'97 D1 - Passenger Air bags

[Siia109]

So the reading through the Body repair manual (because who here doesn't) the airbag section (not suspension but the SRS Airbags) caught my eye since I have zero experience working on or around air bags.

My question is they have warnings repeatedly saying that you should not use a 2nd hand air bags only new. When that was written new parts where being made, but today that's not the case so is there a solution to this other than using a 2nd hand airbag?

They recommend these be swapped out with new devices after a certain amount of time - I am willing to bet mine are original as most of our rigs are. After 26 years is it safer to disable the entire system or are there new 3rd party devices that can be installed?

Thanks in advance!

 

[kris812]

My 2 cents for whatever it's worth.

I think there's a company that can remanufacture airbags, however it is prohibitively expensive. Think 1-2k a bag.

I'd install a used one in place of anything bad or deployed and call it a day.

There's a website www.fixmyrover.com that I think can Diagnose our SRS systems without the AL623 scanner I think it is.

Personally, I've been driving my Rover with the SRS light on its whole ownership with me 20ish years. Just recently came across this information and if I ever get really bored I'll hack away on it. But I got too many other things to fix and worry about.

Btw the dealership couldn't even figure out why the SRS light was on. They did a diagnostic on it, reset it, and it came back on. That's as far as they were able to fix it haha..

 

[kris812]

Some information I found online that might be of help to you:

Many years ago when airbags were a new technology on cars, automakers had no idea how long they would continue to function safely. Many automakers such as Mercedes-Benz placed airbag replacement labels on all vehicles sold in the U.S. through 2002. Those labels called for airbags to be replaced after 15 years. But after much research, automakers have concluded that airbags produced after 1992 will last the lifetime of the vehicle. That means that all modern cars that have been built since 1992 contain airbags that should function perfectly.

Today, replacement labels and recommended dealer inspections for airbags are a thing of the past. If you own an older car, check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer requires airbag replacement or inspection. You can also check for airbag information on the driver's side door jamb or on the back of your sun visors.

Do Car Airbags Expire? | Lithia Motors

Airbags can save a life, but how do they work & do they ever expire? Lithia breaks down a better understanding on this important safety device.

www.lithia.com

 

[Siia109]

Good to know - I need to learn more about the system and maybe that will give me piece of mind.

I do like the statement "...built since 1992 contain airbags that should function perfectly" - LOL - Key word in that sentence!

I have rebuilt old series and sourcing parts out is part of the challenge and the fun - but this is a completely different ballgame with this D1 (rolling) restoration. My knee accidently hit the ashtray plastic cover as I was reinstalling a new headliner and the cover just popped off - one of the plastic pressure tabs in the back snapped off. WTF! the brittle nature of this plastic is inherent with the age and I am sitting there not wanting to glue this thing back on but I am rationalizing with myself any replacement I find on ebay will be just as brittle since no one is making these new. Never had these issues with a Series or a D90!

Thanks again.