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.
How often do Air Bag Crash Sensors need replacement?
Airbags tend to fail for two reasons, and neither are predictable. Collisions with any object with enough mass to trip the airbag deployment sensor will likely necessitate replacement due to physical damage to the sensor. This can happen within one mile of ownership, or never at all. Secondly, and typically for older cars, vehicles in humid climates, or vehicles which are subject to road sale and corrosion, the crash sensors can become rusted. In the event the sensor becomes rusted, this rust and corrosion can cause a short or open circuit situation, causing the sensor to illuminate the airbag warning light. Again, this depends on age and operating environment.
How are Air Bag Crash Sensor issues diagnosed?
When diagnosing an airbag system, a physical inspection of the vehicle may be conducted first, if there is obvious damage or cause for concern. Generally speaking, the servicing technician will use a professional grade computerized scan tool with the ability to read and verify diagnostic codes and enhanced diagnostic trouble codes. This will generally direct the technician to the exact fault when working with the SRS system, however, further diagnostics may be required. For instance, if the vehicle has an issue with a crash sensor circuit, the technician will need to test the circuit, not just the crash sensor.
How are Air Bag Crash Sensors replaced?
Once a crash sensor has been identified and proven faulty, the battery will be disconnected, and obstructions like body panels, headlights, bumper covers, or interior trim will be removed, if not already, to access the failed crash sensor. The crash sensor will need to be dismounted and disconnected electrically, and the new crash sensor will be installed. Prior to reassembling any obstructing components, the system will be tested once again to verify the repair, and the vehicle can be reassembled and delivered to the customer.
One or more of the Air Bag sensors may require replacement in the event of a crash when Air Bags are deployed.
Air Bag sensors must be installed to exacting manufactures specification to help ensure their proper operation.
RepairPal Recommendations for Air Bag Crash Sensor issues
We recommend using replacement crash sensors directly from the manufacture. This will ensure the part is correct, and that the part will be up to date with all design changes and improvements. Also, if a crash sensor has failed due to corrosion, the other crash sensors, especially in the same area of the vehicle, should be inspected for corrosion or rust as well, and replaced if necessary.
