If your airbags did not deploy during a collision, it doesn't necessarily mean they are broken. Airbag deployment is determined by various factors and is designed to occur only under certain conditions to maximize safety.
Here are some reasons why airbags might not deploy during a collision:
Nature of the Collision
Airbags are designed to deploy in specific types of collisions. For instance:
-
Frontal Airbags: Typically deploy in direct frontal or near-frontal collisions. They might not deploy in side, rear, or rollover collisions.
-
Side Airbags: Deploy in side-impact collisions, but not necessarily in frontal or rear collisions.
Collision Severity
Airbags have thresholds for deployment based on the severity or force of a collision. Minor fender benders or low-speed impacts might not meet the threshold required for deployment.
Occupancy Sensors
Some vehicles have sensors in the passenger seats that detect whether someone is sitting there. If the seat is unoccupied, the corresponding airbag might not deploy to save repair costs and reduce potential hazards.
Seat Position & Seatbelts
Some advanced airbag systems take into account whether seatbelts are fastened and the position of seats. In certain situations, if the system determines that deploying the airbag might cause more harm than good (example: a seat is too far forward), it might inhibit deployment.
TIP: Save Time & Money (Repair & Reset)
If the airbag light is on, this may signal an issue with the seat belts—they could be locked, malfunctioning, or damaged. In such cases, the seat belts will need to be replaced or rebuilt by MyAirbags.com.
Additionally, if the airbag light remains illuminated, it often indicates that the ACM (airbag control module) needs to be replaced. Dealers typically recommend replacement due to the critical nature of these components. However, MyAirbags offers a cost-effective solution, potentially saving you up to 80% on new seat belts and airbag modules compared to traditional dealer prices.
Airbag System Fault
It's also possible that there's a fault or malfunction in the airbag system. If the airbag warning light was on before the collision, there could be an issue with the system that prevented deployment.
Vehicle Age
In very old vehicles, the effectiveness and reliability of airbag systems might degrade over time.
Previous Deployments
If the airbags were deployed in a previous collision and not properly replaced, they won't deploy again.
Aftermarket Modifications
Unauthorized modifications or installations near or around airbag systems can impact their functionality or deployment.
If you're concerned about the non-deployment of your airbags, it's crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic or technician who can evaluate the airbag system. Even if the airbags didn't deploy, the collision could have affected sensors, the airbag module, or other critical parts of the system. It's always best to ensure that everything is in working order after a collision to maintain safety in future drives.