Everyone is familiar with their car’s airbags and how they function, but do you know what car part is responsible for deploying them? The airbag module!
If you got to this page because your repair man suggested a problem with your car’s airbag module, that’s what we’re talking about today.
The airbag module monitors and controls the vehicle’s airbags. Big job, but that’s not all. It also monitors other crucial data like seatbelt usage and vehicle speed. During a collision, it’ll record data. You can still use the same module after a crash, but it needs resetting.
You've come to the right place if you want to know more about the airbag module. This guide will explain what that module does, where you’ll find it, and more.
Let’s get to it!
What Is an Airbag Module & What Does It Do?
Most people who see the term 'airbag module' can probably guess what it does, but there's so much more to it and how it keeps you and your passengers safe in a collision.
Generally, an airbag module is responsible for controlling and instantly deploying the airbags during a collision.
When the airbag module works correctly, the airbags will come out fast enough to prevent everyone in your car from getting seriously injured.
Airbag Module Functions
Without question, the airbag module is critical for your vehicle’s safety. First, of course, is that it triggers your airbags to deploy, but it does more than that.
The airbag module:
- Monitors car sensors: Firstly, the airbag module continually receives data from several of your car’s sensors. That includes impact sensors and speed sensors, among many others. Data from those sensors will tell the airbag module if the vehicle collides with another object, triggering airbag deployment and data recording.
- Records seat belt data: The airbag module also records several kinds of data during the moments before a collision. That data includes information on seat belt usage in the vehicle and safety belt pretensioner deployment.
- Records vehicle speed data: Aside from seatbelt data, the airbag module also tracks and records speed data. Aside from monitoring how fast your car was going, it also tracks speed changes that indicate how severe the collision was.
- Records other collision data: Not all airbag modules are the same. Some will record more data from the collision and the moments leading up to it. When a crash happens, all data is saved in the airbag module and can only be cleared through an airbag module reset done by a qualified professional.
What Are Other Names for the Airbag Module?
Airbag modules are referred to by many names. Here are a few examples:
- Supplemental Restraint System or SRS Airbag Module
- Sophisticated Airbag Sensor or SAS Unit
- Occupation Restraint Controller or ORC
- Airbag Control Module or ACM
- Airbag ECU or Electronic Crash Unit
Despite the differences in their names, these modules generally overlap in their primary functions. For example, when a collision occurs, these modules are the components deploying your airbag quickly while recording critical data about the crash.
Where Is the Airbag Module Located?
In most car brands and models, you’ll find the airbag module underneath the driver’s or front passenger’s seat. Some vehicles have it behind the steering wheel, under the radio, or even in the centre console.
There is no fixed place where the module might be located. So, if you need to quickly find the one in your vehicle, it’s best to refer to the user manual.
Does Airbag Module Need to Be Replaced?
Yes, you must replace your airbag module. However, you only need to do so if your car experiences water or flood damage.
On top of that, you’ll also want to replace the airbag module if you find that it’s faulty or suffers from some kind of hardware damage.
For example, if your car's onboard diagnostics show a problem with the module, you must troubleshoot and maybe even replace it.
You might think that you’ll have to replace if your car has been in a collision, but fortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, all it needs is resetting. Take your car to a qualified technician who will reset the airbag module.
The reset process includes clearing the module of any crash data saved onto it.
Once that process is complete, you can rest assured that it’ll work just as effectively in case of another auto collision.
How Much Does It Cost to Reset an Airbag Module in Australia?
In Australia, resetting your airbag module will cost around $150. The prices differ slightly depending on where you go, but that’s a safe ballpark figure.
Can a Car Run Without an Airbag Module?
Yes, you can technically run your car without a functioning airbag module. The airbag has nothing to do with how your car’s mechanical and electrical systems operate.
Still, airbags are a critical safety feature that works with your seatbelts to reduce injuries and prevent death from car accidents.
So, if your car requires any airbag module repair or reset, you must get it done as soon as possible. In the meantime, you should find alternative transportation options and not drive your car unless it's for emergency reasons.
Remember: a functioning airbag module is critical to ensure that your airbags deploy as they should during even a minor collision.
In doing so, those airbags will:
- Maximise the cushioning and prevent injuries around your head, neck, and spine
- Decrease the impact to your head
- Limit whiplash
- Prevents you from ejecting from the vehicle
All these are only possible with a fully functioning airbag module, so never delay the airbag module repair or resetting that you need, and do not drive your vehicle until you get it done.
Check out CarpartAU if you’re looking for airbag module repair or airbag module reset services. The Directory helps you find the automotive service providers in your area to contact them quickly.
By Ray Hasbollah