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

	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Module Casing Type	Impact of Broken Tab
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.
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

	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Tab Condition	Plastic Tab/Casing Module	Metal Casing Module
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	All tabs intact	✅ Reset	✅ Reset
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	1 tab broken	❌ Do not reset – Replace	✅ Reset – Cosmetic only
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

	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column	Insert Column Before Insert Column After Delete Column
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Casing/Tab Type	Tabs Intact?	Action
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Plastic w/ plastic covered tabs	Yes	✅ Reset
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Plastic w/ plastic covered tabs	No	❌ Replace – Won’t Ground
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Metal	Yes	✅ Reset
Insert Row Before Insert Row After Delete Row	Metal	1 Broken	✅ Reset – Cosmetic Only
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:

Metal casing with Metal Tabs:

Plastic Casing with Metal Tabs: