at a speed of 30 km per hour or more. What's happening? Any car equipped with an Airbag system has a special control unit responsible for the operation of this system. It determines the direction of the impact, the acceleration and, so to speak, “makes a decision” about which airbags to deploy and whether it is necessary to do so at all. An impact occurs, the SRS unit supplies voltage to certain squibs, in which an explosion occurs, allowing the airbag parachutes to break through the decorative linings and open up to as softly accept the face of the person sitting in the car) What happens after such an accident? The SRS unit records the so-called Crash Date in its memory, displays the SRS error on the car’s dashboard, and the owner of the car, if, say, he is at fault for an accident, and he did not have CASCO insurance, clutches his head when he sees the price tags for restoring the car . In order to return the original appearance of the interior to such a car, you need to replace: - the dashboard and steering wheel trim - the driver and passenger SRS airbags - the SRS unit - and pay to replace all this stuff. Depending on the brand and model, the cost of these parts and labor , can amount to 90,000-350,000 rubles or more, and a Russian person is not ready to pay such an amount for a damaged car, which in most cases he subsequently does not intend to drive. Therefore, he repairs it as cheaply as possible, or sells it to resellers who restore damaged elements by any means, both honest and downright dangerous for the next buyer.

So, how is torpedo repair and airbag restoration done in most cases? Most often, the torpedo is repaired and re-stretched, the SRS unit is flashed (the crash date is erased), and instead of the pillows, special decoys are installed (the usual resistance is soldered into the contacts of the pillows)

In this part I will pay attention specifically to the repair of the torpedo.

So, the torpedo is completely dismantled and given to the preparers. Preparers repair torpedoes, for the most part, with the cheapest possible materials - the cushion cover is fixed with self-tapping screws, the damaged polyurethane foam of the torpedo is cut off and the resulting groove is filled with a large amount of putty.

Now imagine that they can put the airbag back) and then the passenger will be hit by self-tapping screws, sharp pieces of putty and various scraps at a speed of 300 km/h during the second accident)

How to repair a driver's airbag

Let's look at the principle of restoring a driver's airbag:

• disconnect the airbag from the steering wheel;
• dismantle the plastic decorative cover;

• disconnect the squib; on many cars it is secured with four nuts;

• In any case, the cushion and squib must be replaced with new parts, but the cover is restored in many workshops.

As a rule, new airbags are very expensive, which is why restoring airbags is popular.

Stages of torpedo restoration

In any case, restoring the instrument panel in a car as a result of airbag deployment will require spending a lot of time and money. Even if you do the work using used spare parts found at car dismantling yards.

When buying used pillows, there is no guarantee of their performance. Therefore, it is better to order them new from a trusted manufacturer and supplier.

It is best to contact a dealer service center that specializes in cars of your brand.