10-year airbag inspection for 1997 Accord

[TomP]

So, basically you can either...

1 - Unplug and short the connector.
or
2a - See if that ArmorAll crap you've been using has cracked the vinyl cover. 2b - Turn to "on", wait&watch for 6 seconds, instead of going straight to "start".

Seems simple enough.

Yes.
The airbag system is 'fool proof' long as the fool doesn't "fool" around with it. In 20 years, of airbag involvement, I have not seen an airbag "deloy" by itself for "no" reason.

 

[Michael Pardee]

The airbag system is 'fool proof' long as the fool doesn't "fool" around with it. In 20 years, of airbag involvement, I have not seen an airbag "deloy" by itself for "no" reason.

Several years ago I had occasion to search what I recall was the NHTSA database for complaints regarding some car I was considering buying (used). In the complaints were three for unwanted air bag deployments; two of them occurred while turning one particular direction. Hmm. I agree that more recent airbag systems are stringently designed and that it shouldn't be a problem in a '97.

The NHTSA website does warn that disabling the SRS is prohibited in the US and that in many states inoperative SRS will cause the vehicle to fail safety inspections. http://tinyurl.com/2wtub4 FAQ 6

Mike

 

[Michael Pardee]

The airbag system is 'fool proof' long as the fool doesn't "fool" around with it. In 20 years, of airbag involvement, I have not seen an airbag "deloy" by itself for "no" reason.

Several years ago I had occasion to search what I recall was the NHTSA database for complaints regarding some car I was considering buying (used). In the complaints were three for unwanted air bag deployments; two of them occurred while turning one particular direction. Hmm. I agree that more recent airbag systems are stringently designed and that it shouldn't be a problem in a '97.

The NHTSA website does warn that disabling the SRS is prohibited in the US and that in many states inoperative SRS will cause the vehicle to fail safety inspections. http://tinyurl.com/2wtub4 FAQ 6

Mike

 

[Bob M.]

So, basically you can either...

1 - Unplug and short the connector.
or
2a - See if that ArmorAll crap you've been using has cracked the vinyl cover. 2b - Turn to "on", wait&watch for 6 seconds, instead of going straight to "start".

Seems simple enough.

When I disconnected the airbomb on a '93 Prizm I once owned, the airbomb's connector was of the "self-shorting" variety where a piece of metal would spring down & contact both pins when the plug was pulled out of the socket. This effectively safed the airbomb.

 

[Bob M.]

So, basically you can either...

1 - Unplug and short the connector.
or
2a - See if that ArmorAll crap you've been using has cracked the vinyl cover. 2b - Turn to "on", wait&watch for 6 seconds, instead of going straight to "start".

Seems simple enough.

When I disconnected the airbomb on a '93 Prizm I once owned, the airbomb's connector was of the "self-shorting" variety where a piece of metal would spring down & contact both pins when the plug was pulled out of the socket. This effectively safed the airbomb.

 

[jim beam]

Several years ago I had occasion to search what I recall was the NHTSA database for complaints regarding some car I was considering buying (used). In the complaints were three for unwanted air bag deployments; two of them occurred while turning one particular direction. Hmm. I agree that more recent airbag systems are stringently designed and that it shouldn't be a problem in a '97.

The NHTSA website does warn that disabling the SRS is prohibited in the US and that in many states inoperative SRS will cause the vehicle to fail safety inspections. http://tinyurl.com/2wtub4 FAQ 6

Mike

no, read it again. it doesn't say it's prohibited, it says is that it's prohibited for /dealers and repair shops/ to disable, and there there /may/ be state laws requiring them to be enabled. but other than that it merely "strongly discourages" disabling, not exactly a rigorous legal requirement.

 

[jim beam]

Several years ago I had occasion to search what I recall was the NHTSA database for complaints regarding some car I was considering buying (used). In the complaints were three for unwanted air bag deployments; two of them occurred while turning one particular direction. Hmm. I agree that more recent airbag systems are stringently designed and that it shouldn't be a problem in a '97.

The NHTSA website does warn that disabling the SRS is prohibited in the US and that in many states inoperative SRS will cause the vehicle to fail safety inspections. http://tinyurl.com/2wtub4 FAQ 6

Mike

no, read it again. it doesn't say it's prohibited, it says is that it's prohibited for /dealers and repair shops/ to disable, and there there /may/ be state laws requiring them to be enabled. but other than that it merely "strongly discourages" disabling, not exactly a rigorous legal requirement.

 

[Doc]

So, basically you can either...

1 - Unplug and short the connector.
or
2a - See if that ArmorAll crap you've been using has cracked the vinyl cover. 2b - Turn to "on", wait&watch for 6 seconds, instead of going straight to "start".

Seems simple enough.

You neglected another simple diagnostic option.

Run the vehicle up to about 80 mph and run into a brick wall or sturdy tree.

This will tell you whether the system is working. If the bag doesn't deploy, have it checked out at an authorized dealer at the earliest opportunity.

 

[Doc]

So, basically you can either...

1 - Unplug and short the connector.
or
2a - See if that ArmorAll crap you've been using has cracked the vinyl cover. 2b - Turn to "on", wait&watch for 6 seconds, instead of going straight to "start".

Seems simple enough.

You neglected another simple diagnostic option.

Run the vehicle up to about 80 mph and run into a brick wall or sturdy tree.

This will tell you whether the system is working. If the bag doesn't deploy, have it checked out at an authorized dealer at the earliest opportunity.

 

[Kevin.Murase]

According to the label on the door jam of my 97 Accord, my airbag is now 10-years old and should be inspected according to the maintenance schedule. Does anyone know how necessary this is, or what it should cost for a mechanic to do it?
Thanks

Might want to check out gen5alive.com as they have a site dedicated to 94-97 accords

 

[Kevin.Murase]

According to the label on the door jam of my 97 Accord, my airbag is now 10-years old and should be inspected according to the maintenance schedule. Does anyone know how necessary this is, or what it should cost for a mechanic to do it?
Thanks

Might want to check out gen5alive.com as they have a site dedicated to 94-97 accords