Two Symptoms of a Faulty Airbag Control Module

The airbag control module oversees all other airbag operations as well as the airbag sensors. Here's how to identify a bad airbag control module.

Airbags are built into modern cars to protect you and the people inside. But in order for these systems to function successfully, each of their various components needs to be operating together. The airbag may not protect you as it should if the airbag control module is defective.

We look at the indications that your airbag control module may be malfunctioning and that you should use the internet to find car mechanics near me online to address the problem. Let's start by quickly going over the warning flags.

An airbag or SRS warning light on your dashboard is the most typical and likely the sole clue that an airbag control module is malfunctioning. The other sign is that when there is an accident, the airbags won't deploy, which is something you absolutely do not want to happen. Ensure you book your vehicle in with a car service near me garage as soon as you notice the warning light has appeared on your dashboard.

Here is further information regarding the various signs of a malfunctioning airbag control module:

1. Airbag/SRS Warning Lights: The Supplemental Restraint System in your car includes the airbag control module. The SRS warning light will illuminate to let you know if there is an issue with this crucial component. However, there are numerous problems that this caution light could represent. Another possibility is that the sensor is broken, the clock spring is broken, or the seat belt pretensioner isn't working properly. If you search for car repairs near me online and have a mechanic use an OBDII scanner with airbag system capability, they should be able to pinpoint the problem easily.

2. Airbags Don’t Deploy - When the airbag system malfunctions, you run the danger of being injured if an accident occurs. Airbags Don't Deploy: While the airbag light may come on, there is always a potential that there will be a problem and you won't get a warning. In this situation, the only way to detect a problem with the airbag system is if it fails to deploy when necessary, during a collision. Nobody wants to learn this way, which is why it's crucial to schedule your car in with a car maintenance near me garage so that a mechanic can check any trouble codes when they appear.

What an Airbag Control Module Does

An airbag control module is a component that powers the essential safety system in all contemporary vehicles. The first line of protection in an accident is a seat belt, however airbags are optional and should be utilised alongside seat belts.

Any car built after 1998 has an airbag system or the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The airbag clock spring, which is connected to the driver's side airbag and the steering column, is one of many sensors that the system depends on to function properly. The seat belts and any additional airbags, such as knee airbags or curtain airbags positioned on the roof of the car, also provide data to the system.

The airbag control module is used to transmit all of this data. This component is also known as the SRS control module or the airbag electronic control unit. This component essentially serves as the system's brain, coordinating all of the SRS parts to ensure a smooth operation.

All of the information sent from the various sensors is being watched by the airbag control module. This data is used to determine whether a crash has occurred. The module activates the Supplemental Restraint System components, including the necessary airbags, when they are required to decrease the impact of a collision on passengers.

In addition, the airbag control module decides whether the airbags should be left in place following an accident. Data that is calculated throughout an incident is saved inside the airbag control module. Included in this data are the vehicle's speed, throttle position, and seatbelt and brake usage. A technician can later retrieve this data to assess the circumstances around an accident.

Location of the Airbag Control Module

Once you identify the issue with this crucial component, you need to know where the airbag control module is. Unfortunately, each vehicle has it in a different place. It could be located next to the front fascia, engine, front bumper, or the location of the passenger seat.

Checking your owner's manual is the best approach to locate the airbag control module. You might require your OBDII scanner to clear the issue codes when you replace it.