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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

OT. airbag question on cavalier

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Playfarmer

09-27-2006 09:37:02




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Hi all, sorry for topic but you know so much more than me. My daughter just got her 1st car. We got a 98 cavalier that had it s airbags deployed. Everyone says I have to replace the computer when I replace the bags. Is this true and if so why?

Thanks all




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Brian in NY

09-27-2006 13:06:15




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
Well, since I am a claims adjuster, I feel the need to chime in here.
First things first...yes you can replace the airbags with used bags. Not legal for a body shop or insurance company to use in many states, but a private party can do it. You could also buy
airbag panel replacements which are just rubber..no bag inside but looks like one.
If it were me, I would treat the car as if it had no airbags from there on out however, as I have seen mixed results with used bags.
Be very careful though if you ever go to sell the car. You'll want to be sure you fully disclose the airbag situation and probably should get the buyer to sign a notarized acknowledgement stating he knows what is up with the car.
In a typical airbag replacement you will need whatever bags were deployed and the clockspring or SIR coil(only on the driver's side bag).
You should not need a PCM (computer) unless damaged in collision.
You only need to replace the impact sensors if they are damaged. You will need to follow manufacturers recommended repair practices to avoid popping off one of the new bags upon installation. You'll also need to reset the airbag system, which you'll need to have a body shop do for you.
Seatbelts may or may not need to be replaced.
Look for signs of stretching, and if you see any, the belt needs to be replaced. The 98 Cavalier did not have pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners, so no concern there.
On Cavaliers, when the passenger side bag deploys, the cover (part of the dash) pops up at high speed and smacks the windshield. You might need a dash and a windshield if not already replaced. Also be aware that on these Cavaliers the air bag deployment can actually blow the side windows out a bit, causing some irritating wind noise at highway speeds that can't be fixed easily.
I hope that longwinded answer is helpful.

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Maark

09-27-2006 12:36:56




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
I just went to EBAY. You can buy a set of bags with module for less than $200.00. I typed in [98 cavalier air bags].



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glennster

09-27-2006 11:21:35




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
one thought, why were the air bags deployed? it may be the car was in a front end collision and rebuilt. the bags are pretty expensive, the driver bag is 694.16, the passenger bag is also 694.16 and the passenger air bag cover door is part of the upper dash pad, cost 265.10. there are 2 monitor units for the air bags, the sdm unit and the derm unit located usually in the center console. i would have someone chek this car ver really well to be sure it doesnt have any hidden problems, especially if my daughter was driving it.

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glennster

09-27-2006 11:11:21




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
i checked the shop manual for the 98 cav, you need to replace all deplyed air bag modules, the front end discriminating sensor if so equipped, and all seat belts in use at the time of the accident. the srs module can be reset after the bags have been replaced. you need a scanner to clear the codes and reset the sysytem. have your local body shop or dealer reset the computer



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Tramway Guy

09-27-2006 10:12:09




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
The first link didn't work...try this one



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Tramway Guy

09-27-2006 10:09:34




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
I think it is because the airbag computer can only store so much data, and it could trigger again unexpectedly....
It is not the engine control computer, rather the airbag controls....



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jmixigo

09-27-2006 10:08:21




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to Playfarmer, 09-27-2006 09:37:02  
I AM NOT an expert on alla this air bag bussiness, but I operate a wrecker service and storage yard. This has me dealing with insurance adjusters and wrecked cars right regular. MOST '04 and older cars that have deployed bags are totaled. Esp. smaller American makes.
We had a '05 Ford Focus with just 8,000 miles and no metal damage just deployed bags and beat up plastic (bumper an grill) Progressive sent er to the salvage yard.

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buickanddeere

09-27-2006 19:47:35




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 Re: OT. airbag question on cavalier in reply to jmixigo, 09-27-2006 10:08:21  
I was thinking the same thing. A basic econo box automobile that is nine years old and has been in a wreck. It was likely worth less than a $1000.00 before the crash. It's scrap yard material, not something to put people you like into.



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