How does the airbag crash sensor work on 2008 mini cooper [Archive] - MINI Cooper Forum - MINI2 Mini Cooper Forums

: How does the airbag crash sensor work on 2008 mini cooper


kentuckynet
Mar 5th, 2011, 06:09 PM
Hello, i rebuilt a mini cooper 2008 H, it was very lightly hit in front.

The drivers airbag deployed.

I have been driving the car for about a year now and decided i would remove the airbag module under the hand brake, send it off and have it reset.



My question is:



When i replace the airbag module, will it blow my new steering wheel airbag?



Its my understanding many vehicle manufacturers crash sensors reset if they are not damaged from the accident.



Does anyone know for sure how the airbag crash sensor works on the mini coppers?



Is there anyway to test it with an ohm meter?



I will NOT be taking it to the dealer so i do need some "opiniions" how the sensor on the mini works



Thank You

kentuckynet
Mar 7th, 2011, 09:43 PM
Can anyone help me please????

MiniBazzer
Mar 8th, 2011, 11:44 AM
The Mini airbag system will work in the same way as all other systems. Upon detection of an accident the relevant airbags will deploy.

I have repaired a number of accident damaged vehicles over the years and the general rule of thumb is that once the airbag system has been used once, it will need to be replaced. Now, from what you have said the Mini Airbag ECU can be reset - however some cannot.

I would have thought that even if the sensors along the front look okay, they may well be damaged internally. If you have replaced the steering wheel airbag and then replace the Airbag ECU after it has been reset, there is no telling whether the ECU will fire the airbag or not. It depends if it gets a signal from the sensor's along the front of the car.

You are dealing with a specialised and safety-related area of the car and therefore you may need to consult with either a main dealer or a specialised Mini dealer. They are ultimately the only people who are going to be able to give you an exacting answer as it's going to be specific to the nature of the accident and the extent of the damage. I know you dont want to go down this route, and I too have tried to avoid this route but an accident could happen if the system is not repaired correctly.