will a replaced air bag deploy?

[Grand Prix SD]

I am replacing my airbag on my 1999 grand prix. When i reconnect the new airbag will it automatically deploy? I am wondering if the sensor keeps voltage to the bag or if it resets after a crash

[BNaylor]

Is the airbag warning light on? Just make sure the airbag fuse is pulled and battery negative is disconnected before installing the new airbag module. The charge is stored in the respective airbag module so a new one, if new should not have a charge. The SIR SDM module (Sensing Diagnostics) is what controls airbag deployment and stores any airbag deployment data to include DTCs. In most cases the SDM will need to be reset.

Also, make sure the ignition switch is set to off/lock and key out.

[maxwedge]

Just to add. If the air bag was deployed, ( no mention here), the SDM must be replaced also.

[tblake]

Watch out for static electricity when handeling the airbag and its connectors and wires. Static can sometimes set them off.

Sort of unrelated, but not really.....

Best Buy sells this little wrist strap with a long lead and alligator clip on the end. Its used to ground yourself when assembling PC's in order to not discharch static onto a chip and fry it. I've seen guys using this grouding wrist strap when replacing BCM's, PCM's, Airbags..... inside of cars. Its available at Best buy in the computer component aisle for under 5 bucks.

[Grand Prix SD]

I should have mentioned that both air bags were deployed and of course the srs light is on. So I have to replace the module too or they will deploy again? That module is under the passenger seat right? Good idea about the ground strap. I learned that lesson the hard way long ago working on computers. I don't think i will ever buy a car with deployed airbags again. Once i replace them I am always going to be worried about driving this thing thinking the bags could deploy any second.

[tblake]

no, its not like that. They wont deploy for any reason other than a crash.

I was just going to ask you.... What did you hit, or why did the air bags deploy?

[Grand Prix SD]

I got the car like that. The car was hit in the driver front. The fender was bad the hood was bent on the corner, and the frame that the top of the fender bolts to was bent in slightly. The steering wheel is off about 10 degrees while driving. The rim isn't bent. It doesn't appear that the control arm is bent.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Grand Prix SD

Once i replace them I am always going to be worried about driving this thing thinking the bags could deploy any second.

I'd be more worried about the accident damage. If you do the work properly you should have no issues.

[junk_jivin38]

ill take my chances at kissin the steering wheel...had a 96 park ave ultra 3800 s/c...driver bag deployed at 7o mph one night ... lucky traffic was light...20 imles later..almost home...pass. bag deployed in wifes face...there was no impact at all except the raindrops...just BANG!...dont think ill ever buy another car w/bags

[bocoogto]

Where are you going to find a car without airbags?

[tblake]

Originally Posted by junk_jivin38

ill take my chances at kissin the steering wheel...had a 96 park ave ultra 3800 s/c...driver bag deployed at 7o mph one night ... lucky traffic was light...20 imles later..almost home...pass. bag deployed in wifes face...there was no impact at all except the raindrops...just BANG!...dont think ill ever buy another car w/bags

I think there was a recall out for buicks regarding airbag deployment. You must have had a faulty sensor (or two)

[junk_jivin38]

Originally Posted by bocoogto

Where are you going to find a car without airbags?

gettin harder to find em w/out bags...fortunately?,i got bad credit so not buying new cars anymore...currently have six vehicles in the "family fleet"...not a bag in the bunch(94 chevy p/u 2wd;90 gmc p/u 4wd;95 geo tracker 2wd;90 jeep cherokee 4wd;86 monte carlo ss;and almost ready to register the 93 grand prix se)...i have owned other vehicles w/airbags in the past and never had a prob w/any of them...so they are probably safe...but after that buick experience,just makes ya kinda skittish