Airbag Deployed: What to Do?
Airbag deployed – what to do now
After an accident with a deployed airbag, the entire restraint system must be inspected and repaired. The airbag control unit stores crash data and deactivates itself; the deployed airbags and seat belt tensioners must be replaced. A specialist workshop handles diagnosis, repair, and functional testing – only then is the vehicle safe again.
A deployed airbag is a clear sign that the vehicle has suffered a significant impact. The good news: In many cases, the vehicle can be safely used again after the airbag system is repaired. What matters is that all components are properly inspected and replaced.
What happens when the airbag deploys?
Upon impact, the crash sensors register the deceleration and report it to the control unit. Within 30 milliseconds, it triggers the airbags and seat belt tensioners. At the same time, it permanently stores the crash data in memory and deactivates itself – the system is then out of service.
- Crash sensors measure: Acceleration values exceed the threshold
- Control unit decides: Which airbags and seat belt tensioners are triggered
- Ignition occurs: Gas generators inflate the airbags in 30 ms
- Crash data stored: Impact values are permanently recorded
- System deactivated: Control unit locks, airbag warning light stays on
Which components must be replaced?
After an accident, all deployed airbags, triggered seat belt tensioners, and damaged crash sensors must be completely replaced. In most cases, the airbag control unit can be repaired – the crash data is deleted and the unit reactivated. A new purchase is only necessary if there is mechanical damage.
| Component | After deployment | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Deployed airbags | Destroyed (single-use component) | Replace completely |
| Seat belt tensioners | Triggered, not reusable | Replace completely |
| Airbag control unit | Crash data stored, deactivated | Repair (delete crash data) |
| Crash sensors | Possibly damaged | Inspect, replace if defective |
| Spiral cable | Usually undamaged | Inspect |
| Wiring harness | Check connectors and lines | Repair if damaged |
Also inspect non-deployed airbags
Important: Airbags that did not deploy during the accident must also be inspected. The impact forces may have damaged connectors, sensors, or lines. A complete diagnosis of the entire SRS system is mandatory after every accident with airbag deployment.
Repair or replace the control unit?
In over 90% of cases, the airbag control unit can be repaired. The stored crash data is deleted and the unit reactivated – it then works like new again. Replacement is only necessary if the housing is mechanically damaged or the circuit board is destroyed by the impact.
| Option | When appropriate | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Repair (delete crash data) | Control unit mechanically intact | Up to 50% cheaper, no recoding required |
| New purchase + coding | Control unit mechanically destroyed | Guaranteed like-new condition |
| Used (not recommended) | – | Risk: unknown history |
The advantage of repair: The existing control unit retains its vehicle coding. With a new purchase, the new unit must be extensively programmed to the vehicle – this causes additional costs.
How does the repair process work after airbag deployment?
The repair begins with a complete diagnosis of all SRS components. Then deployed airbags and seat belt tensioners are replaced, the control unit is repaired, and the fault memory is cleared. Finally, a functional test of the entire system is performed – the airbag warning light must go out.
- Secure vehicle: Disconnect battery, allow capacitors to discharge
- Diagnosis: Read fault memory, inspect all components
- Determine extent of damage: Which parts need to be replaced?
- Replace airbags: Install new airbag modules with matching part numbers
- Replace seat belt tensioners: Install and connect new seat belt tensioners
- Repair control unit: Delete crash data, reactivate unit
- Inspect/replace crash sensors: Replace damaged sensors
- Clear fault memory: Reset all stored codes
- Functional test: Test entire system, warning light must be off
What does insurance cover?
In the case of an accident not your fault, the other party's liability insurance covers all costs for airbag repair including control unit, airbags, and seat belt tensioners. If you are at fault, your comprehensive coverage pays – but with a rate increase. Repair instead of replacement reduces total costs for everyone involved.
| Type of accident | Cost bearer | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Not at fault | Other party's liability insurance | Full cost coverage |
| At fault | Your own comprehensive coverage | Note rate increase |
| Partial fault | Both insurances proportionally | Quote according to fault percentage |
| Only liability insurance | Self-pay | Repair saves significantly |
Exact prices for your vehicle
Find the exact costs for repairing your airbag control unit after an accident in our shop. At Airbag24, we repair control units for all makes and models – with over 20 years of experience and more than 20,000 repaired units. We're happy to help.
Frequently asked questions after airbag deployment
Here you'll find answers to the most important questions after an accident with a deployed airbag.
Is the car a total loss after airbag deployment?
Not necessarily. Whether an economic total loss exists depends on the overall damage to the vehicle – not just the airbag system. The airbag repair alone rarely accounts for the majority of costs. An appraiser evaluates the total damage in relation to the vehicle's value.
Can I still drive the car?
No. After airbag deployment, the SRS system is completely deactivated. In another accident, no airbags or seat belt tensioners would deploy – occupant protection would not be ensured. Additionally, the vehicle will not pass a TÜV inspection.
How long does the repair take?
Repair of the control unit at Airbag24 typically takes 3-4 business days. The overall process depends on the availability of replacement airbags and seat belt tensioners. For urgent needs, express repair of the control unit is available.
Do all airbags need to be replaced?
Only the airbags that actually deployed must be replaced. Non-deployed airbags are inspected – if undamaged, they can remain in the vehicle. The workshop makes the decision after diagnosis.