Airbags delploy for no reason?

[TooFastTooG]

Hey guy my dad actually just picked up a really nice 97 GS Eclipse with a blown headgasket for 500.00 bucks. The cars exterior is mint and just needs a little cleaning on the inside.

Anyway the only other thing wrong with it is both airbags are popped, the car has no history of accident we did a carfax actually had my uncle who owns collision revision come with us and he found no history of any cosmetic repairs on the car, the lady who owned (original owner) said her son was inside the car cleaning it and all the sudden both airbags deployed.

They called up Mitsubishi to see if this has happend before and they said they have had cases like that before and to bring it in and possibly it might be some kind of recall or defect they may cover . But she said two weeks later then head gasket blew and they could not bring it in to mitsu. They didnt bring it in right away because it was an extra car.

So I'm just wondering if any of you guys have heard of this happening? And what may cause this? Any help will do, thanks alot!

 

[dr1665]

The SRS system is mounted under the armrest in the center of the car. If the kid was cleaning it and got a bit rough in that area somehow, with the radio going (the key in the ON position), he could have set them off. Still, I would suggest having the dealership look into it. Once they have been fired, I'm pretty sure you have to have the control box under the armrest replaced as well.

 

[TooFastTooG]

Yeah thats what I was thinking because when I was checking out the whole center console there were no bolts holding it on it felt like I could pull it all out, so my guess the kid was playing around under there.

 

[dave99gst]

Ive got a 99 black gst steering wheel with a undeployed bag and the control box f/s -

email me if ya want -

 

[TotalEclipse112]

Even with the key off the SRS system is still armed. The only way to trigger it is for one of the discrimnating sensors to activate the signal to the SRS controler and complete the circut. What you are describing should be brought to Mitsu and let them deal with it, sounds like a vehicle defect. Plus if it is they will replace the whole system for free. The SRS system is complety junk once the bags deploy, and everything has to be replaced. The average price for 1 air bag is around $3000. Just some food for thought.

 

[AWDPetmitsu]

Even with the key off the SRS system is still armed. The only way to trigger it is for one of the discrimnating sensors to activate the signal to the SRS controler and complete the circut. What you are describing should be brought to Mitsu and let them deal with it, sounds like a vehicle defect. Plus if it is they will replace the whole system for free. The SRS system is complety junk once the bags deploy, and everything has to be replaced. The average price for 1 air bag is around $3000. Just some food for thought.

$3000 each??? Ummmm, no.

 

[TotalEclipse112]

$3000 each??? Ummmm, no.

Ummmm yeah where I work. Thats why usually if your in an accident and the bags deploy, its almost gaurenteed that your car is toatled. But what do I know I just work in a dealership.

 

[ddavisaf]

Satan
So then my question would be, are the sensors that are located in the bumper and whatnot trashed as well? Or would the bags and module be the only piece that need to be replaced?

 

[hellotbone]

Ive got a 99 black gst steering wheel with a undeployed bag and the control box f/s -

email me if ya want -

Me too and the dash bag.

 

[TooFastTooG]

Ummmm yea 3,000 I can find MUCH MUCH better deals from ebay or other guys here on the board selling theirs.

 

[Jason84]

anywhere from $1000-$5000 ive seen prices of airbags.. thats new what insurance companies quote it as....

thats why in alot of cars with airbags that get in accidents are considered tottaled...

 

[AWDPetmitsu]

Ummmm yeah where I work. Thats why usually if your in an accident and the bags deploy, its almost gaurenteed that your car is toatled. But what do I know I just work in a dealership.

Ummm OK. $3000 for an airbag unit. Something's wrong with that picture. I found a site online that sells it for less than $500.

 

[TotalEclipse112]

Sorry I am going by the OEM prices where I work at. When it come to something that could potentially save my life I would not want to go the generic route to save a few bucks. Besides if its a vehicle defect, which it sounds like his problem is, the manufacture is required by fedral law to replace it free of charge.

 

[AWDPetmitsu]

Ok, the site I found it for less than $500 was off a Mitsu dealer. Besides, I don't think generic brand airbags exist, anyway.