What is a Air Bag Control Module?
A modern car, truck, or SUV is equipped with safety systems designed to protect the vehicle occupants. seat belts are the first and most important line of defense for the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. To supplement the seat belts, a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - also known as a passive restraint system or airbag system - is also in place in any vehicle manufactured after 1998. The Supplemental Restraint System may be made up of a series of sensors, as well as the driver's and passenger front airbags, the airbag clock spring (which attaches the driver's airbag to the steering column), front seat-mounted airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags (both the seat-mounted and curtain airbags protect occupants in side and roll-over crashes). Seatbelt pretensioners that automatically tighten the seat belts on impact may also be part of the system. The Airbag Control Module (also known as an SRS Control Module or Airbag Electronic Control Unit) is the electronic brain that coordinates all of the components of the Supplemental Restraint System.
How does an Air Bag Control Module work?
The Airbag Control Module constantly monitors data sent from vehicle sensors to detect and evaluate a crash and send a signal to trigger the appropriate Supplemental Restraint System components, such as the airbags, according to the type and severity of the impact. It also determines when the airbags should not deploy in a crash. The Airbag Control Module also stores valuable data (vehicle speed, throttle position, brake usage, seatbelt use, etc.) that can be downloaded and evaluated by a technician.
What are the symptoms of a bad Air Bag Control Module?
If there is a problem with the Airbag Control Module, the airbag (SRS) warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. This warning light signals a fault in the Supplemental Restraint System, which could include a problem with a sensor, an airbag, the clock spring, a seatbelt pretensioner, or the Airbag Control Module.
Can I drive with a bad Air Bag Control Module?
If the Airbag Control Module is not working properly, the Supplemental Restraint System will not operate properly in the event of a crash. Most vehicles perform a self-diagnostic test on the Supplemental Restraint System each time the engine is started. If the Airbag Control Module is inoperative or defective, the airbag (SRS) warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. The airbags will not deploy and vehicle safety is compromised. If the airbag warning light is on, the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible by a qualified technician who can diagnose and repair the problem, and reset the SRS.
How often do Air Bag Control Modules need replacement?
The Airbag Control Module is designed to operate for the lifetime of the vehicle. On many vehicles, however, the module must be replaced if one or more airbags are deployed in a crash.
How are Air Bag Control Modules diagnosed?
A technician will diagnose the Supplemental Restraint System with a scan tool plugged into the vehicle's data connector to determine if the Airbag Control Module is at fault.
How are Air Bag Control Module replaced?
If it is determined that the Airbag Control Module needs to be replaced, a technician will first disconnect the battery to disarm the Supplemental Restraint System. Once the location of the module is identified, the technician will remove any necessary components for access before removing and replacing the module. Once the new module has been installed, the technician will use special software to reset the Supplemental Restraint System.
RepairPal Recommendations for Air Bag Control Module issues
If the Airbag Control Module is is not functioning properly, the Supplemental Restraint System is disarmed and the airbags will not inflate in the event of a vehicle crash. If the airbag (SRS) warning light illuminates on the dashboard, RepairPal recommends having the vehicle evaluated and repairs completed by an experienced technician as soon as possible.
What to look out for when dealing with Air Bag Control Module issues
It is necessary to have access to the proper diagnostic tools and vehicle-specific information to correctly diagnose and replace an Airbag Control Module. The module is located in various places depending on the vehicle make and model. It may be located under the driver's seat, beneath the center console, below the radio in the dashboard, or in some other place. Also, on some vehicles, the Airbag Control Module can be reset, or have its codes cleared, after a crash. But on other vehicles, the module must be replaced. In any case, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Can I replace the Air Bag Control Module myself?
It is recommended that repairs to the Supplemental Restraint System be left to a professional. Accurate diagnosis of the system is essential. Depending on the reason for failure of the Airbag Control Module, other components may also need to be replaced to ensure proper function of the Supplemental Restraint System. A professional technician will have access to the equipment to perform a thorough test of the system for any other failed components and replace them as necessary. A technician will also be able to reset the system with special software after the components have been replaced. Someone with advanced DIY experience may be able to perform part of the repair, but will still need assistance to reset the SRS.