How to check airbags when buying a car


03/16/2021 9 140 Sensors

Author: Ivan Baranov

Airbags (Airbags) are an integral element of the safety system of any modern vehicle. Therefore, in order to protect themselves and passengers while driving, the driver must always monitor the performance of this system. What functions does the airbag sensor perform and how to determine a malfunction in the system - find out from this material.

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Why is the airbag so important for the Lada Priora?

Any driver is concerned about his own safety. It is based on these indicators that the future car will be selected. A car that is maximally equipped in this sense will be an additional guarantee that in an unforeseen emergency situation on the road you can stay alive. That is why the presence of an airbag in the car plays an important role here.

Russian manufacturers have long been trying to ensure that domestic cars also meet accepted standards. The airbag in the Lada Priora became an integral part of the development of this model.

It will only operate if there is a head-on collision of a certain magnitude. With weaker impacts this mechanism will not turn on.

How to check an airbag with a multimeter

A multimeter or diagnostic scanner is equipment that connects to a special connector on the on-board computer and allows you to check the functionality of almost all devices and mechanisms of the vehicle, including the serviceability of airbags.

The cost of professional-level devices varies between 50-60 thousand rubles. A multimeter from the Middle Kingdom will cost an order of magnitude cheaper. The diagnostic scanner allows you to check the serviceability of the airbag control unit, identify the facts of the activation of the squibs, and also check whether any third-party changes have been made to the program. To work with a multimeter, you will additionally need a computer or laptop with specialized software, and of course, certain knowledge. Therefore, when buying a used car, it is better to check the functionality of the security systems at a reputable service center.

What is a Priora airbag?

In appearance, the airbag looks like an elastic bag; it immediately begins to fill with air after an impact. Such a vital element will perfectly complement the safety belt - the protection of the driver sitting behind the wheel should increase several times. In the Priora today, only the driver’s seat will be equipped with an inflatable airbag; the desire to install them on additional passenger seats is already a retrofit. Very often it is carried out in connection with the wishes of the client in the relevant service centers.

Typically, this Prior safety element will work in the event of a frontal impact or an angular impact, which occurs at an angle of no more than 30° at a higher required speed.

This indicator is also important: everything will depend on how rigid the object with which the collision occurs. If it is capable of deformation, then the system will come into action at a speed that exceeds 25 km/h, only with frontal interaction.

FAQ

Could airbag sensors be missing?

Yes, quite, on some, especially not modern, car models.

Why does the “Airbag SRS”, “Airbag” or “SRS” light appear on? How to fix the problem?

This is clearly a signal of a device malfunction. If you find it difficult to determine on your own, contact the service center. Most often, the essence is problems with the integrity of the power supply unit, lack of contacts or unreliable connection of elements, damage to any parts of the system, or moisture ingress. Each of these problems is resolved in its own way.

The internal structure of the airbag on the Priora

The so-called airbag is a whole coherent system that has the following elements:

  • gas generator module of the airbag itself;
  • the location where the unit that controls the airbag system is installed;
  • connector with an element responsible for rotation;
  • steering wheel together with a switch element that gives a signal;
  • safety belt.

The gas generator type module will contain the following elements:

  • the gas generator itself;
  • a special label with a barcode;
  • a housing in which the folded inflatable pillow will be placed;
  • fasteners; connector with fuse and igniter at the gas generator part;
  • facing cover.

Where are the airbags located?

Before you begin checking these unique security systems, it is necessary to clarify where exactly they are located. The airbags are checked taking into account the fact that they come in several different types, depending on the class and vehicle equipment, namely:

  • frontal version (they are hidden by the steering wheel, the upper part of the dashboard);
  • side option (location – doors, seat backs);
  • knee version (the steering wheel and the so-called glove compartment are located above them);
  • central (location – armrests, which are located between the seats);
  • curtains protecting the head (location – between the car pillars, behind the trim).

It must be borne in mind that expensive brands of cars can be equipped with several or even all types of the protective devices just listed, while economical, budget models are most often equipped only with front-facing systems.

How do Prior airbags work?

The essence of the action of the gas-generating element located in the pillow is as follows:

  1. The gas generator itself will produce gas directly inside the module: it will fill the airbag.
  2. Here, a substance of pyrotechnic origin will be ignited with the help of a fuse, which is built into the body of this gas generator itself.

There are two types of gas generators:

The first will consist of a body that will be filled with a solid pyrotechnic substance and the igniter itself. As for the second, it will consist of a casing material containing compressed gas of inert origin, as well as all the components already listed above.

The gas generator will operate according to the following algorithm:

  1. When struck, an electrical signal will be generated.
  2. The electrical resistance will heat up and ignite the pyrotechnic substance.
  3. The rest of the mass ignites.

The value of the integrity of the facing cover

It is very important that the facing cover covering the airbag itself is intact. The purpose of this part in the Prior is to cover the folded element near the pillow during normal times, but it will rupture during gas filling at the moment of collision.

This will happen along the structural seam - it is located along the back side on the cover itself.

The element that controls the airbag is located behind the dashboard console. Its location is right under the floor mat. Usually it is well secured with at least three nuts and contains the following elements:

  • sensor responsible for acceleration;
  • an electronic circuit that generates signals entering the control.

The latter will send the necessary commands to the corresponding modular elements of the Prior’s airbags and seat belts. As a result, the seat belt pretensioning device is activated.

The control unit itself is designed to convert and process information that comes directly from the sensor responsible for acceleration. In the future, it will generate a signal of electrical origin sent to the fuse.

Belt and pillow matching

The airbag responsible for safety in the Priora must be coordinated in its future operation with the belt. When the person driving is not wearing a seat belt, it simply will not work.

The operation of these important mechanisms is coordinated for the following reason:

  1. At the moment of impact, the pillow will inflate very quickly and press the person to the seat with great force.
  2. In the case when the driver is not fastened, the body involuntarily swings forward and is met with a huge blow from the airbag. This is fraught with additional major injuries.

Burning “Airbag SRS”, “Airbag”, or “SRS” indicator light: causes and solutions

So, for what reasons may the Airbag or SRS indicator appear on the instrument panel:

  1. The integrity of the security guard is compromised - one of the most unpleasant options for a car owner. Due to a violation of integrity, the control unit may no longer receive the appropriate impulses from controllers, belts and other components of the safety system. There is a possibility that the seat belts themselves are equipped with a sensor that detects whether the seat belts are fastened; accordingly, if the driver or passenger is not fastened, the indicator on the dashboard will light up. This is necessary because the operation of the safety guard is relevant and most justified only in the case when the driver moves in a fastened state. In the event that an accident occurs, the PB will fly out at a speed of about 200 kilometers per hour, respectively, if the driver is not wearing a seat belt, this will correspond to hitting a concrete wall at a speed of 25 km/h. Given this factor, most vehicle manufacturers have programmed the PB so that if an accident occurs, it simply will not operate. And this, as you might guess, suggests that there can be no talk of any security. If you try to deceive the system by pulling straps behind the backs of chairs or using all kinds of emulators that will allow you to deceive it, it will be in vain. After all, this way you are only deceiving yourself; if a serious accident occurs, neither the driver nor the passengers will be able to survive because of this.
  2. Another problem is the lack of contact or very poor connection of elements in the power supply circuit of the PB. There is a possibility that the reason for the appearance of the indicator on the dashboard is due to poor connection of the connectors. It is necessary to check the quality of the connection, as well as all contacts.
  3. Also, the indicator light on the dashboard may appear due to failure or damage to the shock controllers. They may also be poorly connected. We recommend checking the quality of the connections of the elements, as well as the connectors. But if all contacts are working, and the problem indicates a malfunction of the shock sensors, then these devices must be replaced quickly, otherwise there will simply be no point in the fact that the car is equipped with a power supply.
  4. One of the most common reasons is a broken door contact. If any repair work is carried out on the doors or they are changed, and the connectors are disconnected, then the contacts must be checked the next time they are connected. It happens that after reconnection the indicator still continues to light, this indicates the need to reset the control unit memory.
  5. Another reason is moisture ingress. If moisture gets on the electrical contacts or on the strap lock, it may cause poor contact or a short circuit. If you encounter such a problem, then the places where moisture gets in need to be dried.
  6. Failure or incorrect operation of the control unit. Perhaps the contacts on it also came loose. But if the problem lies in the unit’s board itself, then most likely it will have to be replaced.
  7. Safety devices. If these elements fail, the corresponding icon will also light up on the instrument panel. But as practice shows, car owners pay attention to fuses last.
  8. Another reason why this problem may occur is when the seats or control panel are replaced. During replacement, the integrity of the wiring could have been damaged, in particular, we are talking about the connection points.
  9. In addition, a malfunction may occur as a result of violations when replacing the steering wheel. If during replacement you damage the contacts, the indicator will always light up.
  10. If the safety guards were triggered during a collision, and the indicator continues to light after they were restored, this indicates that information about this remained in the memory of the control unit. Removing the error will solve the problem.
  11. The service life of the PB has been completed. On average, the service life of airbags is about 8-10 years; after this period, car manufacturers usually do not guarantee the performance of the airbag.
  12. Low voltage in the vehicle's on-board network. First of all, you need to check the battery, as well as the generator device.

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Adjusting the airbag status

The status of the airbag on the Priora is regulated by a special sensor located on the dashboard. The light will indicate each existing fault. If it lights up, it helps to monitor the airbag data, as well as keep these systems in working order, which will be the key to saving the driver’s life on the road.

In the appropriate situation in which an accident occurred and the airbag was ejected, an appropriate replacement will be made. It should be carried out by a specialist, which will help avoid potential failure in a traffic accident.

Indicator light

A monitoring system can be used to monitor the health of the airbag system. When you turn on the ignition, the control light lights up for about 10 seconds, which should then go out. If the light does not light up, does not go out, or lights up while driving, this indicates a system malfunction.

Research by specialists shows that the risk of death of a pedestrian when hitting the hood of a car moving at a speed of only 40 km/h reaches 100%. To solve this problem, companies are actively working on developing airbags for pedestrians. This protection system includes two airbags - a large one that covers the front part of the car (bumper, radiator grille, headlights and hood edge) and a small one that is located near the windshield, protecting the pedestrian's head. Dangerous approaches to pedestrians and animals are detected by special sensors. These airbags will open immediately before a collision.

Today, airbags are an integral part of the safety system of any vehicle. They are needed to protect both the driver and passengers of the vehicle while driving. Therefore, the car owner needs to periodically check the functionality of this system. In particular, monitor the condition of the airbag impact sensors. We will talk about their features and functions. We will also figure out how to find out that the power supply units are faulty.

Self-removal of the airbag for Priora

It is best to entrust the removal of the airbag to a specialist. However, there are some unforeseen situations that force you to act independently. In such cases, the following recommendations must be followed.

Usually the airbag is dismantled when the steering wheel is removed. Sometimes this is done when replacing the contact ring of the airbag itself and the sound signal.

Before starting work, it is very important to disconnect the wire terminal from the negative terminal on the battery. After following this instruction, wait about ten minutes during which time the airbag activator capacitor should discharge.

The tool needed for the job will be a five-inch hex wrench.

The procedure for removing the pillow itself should follow the following sequence:

  1. The steering wheel is set to a position where the car is moving in a straight line. This must be recorded, after which the key is removed from the ignition switch.
  2. The fastening screw of such an airbag is unscrewed using the prepared tool. The same thing happens on the other side.
  3. We move the module itself, in which this airbag is located, away from the steering wheel.
  4. We remove the fasteners that hold the block with the wires.
  5. We disconnect them.
  6. We remove the pillow from the Prior.
  7. During external interventions, we store this dismantled part with the cover facing up, making sure to protect it from excess moisture and heat.
  8. We carry out all assembly work in reverse order.

Possible malfunctions

One of the most common malfunctions in the operation of airbag systems for a Priora is the moment when the light comes on, indicating a malfunction, and the sound signal disappears. This indicates that the cable itself will have to be repaired: it is responsible for the connector at the airbag on the steering wheel itself (its other name is Airbag Clock-spring).

We already know it as a connecting element directly to the rotation device. Here's what you need to do here:

  1. You can identify this error using a diagnostic scanner (to connect it, we find its block at the back of the glove compartment).
  2. The control system unit error is read.
  3. A flashing of the entire system is required, which can be carried out by a specialist using a special programmer device.

Under what conditions does this security system work?

The light responsible for the proper condition of the airbag on the Priora necessarily lights up every time the ignition is turned on. Another indicator that there is a malfunction is that it flickers and even remains on.

The specified security system will not work in the following cases:

  • in case of a side impact;
  • in a rear impact;
  • when capsizing;
  • when hitting a curb;
  • when hitting the bottom on an uneven road at high speed;
  • in the event of a collision, if power is not supplied at that moment (the key is not in the lock).

Location and operating features of airbag sensors

The SRS system is not only the Airbag PB itself, but also an entire security system. It includes controllers, a control device, as well as various actuators, ranging from airbag squibs to a fuel pump cut-off relay. To begin with, we suggest finding out where the SRS system sensors are located and what functions they perform.


Location of the main elements of the security system

Shock sensor

The purpose of the SRS system impact sensor is to detect a collision and transmit an impulse about it to the control device. As for the design of the Airbag shock sensor, it can be different, it all depends on the car model. For example, if it is an electromechanical controller, then it will close its contacts in a certain situation. When the contacts are closed, current begins to flow through them, as a result of which this will trigger the actuator, which will ultimately contribute to the filling of the PB with special gas.

It must be remembered that in order for the process to start and the Airbag to inflate, a weak blow will not be enough. If at the time of a traffic accident there is a violation in the battery power circuit, the PB will still inflate. This is due to the fact that the system has a special capacitor device that accumulates charge.

Where is the controller located? The device is located in the Airbag control unit itself or inside the cabin, depending on the car. Also, such sensors are sometimes located in the engine compartment (the author of the video is the channel Learning to Drive a Car. All the secrets for beginners).

Basically, on foreign cars there is a separate shock sensor to turn off the fuel pump; sometimes, with a minor impact, the airbags do not work, and the car cannot be started until you activate this sensor.

Passenger presence sensor

The speed at which the PB is fully inflated depends on the mass of the passenger sitting in the seat. Moreover, speed control during a car collision is necessary for the timely creation of a gas layer between a person and the center console if it is a head-on collision. If it is on the side, then it is between the door and the glass. That is, the SRS system, based on the mass of the passenger, determines the force of the impact, while taking into account the elasticity of the passenger compartments themselves. Passenger presence sensors are always located directly under the seat.

It should be noted that such devices can sometimes cause problems, in particular, we are talking about reducing the sensitivity of the controller. If a child is sitting in the passenger seat, then due to loss of sensitivity, the device simply will not detect him, as a result of which the safety guard may not open in the event of a collision. But there may be another side to this issue. For example, if the sensor cannot determine the child’s weight, then, depending on the car, it may inflate the airbag too quickly, which again will lead to injury to the baby.

Photo gallery “Security system sensors”


1. Front impact sensor


2. Installation diagram of the passenger presence sensor

Recycling the Priora airbag

If a malfunction is detected in this system, even an unused pillow should be replaced with a new one. Under no circumstances should it be thrown away, so specialists will activate it remotely according to a certain procedure. However, the latter is unacceptable in those cars in which the wiring is damaged or any of the system components are missing.

As a rule, this procedure will be carried out outdoors. Personnel should not be closer than six meters from the object. This rule will protect people from the loud sound that will accompany the explosion. In this case, it is also important not to place the airbag with the shell down, the force of the recoil could cause an unexpected rebound and lead to injury to people nearby.

How to check an airbag with a tester

You can verify that the protection system has not worked previously by measuring the resistance of the squib using a conventional tester. For check:

  • turn off the ignition and remove the key from the connector;
  • remove the terminals from the battery;
  • disassemble the airbag.

After this, we set the tester to ohmmeter mode and check the resistance at the connector of the protection device. Any deviations from the norm should alert you.

By the way, scammers have learned to bypass this diagnostic method by installing resistors with suitable resistance. If you lack the necessary knowledge and skills, testing airbags with a tester can lead to inadvertent activation of the safety device and injury. If you are not confident in your abilities, contact an experienced master.

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Why is the airbag so important for Lada Priory

Any driver is concerned about his own safety. It is based on these indicators that the future car will be selected. The maximum number of cars in this sense will be an additional guarantee that you will be able to stay alive in an unforeseen situation. That is why the presence of airbags in a car plays an important role here.

Russian manufacturers have long been trying to ensure that domestic cars comply with standards. The Lada Priora airbag became an integral part of the development of this model.

This will only work in the event of a frontal collision. For weaker attacks, this mechanism is not activated.

What is a pre-airbag

It looks like an airbag, like an elastic bag, it begins to fill with air immediately after impact. This vital element complements the seat belt perfectly. protection for the driver, although it should be increased several times. Today in the suburbs, only the driver's seat will be equipped with an airbag, and the desire to install them in additional passenger seats is already included in the optional equipment. Very often this is done in accordance with the wishes of the client in the relevant service centers.

Typically, this previous protective element will operate in a frontal impact or in the case of a corner impact that occurs at an angle of no more than 30° at a higher required speed.

This indicator is also important: everything will depend on how strongly the object is facing. If it is capable of deformation, the system will begin to operate at speeds exceeding 25 km/h only with frontal interaction.

Priora, internal airbag

The so-called airbag is a complete system that has the following elements:

  • the gas generator module of the airbag itself;
  • the location where the device that controls the airbag system is installed;
  • connector with an element responsible for rotation;
  • steering wheel with switching element;
  • safety belt.

The gas generator type module will contain the following elements:

  • the gas generator itself;
  • Special label with barcode;
  • a housing in which the folded airbag will be installed;
  • fastening; connector with fuse and cigarette lighter on the gas generator side;
  • coating.

How does the priority airbag work?

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The essence of the gas generator element located in the pillow is as follows:

  1. The gas generator itself will produce gas directly inside the module: it fills the airbag.
  2. Here, ignition of substances of pyrotechnic origin will occur using a fuse installed in the housing of this gas generator.

There are two types of gas generators:

The first will consist of a housing which will be filled with a solid pyrotechnic substance and igniting properties. As for the second, it will consist of a housing material containing compressed gas of inert origin, as well as all of the above components.

The gas generator will operate according to the following algorithm:

  1. When a shock occurs, an electrical signal sounds.
  2. The resistance to electricity is heated and ignited by the pyrotechnic substance.
  3. Mass of flammable residues.

Substrate Integrity Value

It is important that the cover covering the airbag is not damaged. The purpose of this part in the previous one is to close the folded element in normal time on the cushion, and it will burst when filled with gas at the moment of impact.

Priora 2170. Airbag indicator and seat belt are off.

a priority

-2170.
airbag
indicator is on belt is not fastened.
priority
.2170. Airbag indicator lights and

Removing and installing the driver's airbag on a Priora

How to remove an air cushion

driver of a Lada car
priority
. Visual Events in the Presentation Guide

This will happen at the structural seam. it is located along the back of the lid itself.

The airbag itself is located behind the instrument panel. Its location is directly under the carpet. Usually it is well fixed with at least three nuts and has the following elements:

  • sensor responsible for acceleration;
  • An electronic circuit that generates control signals.

The latter will present the necessary commands to the corresponding modular elements of the airbags and seat belts. Therefore, the seat belt activates the pretensioning device.

The control unit itself is designed to convert and process information coming directly from the sensor responsible for acceleration. In the future, it will generate an electrical signal that is sent to the fuse.

Adjusting the belt and cushions

The airbag mentioned above must be coordinated during further work with the belt. When a person is not attached to the wheel, he simply will not work.

The work of these important mechanisms is coordinated for the following reason:

  1. At the moment of impact, the pillow inflates very quickly and forces the person to sit with great force.
  2. If the driver is not secured, the body will involuntarily roll forward and encounter enormous force from the cushion. This may result in additional serious injury.

Airbag adjustment

Airbag priority is controlled by a special sensor located on the instrument panel. The indicator shows all existing faults. If it lights up, it helps monitor airbag data as well as keep these systems operational, which will be key to keeping the driver alive while traveling.

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