What is an Air Bag Crash Sensor?
The crash sensor is the first line of detection in the event of a collision. It alerts the supplemental restraint system (SRS) of the impact, and the SRS control module will then decide which airbags should be deployed, if any. This is a small electronic switch, and there will be several placed in strategic locations around the vehicle. This ensures that the vehicle will recognize a collision from any direction.
How does an Air Bag Crash Sensor work?
In the event of a collision and if that collision is severe enough, the crash sensor, a.k.a. airbag sensor, will sense the sudden deceleration of the vehicle by forcing a connection inside the sensor. When this connection inside the sensor is forced, either by a cam or a metallic ball, the crash sensor will send a signal to the SRS computer, which, as mentioned, will detect passenger seating positions, where airbags are needed, lock the seat belts, shut off the engine, and deploy the airbags as needed.
What are the symptoms of a bad Air Bag Crash Sensor?
When an airbag sensor or crash sensor has failed, the airbag warning light, which differs by vehicle year, make and model, will illuminate, alerting the driver that there is an issue detected in the SRS system. In some instances, the check engine light may illuminate in conjunction with the airbag light. In this case, the vehicle would likely not crank or start until the trouble code is cleared, again, depending on year, make, and model. Lastly, airbag deployment is a major symptom of crash sensor function, but typically failure will not cause the airbags to be incapable of deployment.
Can I drive with a bad Air Bag Crash Sensor?
Driving a vehicle with a faulty airbag sensor means that the airbags will not function in the event of an accident. Not only is this extremely risky, but if the airbags are not operational the vehicle will not pass any state or federal inspections. Any time the airbag warning light is displayed, immediate action should be taken to correct the fault, but the vehicle will be able to drive until that issue is repaired.