Air bag/trigger replacement - when due?

[Andy3200manual]

Was speaking to a garage owner the other day and he said that all car airbags' trigger switches or similar must be replaced periodically. He said 10 years old was the norm. So presume early 3200s now need replacements? I don't think the airbagneeds replacing just the trigger mechanism?

 

[lozcb]

Surely tho if your air bag system is at fault the dash light will come on

regard s loz

 

[Andy3200manual]

Yeah I would think so. But this is more of a recommendation for preventative safety. Might be wrong but I believe it's a recommended safety procedure

 

[lozcb]

Perverse i know , but i would rather my airbags didnt go off especially if the accident was a minor one , i spend half my life trawling the salvage sites only looking at cars that have the airbag system intact , its so bloody expensive to replace them and the damage they do to the car , its another reason why cars are written off so easily in some cases whole dashes have to be replaced and complete roof linings ,

Goes without saying they have their good points, especially if you have kids , but you would be really surprised at the numbers that dont go off when they should even on cars just months old i know ive bought several of them over the years


regards loz

 

[Andy3200manual]

Yeah I understand your point. I'm assuming mine are fine as no warning lights etc and none in the back for kids! I bet working on them in situ is like being a bomb disposal expert. Could probably break your neck if u weren't careful. Don't think I'll bother pursuing this unless a future service manager mentions it!

 

[safrane]

Most hand books state they require replacement at 10 years

 

[lozcb]

Interestingly it would be worth finding out the cost of fitting the triggers there are usually more than one as you say Andy it something that will be looming soon for some owners



regards loz

 

[Andy3200manual]

I'd guess the owner would need to ask for it as I have never had an invoice stating it had been done Proactively on any other cars I've owned. Hmmm intersting

 

[ENZ525]

Along similar lines,
My handbook states that the seatbelt pre-tensioners have a service life of 10 years,
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[safrane]

Wonder how well you are covered by insurence if you dont????

 

[conaero]

Pete, I am sure you know insurance companies, if there is a loop hole, they will exploit it!