SRS Airbag Reset Archives - Safety Restore

SRS Airbag Meaning

Do you know what the meaning of SRS airbag is? If not, let me fill you in.

SRS is an abbreviation for supplementary, or secondary, restraint system. This is what the airbag system is, and it consists of the actual airbags, the impact sensors, the seat belts, and the SRS airbag control module.

When the airbag light pops up on a dashboard, this means that there is something wrong with the airbag system and that the airbags will not deploy until that problem is dealt with. Resetting the SRS airbag module or purchasing a brand new one can solve the problem. Of course, the latter option is much more expensive. Therefore, attempting to reset the module on your own is probably your best bet.

To do this, you first want to locate the unit in your vehicle. Generally, airbag modules can be found underneath the driver’s seat. Then you want to disconnect your battery and move your steering wheel so that you can remove all the hardware on the driver airbag module. You want to make sure that all the wiring, horn wiring, grounding strap, airbag connectors, and radio wired are completely disconnected. Then proceed by removing the module. After opening it up, search for the 8-pin SMD EEPROM chip. Solder some 32-gauge hookup wires to connect the airbag module to a serial port EEPROM reader. The crash data can then be analyzed. Replace all the values from the crashed chip with the values found on the virgin chip. Then rewrite this into your computer in order for the hard codes to be eradicated. After that, you can replace the unit back into your vehicle. Your SRS airbag light should turn off and your airbags should be working properly again.

Of course, if the instructions above seem too difficult for your liking, you can send your unit in to the company Safety Restore. They will reset your SRS airbag module to factory settings and will not charge an arm and a leg for it either!

What does the SRS light mean ?

It is always important to know the different parts of your vehicle and how they work—especially ones that don’t get talked about often. The SRS light is an example of that. Many people do not know why it turns on and what should be done when it does. Let me fill you in below.

First of all, to understand why the SRS light turns on, you should know what SRS stands for. SRS is the abbreviation for supplementary restraint system. It is the name given to basically the entire airbag system. Therefore, when the SRS light turns on in a vehicle, it means that something is amiss in the airbag system. This can be an indication of a problem with the actual airbags, the impact sensors, the seat belts, or the SRS airbag control module. More often than not, the problem can be fixed by simply removing the SRS airbag control module out of the vehicle and having it replaced or reset. Before replacing it entirely or resetting it, you should first have it checked for crash data or hard codes. This can be done using a special scanning tool, or by sending it in to a trusted automotive shop. Once the specific codes and data are determined, the next step would be to remove them and reset the unit to factory condition.

Of course you do have the choice to purchase a brand new unit at the dealer. However, that can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and leave you with the same result had you simply reset the unit. If you choose with the resetting route, you can purchase software and tools and follow instructions online to remove all the fault codes. Or, you can just send your SRS airbag module to Safety Restore. The company will reset the module completely to factory settings and once you get it re-assembled into your vehicle you shouldn’t experience the SRS light any longer.

How does an airbag module work?

If you have educated yourself on the different safety components in your vehicle, you likely learned about the SRS airbag module. If you have not, I cannot stress enough to you the importance of it for the overall functionality and safety of your vehicle. Even though it is a small component in your vehicle, it plays a big role. Let me tell you just how it does that.

To start off, the SRS airbag module is a computerized system in your car. What it basically does is control the entire airbag system in your vehicle. Everything from the airbags themselves, the impact sensors, and even the seat belt pre-tensioners—relies on the module to properly function. During a sudden stop or collision, where the airbags deploy, the airbag module stores a ton of information in the form of crash data and hard codes. This information includes seat belt use, the vehicle and engine speed, seat belt pre-tensioner deployments, impact speed change, throttle position, airbag deployments, and brake light switch position. Interestingly enough, this type of information is almost always admissible in court and usually trumps other physical evidence or verbal explanations.

When the airbag module is not up to par—or has all this data stored—the airbags cannot deploy in an accident. This, as a result, can potentially lead to serious injury or even death. That is why you should have the unit replaced immediately. You do not want to be endangering your own life or that of your passengers.

You basically have two options when it comes to fixing a faulty airbag module. The first, and pricier, option is to purchase a brand new module at the dealer. Or, you can send in your present unit to the company Safety Restore so that they can restore it to factory settings.

How to fix an airbag module

You may know by now that after a vehicle has been involved in a crash and the airbags have deployed, the SRS airbag module has stored crash data and hard codes. You may also already know that nothing but purchasing a brand new module or having the module reset manually can restore it to its original condition. However, you may not actually know the step-by-step instructions on fixing the airbag module. Read below to find out.

To fix your SRS airbag module and restore it to factory condition, you first want to locate the unit in your vehicle. Generally, airbag modules are found below the driver or front passenger seat. Sometimes, though, they can be found below the radio, behind the steering wheel, in the center console, or in the kick panel. The next step before disassembly would be to disconnect your battery. Make sure to disconnect the negative first followed by the positive and let the backups drain. Then, move your steering wheel and take out all the hardware on your driver airbag module. Disconnect the wiring and horn wiring, the grounding strap, radio wires, and the airbag connectors. If deployment has caused the connectors to be melted down, cut the wires that lead up to the coil. The clock spring will need to be replaced. Then, remove the computer. Open it up and look for the 8-pin SMD EEPROM chip. Solder some 32-gauge hookup wire to connect the SRS airbag module to a serial port EEPROM reader. The crash data can then be analyzed using specific software. There are several software you can purchase to fulfill this step. You should replace all the values from the crashed chip with the values on the virgin chip. Rewrite it into your computer so that the hard codes can be wiped out. After all of that is set, you can replace the module back into your car. When reinstalling the unit back into your car, make sure to disconnect the battery like you had initially done. To ensure that you followed the steps correctly, check to see that your SRS light turns off. You can also check your car’s tech-stream software to make sure that there aren’t any more hard codes or faults present.

As you can see, the process can be quite tricky but nonetheless still doable. If you feel that you cannot fulfill these steps alone, or do not have the proper tools and software to do so, turn to the company Safety Restore. Safety Restore specializes in restoring SRS airbag modules back to factory condition.

How to fix an SRS airbag module

How to reset the airbag module after accident

If you have a vehicle with a faulty SRS airbag module, you might know that it needs to be replaced. You may be thinking that you do not have enough money to buy a totally new SRS unit at the dealer. Lucky for you, that is okay. There are plenty of instructions online detailing how you can remove the unit from your vehicle and reset it back to factory condition yourself! You just need to have the proper tools and software to do so.

Let me fill you in on the process. First, you should remove the unit from your vehicle. Most likely, it is located underneath the driver seat or the front passenger seat. You can then begin disassembly of the module. You should open up the module and search for the 8-pin SMD EEPROM chip. This is what stores all the crash data. You then need to solder some 32-gauge hookup wire to connect the airbag module to a serial port EEPROM reader. After that, you can analyze the crash data. Different types of software are available to read the EEPROM chip, but all essentially do the same job. At last, you can finally replace the airbag module computer. Replace all the values from the crashed chip with the ones from the virgin chip and rewrite it into the computer. That way, the hard codes that were present can be cleared. The final step would be to replace the module into your car and check if you were able to successfully reset it. Within 6 seconds, your SRS light should go off. Your vehicle’s tech-stream software can also be checked to see that there are no more codes or faults present.

Of course, if the entire process seems too difficult, or you do not want to risk doing the job improperly, you can send it in to a company that specializes in just that. A perfect example of such a company is Safety Restore. Visit safetyrestore.com and purchase the SRS airbag module reset service for a very affordable price.

Video – How to reset the airbag module after accident

Airbag module not communicating?

When resetting their SRS airbag module, many people run into the issue of their airbag module not communicating properly. This can happen for a number of reasons. Read below to find out a few of those reasons.

One reason your SRS airbag module may not be communicating properly is because it is improperly grounded. This simply means that it needs to be bolted down completely in the reinstallation process. Believe it or not, this issue is pretty common.

Another reason may be because of the communication pins at the plug. To make sure this isn’t the reason you are having communication issues, make sure to inspect the communication pins where the harness connect into the front of the airbag module. Look out for any damage or corrosion present. Sometimes, the pins can push back, bend, or even break off.

A third cause of your airbag module not communicating may be because of problems with your scanner, and not the actual module itself. To scan your airbag module, make sure that the scanner you use is able to properly read the airbag diagnostic codes. The scanner should access your airbag system and support your vehicle make and model. A lot of scanners are just set to read the basic engine codes so you want to make sure yours is set to read your codes. Also, if you have a newer car you want to make sure you are not using an outdated scanning tool.

The wiring or harness can also be the reason for the issues you are having. Make sure to check that the harness or wiring surrounding the SRS airbag module isn’t cut or otherwise damaged anywhere.

If you determine that all the above issues aren’t the reason for your communication problems, you may want to send your SRS module to a professional company like Safety Restore.

How to Test your Airbag Module

You probably already know by now the functionality of the SRS airbag module in your vehicle and its overall importance in preserving your safety on the road. You know that the SRS airbag module is responsible for tying in the entire airbag system including the airbags themselves, the impact sensors, and even the seat belt pre-tensioners. Without the airbag module working properly, none of these parts can function individually the way they are intended to. This means that if your car is involved in a crash, the airbags will not deploy which can result in serious injury or even death. For this reason, you know how crucial it is to get a brand new module—or your previous one reset—immediately after it becomes faulty or has stored crash data. If you go with the latter option, getting the reset is one thing. Testing to see if the reset was a success is another. Below are the steps you should take to test your airbag module and see that all previous crash data and hard codes have been erased. The process is quite simple.

To begin, you need to reinstall the airbag module into your vehicle. Make sure all the wiring that was disconnected in the initial disassembly process is reconnected. Then you can reconnect your car’s battery. After that, just turn on your car and take a look at the airbag light found on the instrument panel of your console. If the airbag module reset was a success, the airbag light should dim out within approximately 7 seconds. If the light fails to turn off, you may need to bring the unit to a professional company or contact your local dealership. The company Safety Restore specializes in SRS airbag module resetting, and can definitely be trusted if you see that you were unsuccessful in completing the job yourself.

How to test your SRS airbag module.

Where is the airbag module located?

Wondering where your airbag module is located in your vehicle?

An airbag control module is the mechanism that controls the airbag system. There are several airbags in a vehicle, some located in the front, on the sides, or on knee-level to passengers. However, there is only one SRS airbag module unit in a vehicle. The location of the airbag module differs from vehicle to vehicle depending on the make and model of it. In some vehicles, it is located in the center console, kick panel, under the radio, or behind the steering wheel. Generally, though, it can be found underneath the driver’s seat or front passenger’s seat. Heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and trucks have engine control modules instead of airbag control modules. These units are often located beneath the instrument panel glove box on the front-passenger side of the vehicle.

Find out where your airbag module is located.

The importance of an airbag module cannot be stressed enough. It makes the workings of the entire airbag system possible. When a sudden stop or collision occurs, the airbag module receives information from the impact sensor that then passes on a signal to deploy the airbags. Without a properly functioning airbag module in a vehicle, the airbags wouldn’t even deploy. After airbag deployment, the airbag sensor is locked until it is replaced or completely reprogrammed.

Following a crash, the information stored in the airbag module in the form of hard codes and crash data can prove quite useful—and is usually admissible in court too. Everything from seat belt use, engine and vehicle speed, brake light switch position, throttle position, impact speed change, airbag deployments and seat belt pre-tensioner deployments are stored in this small unit. Those who analyze car accidents often look at the airbag module information and find it more beneficial than other physical evidence or verbal explanation.

If you yourself have been involved in an accident, refrain from buying a brand new module. Instead, have your present unit restored to factory settings by the company Safety Restore.

When to Replace Your Airbag Module

When to replace your airbag module.

If you do not know what an airbag module is or what it does, you most likely do not know when you need to replace it. For your own safety’s sake, it is important to learn, so let me fill you in.

The SRS airbag module in your vehicle is a tiny unit generally located beneath the driver or front passenger seat. Even though the unit is relatively small, it serves a big role in preserving occupants’ safety on the road. This is because the entire airbag system—which includes the airbags themselves, the impact sensors, and seat belt pre-tensioners—depends on the SRS airbag module. Without a properly functioning module, or without one altogether, the airbags would not be able to deploy during an accident. As you can imagine, that can result in a greater possibility of injury or even death.

Wondering when to replace your airbag module? – This is what a SRS module looks like.

When a vehicle has been involved in an accident, the SRS airbag module picks up the information during the crash such as the vehicle and engine speed, seat belt use, throttle position, seat belt pre-tensioner deployments, impact speed change, airbag deployments, and brake light switch position. All this information is stored in the form of crash data and hard codes. When the unit has all that stored data in it, it is an indication that it needs to be replaced. This would be the proper time to purchase a brand new SRS airbag module or reset the present unit back to factory settings. Otherwise, the airbags will not be able to serve their purpose in the future.

You probably won’t want to replace the unit entirely at the dealer knowing that you have an equally safe—and more affordable—alternative. You can send the unit in to a company that specializes in resetting SRS airbag modules: Safety Restore.

Can you drive without an airbag module?

While a vehicle can still run without an airbag module, it is strongly recommended that drivers do not operate the vehicle without it being installed—unless an emergency situation arises and there is no other option. There are several reasons for this, the biggest being to preserve one’s safety while driving.

The main reason why it is unsafe to drive without an SRS airbag module installed is because a car’s airbags will not work without them. If they do no work, then they are not able to serve their purpose as secondary restraint systems—and as a result will not deploy if an accident were to occur. As you can imagine, that can pose as a giant problem. Without airbags deploying, a driver and any passengers can face serious injury or even death. During a sudden stop or a collision, the airbags are what stop the occupants of a vehicle from crashing through the windshield or against other objects and people in the vehicle. Without airbags in the equation, nothing would be able to slow down occupants’ change in momentum and reduce the forces exerted on them.

The safest bet for an owner of a vehicle that needs their SRS airbag module replaced is to have another form of transportation ready for the time it takes to reset or entirely replace the unit. Although it may be a hassle to do so, it is better to be safe than sorry.

The great thing is that there is a company—Safety Restore—that is able to reset airbag modules and only takes 24 hours to do so. For that short amount of time, arranging another form of transportation shouldn’t even be a problem. Not only will it take a short amount of time but it can also save a driver hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to the prices at the dealer!