Used or Undeployed Airbags in Virginia
Airbags are one of the most important safety innovations of recent decades.
- Airbags provide crucial cushioning for people during a crash. They're normally hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins.
- Front airbags have been required in all new passenger vehicles since the 1999 model year.
- Side airbags aren't specifically mandated, but nearly all manufacturers include them as standard equipment in order to meet federal side protection requirements.
Both front and side airbags save lives.
- Front airbags reduce driver fatalities in frontal crashes by 29 percent and fatalities of front-seat passengers age 13 and older by 32 percent.
- Side airbags that protect the head reduce a car driver's risk of death in driver-side crashes by 37 percent and an SUV driver's risk by 52 percent.
Engineers keep finding new ways to use airbags.
- Rear-window curtain airbags are designed to protect people in back seats in rear-end crashes.
- Far-side airbags keep drivers and front-seat passengers from hitting each other in a crash.
- Inflatable safety belts are aimed at reducing rear-seat chest injuries.
AIRBAG PRODUCT TYPES
Domestic Car Airbag Replacement
Foreign Car Airbag Replacement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are your airbags OEM?
Yes, all the airbags we sell are Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM.
Are your airbags remanufactured?
No, we do not repair or replace any parts on the airbags we sell. They are all original and exactly what was in your car when you purchased it. The airbags we sell are used because they are from the same year as the ones in your vehicle. As an example. If you own a 1999 Ford Mustang, then we would sell you a non deployed used airbag that was manufactured in 1999. Again, these are the same airbags that were in your car and worked just fine during your accident. If you buy one from the dealer and it has been sitting on the shelf since 1999, then in essence you are purchasing a used airbag.
Are your airbags used?
Yes, we sell them as used because some come from other donor cars. However, we have a proprietary inspection process and each part is inspected to make sure they are in original condition.
What are used airbags?
Our airbags are classified as used because we are not - in the example, a Ford Dealer or Chevy Dealer, etc.. So even though some of our products are new we must label them as used. In addition, we also sell airbags that have been in a car before but never deployed. Nonetheless, every part we sell is an Original Equipment Manufactured part. It is used because time has elapsed, however - so was the airbag in your car that just deployed. So you see - your car's airbags were used as well and they worked fine. What we do as a company, that others don't, is to make sure that the components of the airbags we sell are in original condition. It is our attention to detail that has earned us a top-notch reputation from auto rebuilders worldwide.
Why is my airbag light on or flashing?
The flashing airbag light indicates that the restraint control module, which includes the sensors, has identified a fault in the system and has deactivated the airbag and pretensioners. A scan tool can interrogate the system to identify the specific fault code. In fact, the next time you turn on the key, watch the airbag light and try to determine the "lamp fault code" that is flashing. The "LFC" sequence might help you identify the specific problem with the system. For example, a sequence of one flash followed by six flashes (16) indicates a problem with the passenger-side airbag.
Why are my seat belts locked?
Seat belt pre-tensioners were installed on vehicles starting as early as 1999. These pre-tensioners act in sequence with the airbag system in your car. Therefore, whenever you have been involved in an accident the pretensioners fire off pulling you back in your seat providing a safer distance from the airbags. Seat belt pre-tensioners have a much faster reaction time than the older seat belt versions making for a much safer product. However, once the tensioner is triggered it locks the seat belt straps and they are no longer functional and therefore, must either be rebuilt or replaced.
Can my seat belts be repaired?
Yes, in most cases we can rebuild your original seat belts by replacing your pre-tensioner and replacing the necessary components making your seatbelts fully functional and at a price that is more affordable than a new replacement at the dealer.
Do I have to replace my front impact sensors?
It all depends on the severity of the accident. However, in most cases, the front impact sensors are reusable unless they have been physically damaged or the wire leading to it has been crimped by metal. You can replace all airbag components and if the light is still flashing a sensor code you can test the wire for continuity or replace the sensor if need be. However, in most cases, the impact sensors can be reused.
Where is my car's airbag module located?
The control module is also known as the 591, airbag computer, diagnostic unit, DERM-unit, diagnostic sensor and it is located in many different parts of the car. We have to know the year, make and model of the vehicle to be able to tell you where to look for your module. Nonetheless, if you need help locating the control module in your vehicle simple click this link Airbag Module Location and we will be happy to provide that information free of charge.
Do I have to replace my control module?
The control module is also known as the 591, airbag computer, diagnostic unit, DERM-unit, diagnostic sensor, and some others. However, regardless of what you call it, after an accident the control module must either be replaced or reprogrammed. However, in most Chrysler models the control module will reset itself after you have replaced all the airbags in your vehicle. Therefore, the comments above apply to all other manufacturers.
Can I replace just the drivers' airbag?
First of all, anytime any component of the SRS system in your car is missing the airbag light will indicate that your airbags are not active. Second, leaving an open circuit (connectors not connected) can cause a faulty ground and accidentally activate the airbag that is installed, even while you are driving. Therefore, all of the airbag components must be reinstalled to factory specifications.
Do I have to replace the clockspring?
The clock-spring is also referred to as the coil spring. Its job is to provide electrical continuity as the steering wheel is rotated. When the driver's airbag is deployed the chemical reaction that occurs heats the gas cylinder and the connector from the clock-spring is melted. If this happens, then you have no choice and the clock-spring must be replaced. However, newer style connectors survive the heat transfer and therefore, the clock-spring can be recycled. So, in order to determine whether you need to replace your clock spring or not. You must remove the driver side airbag and see if the connector attached to the airbag cylinder is melted and fused together. Furthermore, all connectors that attach to airbag components have a locking mechanism and therefore, you must remove the lock prior to separating the male and female connectors.
Are the vinyl covers included with my airbags?
The steering wheel airbag always includes the vinyl cover, however, some manufacturers have incorporated the passenger airbag underneath the dash. This type of passenger airbag is referred to as an "Inner bag" and the dash is sold separately from the passenger airbag. Although the majority of passenger airbags do include the cover many new models require that the whole dashboard be replaced.
Is the control module included with my purchase?
As with most companies, all parts are sold separately and the airbag control module is not included with the price of any airbag purchased.
How fast do you have to drive for airbags to deploy?
There is no set answer for this question. What we do know is that you must have both deceleration and impact for airbags to deploy. However, this could occur even at very low rates of speed, such as five miles per hour.
