How much does it cost to repair airbag wiring?

Airbags use electrical signals from various crash sensors around the car to trigger an explosive reaction that inflates the airbag. Therefore, any issues with the car's wiring to the airbags will cause them not to work when needed. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the potential costs of airbag wiring repairs and why they occur. 

Airbag wiring repair cost

Repairing airbag wiring can cost anywhere from £60 to £500+, depending on the cause of the problem. In some cases, a simple reset, fuse replacement or plug clean up can sort airbag wiring issues, but it could also be a much more extensive repair needed.

If wiring is severely damaged by water ingress, physical damage or a defect, large sections of wiring loom may need to be replaced, which can take multiple hours to diagnose and repair.

Another factor is the type of garage you take the car to; a main dealer is likely to charge far higher prices than an independent garage, but on more modern or specialised cars, the main dealer may be the only place with the software needed to diagnose the problem.

Split the cost of repairs with Bumper's car repair finance.

How do airbags work?

First invented in the 1970s, airbags use a textile sack that rapidly inflates in the event of an accident to protect the car's occupants. It does this by way of an explosive charge igniting inside the assembly. This charge is triggered by an electronic signal, typically sent from the airbag ECU.

Airbags inflate in around 10 milliseconds, but are not fully sealed; they have flaps to allow the air inside to escape upon impact with a driver or passenger. This helps to dissipate energy, reducing the deceleration the person experiences, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.

Modern cars have airbags not only in the dashboard and steering wheel, but in the seats, roof lining and even doors too. Any one of these airbags developing a fault will signal an airbag warning to the driver.

Common airbag wiring problems

Wiring in a car is different to that in a house or building, it is under constant vibration when the car is being driven, and harsh heat cycling. Some wiring components also have to account for moving or rotating components, such as those going to the seats or steering wheel.

Common sources for airbag wiring related issues are:

• Under seat connectors: The movement of the seat being adjusted, wiring or connectors going to the in-seat airbags can become damaged.

• Clock spring: This device connects wires between the rotating steering wheel and the stationary steering column, including wires to the driver's airbag. This can wear out or develop issues.

• Moisture damage: Many wiring looms for airbags and associated sensors run under the carpet in the interior – a common place for moisture to build up in the event of a leak

Symptoms of an airbag wiring issue

The first indication of an airbag issue should be an error light or message on the dashboard. If you suspect an airbag issue, check that this light illuminates when starting the car, to ensure it has not been tampered with. 

Airbag systems are very highly tuned to detect electrical issues, the airbag ECU constantly scans the wiring for incorrect resistance values, which indicate a break, short circuit or bad component.

Can I drive with airbag wiring issues?

Airbags are a vital safety component of any car. They protect occupants from head on, side impact and rollover accidents, the car should not be driven if an airbag issue is detected or suspected. 

Get the car to an approved mechanic, with the correct software to diagnose and check the airbag systems fully. 

Repair your airbag issues with Bumper

Warning lights on your dashboard should not be ignored, especially ones pertaining to vital safety features such as the airbags. If you are suspecting a large repair bill, consider taking your car to a garage that offers Bumper's car repair finance to split the cost, interest-free.