When the airbag warning light or SRS warning light is displayed, the technician will connect a professional grade scan tool to the vehicle, and often an enhanced OBD-II code will alert the technician that the occupant sensor has failed, or there has been an issue detected in that circuit. There may also be the indicator of an empty seat with the airbags active, or lack of activation when seated in that position. The technician will then test the reference and signal voltage loaded and unloaded to determine if the sensor is reporting information to the control module properly. The failed sensor will be replaced.
How are Air Bag Occupant Sensors replaced?
Most commonly, the occupant sensor will be housed in an accessible position on the underside of the seat cushion. The technician will disconnect the battery, remove the sensor, disconnect the electrical connector and install and connect the new sensor. Then, the battery will be reconnected, codes will be cleared, and the occupant sensor will be tested for proper operation. If the replacement has corrected the issue, no further action is required.
RepairPal Recommendations for Air Bag Occupant Sensor issues
If the airbag or SRS warning light are illuminated, we recommend avoiding driving the vehicle until it is repaired. In the event of a collision the airbags will likely not deploy for any seating position when the warning lights are active. This is particularly dangerous for children whether in the front or rear seats.
What to look out for when dealing with Air Bag Occupant Sensor issues
Airbags are dangerous when serviced incorrectly. Improper maintenance can lead to the sudden inflation of airbags, which can lead to serious injury. At any point that an airbag system is serviced, the battery should be disconnected and the electrical system should be discharged before beginning work.
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Replacing an occupant sensor is simple, fast, and can be done by anyone who understands and follows safety protocol for servicing airbag related components. Diagnosing the sensor may prove difficult if the system is not understood. If there is any doubt pertaining to safety or diagnostics, the job should be left to a professional technician.
Air Bag Occupant Sensor Replacement Cost Estimates
The average cost for a Air Bag Occupant Sensor Replacement is between $609 and $670 but can vary from car to car.