---
title: "SRS (Airbag) Modules: Understanding Mounting Tabs, Grounding, and Module Types"
description: "SRS (Airbag) Modules: Understanding Mounting Tabs, Grounding, and Module Types"
---

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# SRS (Airbag) Modules: Understanding Mounting Tabs, Grounding, and Module Types

Overview

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag modules are secured to a vehicle using mounting tabs (or legs). These modules may have plastic or metal casings/tabs, and not all damage to tabs impacts their functionality or safety.

This document explains:

- The role of tabs and module grounding.
- Differences between plastic vs. metal casing tabs/modules.
- When a module is safe to reset and when it must be replaced.
- Guidance for communicating with customers.

---

Function of Mounting Tabs

- Tabs serve to secure the module to the vehicle frame and provide grounding (in some cases).
- Most modules have 2 to 4 mounting tabs.
- Tabs do not affect internal reset functionality — but grounding does affect usability.

---

Plastic vs. Metal Casing: Grounding Matters

|  | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Module Casing Type | Impact of Broken Tab |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Plastic Tab/Casing | Must be replaced if a tab is broken. These modules ground only through the tabs. A broken tab prevents proper grounding. |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Metal Casing | If only 1 tab is broken, it's cosmetic only. The module can still be securely bolted down and grounded properly. |

Important: Grounding is critical for module operation. Modules without proper grounding will not function, even if reset.

---

Reset Policy Based on Tab Damage

|  | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Tab Condition | Plastic Tab/Casing Module | Metal Casing Module |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | All tabs intact | ✅ Reset | ✅ Reset |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | 1 tab broken | ❌ Do not reset – Replace | ✅ Reset – Cosmetic only |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | 2 or more tabs broken | ❌ Do not reset – Replace | ❌ Do not reset – Cannot mount securely |

---

Customer Communication Guidelines

- Always document damage with images and ensure a public tech note is added.
- Inform customer before reset if module is plastic and the plastic tab is broken – recommend replacement.
- For metal modules with 1 broken tab:
- Inform customer, proceed with reset, and note it is customer discretion to install.
- If customer is unhappy with outcome:
- Offer refund to maintain satisfaction, especially in rare cases. (This must be done through TS Rep) CS Should only create a ticket. CS rep should not guarantee refund, that is up to the tech.

---

Quick Reference: Handling Broken Tabs

|  | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column | ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Column Before - Insert Column After - Delete Column |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Casing/Tab Type | Tabs Intact? | Action |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Plastic w/ plastic covered tabs | Yes | ✅ Reset |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Plastic w/ plastic covered tabs | No | ❌ Replace – Won’t Ground |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Metal | Yes | ✅ Reset |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Metal | 1 Broken | ✅ Reset – Cosmetic Only |
| ![](https://info.myairbags.com/img/icons/dropdown-elipsis.svg) - Insert Row Before - Insert Row After - Delete Row | Metal | 2+ Broken | ❌ Replace – Unsafe Mount |

---

 

Summary

- Plastic casing w/ plastic covered tabs= grounding through tabs → Broken tab = non-functional → Replace.
- Metal casing = grounded via body → 1 broken tab = usable if securely bolted.
- Always document, inform, and support customer decisions. Refund if needed in rare disputes.

 

Images of Modules

Plastic casing with Plastic Tabs:

![Image](https://tettra-production.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f82977fca9b3d0623d88f410095981cc20364c49/cc6c8e3e5055810d5e1c1a74ad2e0aee5241569d/37d7c29bd0f113391befcd6e2be6160b610218dc/b0648cbb4818320eb8d093d41b5f9b90f51a2911/AYT5FClRCDXTjtbod8BfRrCpIJKIrQ4HEsz6WtS1.png)

 

Metal casing with Metal Tabs:

![Image](https://tettra-production.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f82977fca9b3d0623d88f410095981cc20364c49/cc6c8e3e5055810d5e1c1a74ad2e0aee5241569d/37d7c29bd0f113391befcd6e2be6160b610218dc/b0648cbb4818320eb8d093d41b5f9b90f51a2911/FQAmHhotCsEkCWamKAyxWthWHmUBXX5AgteGNrrg.png)

 

 

Plastic Casing with Metal Tabs:

![Image](https://tettra-production.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f82977fca9b3d0623d88f410095981cc20364c49/cc6c8e3e5055810d5e1c1a74ad2e0aee5241569d/37d7c29bd0f113391befcd6e2be6160b610218dc/b0648cbb4818320eb8d093d41b5f9b90f51a2911/0gvCdF4s1Bztpn2kBKmppOxwSFDouApDKa4wpH6L.png)

 

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