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i am inheriting a 2002 pontiac grand am gt from my aunt for free. it was in a minor accident in which the air bags went off. i was wonderin if this was a job i could do myself? i know i can replace the airbags themselves but im not exactly sure what makes an airbag go off and if there is something i need to replace there? im jus tryin to figure out if its worth fixing or not. your responses are appreciated thank you!
Exactly how minor are you talking about? Airbags don't go off until two of the impact sensors are triggered; by then, the force is probably already bending the unibody's "frame".
So there's that. The airbag computer may have a one-time trigger too, so that might also need replacement.
Exactly how minor are you talking about? Airbags don't go off until two of the impact sensors are triggered; by then, the force is probably already bending the unibody's "frame".
So there's that. The airbag computer may have a one-time trigger too, so that might also need replacement.
just damage to the front bumber and the hood got a little bent as far as i know
just damage to the front bumber and the hood got a little bent as far as i know
Has the bumper cover been removed? That plastic shell can very easily conceal the hidden damage of the structure beneath.
There's always the not-recommended way of things too ... fix the cosmetics, put a piece of tape over the airbag light, and drive it like it was a 1982 instead of a 2002 - without functioning airbags.
They are not too difficult to replace if you are handy with tools... You may need the computer that controls the airbags as well. This site sells them: www.airbags-oem.com
Check with your state as in some places, blow airbags will cause your car to fail inspection...
Just in general, and not to say you don't need to get a shop manual for the car before going into this - but in general, before working on or around airbags one needs to disconnect the car's battery and wait a particular period of time (see shop manual, the times I have seen quoted are less than an hour, but don't go on my guess, get the shop manual...). After the car's electrical system is de-energized for the prescribed period of time, the airbag computer no longer has any charge and can't fire the airbags. At this point you take out and unplug the spent components, airbags and maybe the computer, and as they say, installation is the reverse of removal.
I've never done this myself but don't think it would be an intimidating job.
Bazzwell's right, the local U-pull yard is your friend for this kind of stuff.
After the car's electrical system is de-energized for the prescribed period of time, the airbag computer no longer has any charge and can't fire the airbags.
Considering they've been fired off already, I don't think there's much of a worry.
FWIW, here in California, it's illegal for junkyards to sell airbag assemblies.
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