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Can You Do Your Own Airbag Repair?
Car owners thinking about performing their own airbag repair or replacement should take into careful consideration several factors. Auto repairs can be expensive, and depending upon the make and model of vehicle you have, the sticker shock may cause some to do it themselves in order to save money. But consider the consequences carefully. Repairing or replacing an airbag can be done, however it depends upon your level of technical ability, your confidence that you can adequately perform the repairs correctly and safely, and if your efforts outweigh the costs of taking it to a professional.
For DIY enthusiasts who have a couple of complex repairs under their belts and perhaps some peers from whom to solicit advice from, airbag repair is a viable option. Automobile airbags are touchy and can malfunction—in an event that simulates an accident, sometimes accidentally at no or slow speeds the airbag can deploy. If you complete the repair incorrectly, the airbag can fail to deploy correctly, if at all, therefore negating the purpose of the airbag and wasting your time and effort in completing the repair yourself. The best course of action, unless you are a trained auto technician/mechanic, is to take your vehicle to a reputable garage and have the work performed by a professional. If this is not an option for you, purchase a repair manual the make and model of your auto. Haynes repair manuals and Chilton’s repair guides are a couple of the most widely-used repair manuals in the industry. Both will provide detailed step-by-step instructions on how to properly replace your airbag, including how to clear the code from the deployed airbag sensor. If you don’t clear this code, the airbag could automatically deploy once you turn the car on. And this could be extremely dangerous as the force of the airbag could cause major injury to your hands, face or other body parts during installation.
There aren’t any restrictions on airbags needing to be replaced by dealerships or certified mechanics, except perhaps where it concerns your automobile warranty, in which case, replacement of your airbags are probably covered. Most car manufacturers validate items like the indicator light illuminating when the car turns on, then turning off after a few seconds, and other related operations. An airbag maintenance check doesn’t mean that the airbags need to be replaced for safety reasons. So if you need to replace your airbag, don’t wait. If you need more information search online for additional information or contact your local auto dealership for references.
