The average price for an airbag crash sensor replacement cost is typically between $372 and $388, with the total cost of labor estimated between $61 and $77 total. The average cost of the parts for the airbag crash sensor fix is around $311. Although the labor time is generally less than an hour, this is an important repair that should not be pushed aside.
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If your car is the victim of a major crash that causes the airbags to be deployed during trauma, or if you purchase a car in which the airbags have already been deployed, you will have to look at the total airbag crash sensor replacement cost before you can safely drive the vehicle again.
After a crash, there are numerous parts a mechanic must inspect and evaluate depending on which airbags were deployed. The most common parts requiring inspection are the front airbag sensors, the airbag ECU, passenger airbag, driver airbag, front pretensioner seat belts, dashboard, and the steering column apparatus.
Since you will be replacing more than one part, you need to factor the severity of issues into the airbag crash sensor replacement cost. It is important to know the average price of this fix so you can avoid any surprises and be knowledgeable when you ask for a quote at the local dealership or mechanic.
Let’s find out the function of the airbag, the function of the airbag crash sensor, the symptoms of a faulty crash sensor, and the overall airbag crash sensor replacement cost!
What is the airbag?
Passenger cars have used frontal airbags since before the turn of the century, and pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans have included this safety feature in their car since 1999. Side airbags are still optional in some cars today, although most big car companies automatically include them in their cars’ standard model.
The airbag is inflated by a controlled explosion in the car crash event and then deflates as it cushions the blow between the passenger or driver and the car. The collisions are detected by the airbag crash sensors, which transform the reduction in acceleration into an electronic signal that instructs the airbag to deploy.
As you can see, the airbag crash sensor is a vital part of protecting the occupants of a car in the event of a crash. Since this is the case, owners should be willing to pay the total airbag crash sensor replacement cost to keep everyone safe and protected while driving.
What is the car’s airbag crash sensor?
When evaluating the total airbag crash sensor replacement cost, you need to know this part’s function in most vehicles today. The airbag crash sensor is in charge of noticing and detecting any issue in a crash or trauma event. The airbag crash sensor has the important job of alerting the supplemental restraint system of the crash.
Once this alert occurs, the SRS control module has to determine which of the car’s airbags need to be deployed to protect the vehicle occupants. The SRS module is also in charge of determining if any airbags need to be deployed – if the crash is not severe enough, deploying the airbags can sometimes cause more harm than good.
The airbag crash sensor consists of a small electronic switch placed in various locations around the vehicle. The multiple sensors ensure the vehicle will recognize and tell the SRS system about a crash occurring on any side of the car. Since there are multiple sensors, any car damage can increase the car’s airbag crash sensor replacement cost.
How does the airbag crash sensor function?
If you are in a severe crash to deploy the airbags, the crash sensor will force a connection inside the sensor that “turns on” the airbags. The crash sensor, also known as the airbag sensor, will send a signal to the SMS computer through a cam or metallic ball moving inside the airbag crash sensor.
This mechanical part will trigger the signal to be sent to the SRS computer, which detects which airbags should be deployed based on the location of the trauma. The SRS computer will also direct the supplemental restraint system to shut off the engine, lock the seat belts, and deploy the airbags to protect the passengers and driver from further damage. If you find that the SRS system is not working correctly, you will have to pay a higher airbag crash sensor replacement cost.
Symptoms of a Faulty Airbag Crash Sensor
When you realize that your airbag crash sensor has failed and you must get a quote on the airbag crash sensor replacement cost, the airbag warning light will illuminate your dashboard. Although the signal differs depending on the make, model, and year of your car, almost all drivers will notice when this light goes off in their car.
When this illumination is on the dashboard, drivers must notice an issue detected with the SRS system. In this case, the check engine light might also turn on in tandem with the airbag light. If this is the case in your vehicle, there is a high likelihood that your car will not crank or start until you have used a diagnostic tool to run the stored trouble codes.
Once the stored codes have been detected, you or a mechanic must clear the codes. This process will vary in time and complexity depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Finally, the last step in calculating the total airbag crash sensor replacement cost is determining if the airbags are incapable of being deployed. If so, this will severely increase the overall replacement cost.
Can you safely drive with a damaged airbag crash sensor?
To keep yourself, your car, and other passengers safe in the event of a crash, it is highly recommended that you do not drive with a damaged airbag crash sensor. Driving with a faulty sensor not only puts yourself at risk but others in the car.
Since all airbags will not get the proper signal of when to be deployed, a damaged airbag crash sensor can put every passenger at risk. If the airbags are not operational, your car will also not be able to pass any federal or state car inspections, putting you at legal risk in the event of a crash.
Whenever you notice the airbag warning light illuminated on your dashboard, you should immediately bring your car to a mechanic to determine the overall airbag crash sensor replacement cost. Not only should you do this to prevent any further damage, but to avoid any issues if you get pulled over by a policeman.
How often should I replace the airbag crash sensor?
Unfortunately, airbags can fail in vehicles for several reasons—however, there are two most common causes as to why your airbags could suddenly stop working in your vehicle. Finding out which of these reasons caused airbag damage in your car can help you estimate the total airbag crash sensor replacement cost.
Firstly, collisions with any object, whether another car, person, or motorbike can cause the airbag deployment sensor to fail. If this is the case, you will likely need a replacement due to the sensor’s physical damage. Any structural damage to the sensor can occur at various mileage, depending on how you take care of your vehicle and any incidents of trauma or crashes involving your car.
Secondly, the other cause of a damaged airbag crash sensor is road sale and corrosion. If you frequently drive in humid or hot conditions, this can cause rust to accumulate and build on the sensors, leading to a higher airbag crash sensor replacement cost.
In the event your sensor becomes rusted and damaged, the rust and corrosion can cause a short or open situation, causing the sensor to constantly illuminate the airbag warning light on your dashboard – even if it doesn't need to be. The main cause of a constantly-illuminated airbag warning light is environmental damage and concerns.
Airbag Crash Sensor Replacement Cost
When looking at the total airbag replacement cost, the total price typically ranges anywhere from around $1,000 to over $5,000 depending on the make, model, and year of your car. This procedure’s labor price is typically around ⅓ of the total cost, ranging from $330 to $1,600.
The driver’s side’s airbag replacement cost is between $150 and $600 per bag, while the passenger side airbag will be more expensive, ranging from $300 to $800. Regarding the total airbag crash sensor replacement cost, the average price of replacement ranges from $372 and $388.
The Bottom Line
Although you may never have heard of an airbag crash sensor, this part is vital to deploying your airbags and protecting you in the event of an accident. By paying the airbag crash sensor replacement cost, you can keep your car running safely and smoothly – playing $380 is a small price for keeping your life!