Airbags have been installed over the last two decades as standard items in all new cars. They undoubtedly make driving a car safer, drastically reducing the injuries and deaths that result from collisions. However, the airbag system requires some upkeep and repair in certain situations, depending upon the age and condition of each car.

After an Accident

On older model cars airbags should be replaced after a serious collision where real body damage is done to the front, regardless of whether the airbags deployed or not. These airbag systems are sensitive and will tell you when they are not working, especially on newer model cars made after 2001. The safety systems of these cars are computer programmed and it is the manufacturer's responsibility they work. However, in older model cars with airbag systems pre-2000, it is a good idea to just replace the airbags after a collision or at least have the entire system checked out to ensure it will still properly deploy in the event of a collision.

Airbag Sensor

Most cars built after 2001 have both driver and passenger side airbags, which come standard and are a safety requirement from the manufacturer. These systems have sensors which alert the driver when the airbag deployment system is not working. If that sensor light comes on, usually somewhere on the dashboard or near the speedometer, the car should immediately be taken to the dealership or mechanic to figure out what is wrong. Usually when this sensor comes on, the airbags need to be replaced due to some malfunction in the deployment system.

Light Flashes

Airbag deployment systems on both pre and post 2001 models, have sensors to indicate what is wrong. For example, one flash followed by six small flashes indicates there is something wrong with the passenger side airbag. This is called the LFC sequence, or Lamp Fault Code. It will tell you exactly what is wrong with the airbag system so you can diagnose the problem before it gets any worse and save yourself money at the garage when you go to replace the airbag.

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