Air Bag Sensor?

[ragingfish]

So I had to mutilate my console again tonight to retrieve some stuff that fell back there. While poking around, I discovered a big silver box hidden on the floor, directly underneath the shifter. On closer inspection, I noticed it said "SRS Airbag Sensor" on it. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but the main collision sensors are in the engine bay, appropriately labeled, "air bag sensor." So, what is this doohicky? I know it's not an actual airbag, because it's all the way buried in the console...In case you're trying to read the label, it says:CAUTIONL: SRS AIRBAGDO NOT DISSASEMBLE - HANDLE CAREFULLYSEE REPAIR MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE

Attached files

[engine1]

This is the air bag control/computer! Do not move it or unhook any wiring doing so may set it off. You need a scan tool that can simulate the air bag control before attempting to service any part of the system. I have seen dozens of demos thru firefighting that any tampering could cause the air bags to fire! P.S. All airbag wiring has a bright yellow jacket beit either the actual wire insulation or a colored sleeve.

[joatmon]

The repair manual refers to that as the "Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)"This is the box that continously monitors the status of the air bag system, to make sure it's working right. It also seems to be the box that takes the actual collision sensor inputs and decides if the impact meets the requiremetns to blow the airbags.(I am too slow, people keep beating me with answers.)

[ragingfish]

quote: This is the air bag control/computer! Do not move it or unhook any wiring doing so may set it off. I have seen dozens of demos thru firefighting that any tampering could cause the air bags to fire! P.S. All airbag wiring has a bright yellow jacket beit either the actual wire insulation or a colored sleeve. No worries, I saw SRS on it and kept my distance...was just curious as to what role it served in the system...Thanks engine and joatmon, info appreciated!

[vibe_driver]

I do believe that is the all doomed "black box".

[Kari]

You're right. It is the black box. Interesting...I thought it was up under the dash around the steering column, but I guess not.http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette ... ensor.html

[Hot Vibe]

Coureosity killed the cat we say. I know once you saw it you stepped away. It is like an atom bomb or a large bumble bee. If you leave it alone and cover it up it won't get angry. Harmless yet sensative device that does just exactly what is says. It is a relay module that uses the sensors to make a decision. The new ones are better than the older modules that had sensors and this module would automatically set off the air bags under any collision. With technology advancing the module can detect side impacts and set off multiple air bags. It is good to see someone getting up close and personal with their vehicle. I have confidence that in the future if something needs to be fixed you will be able to do it. Brave warrior of the unknown. If you had a hand held Tech2 is what they use for technicians and engineers you could find out all kinds of neat things about your vibe.

[ragingfish]

What is a Tech2, how much does it cost, and where would I get one if I could afford one?

[engine1]

A Tech2 is GM's diagnostic scanner! Very expensive but extremely thorough! An OTC Genesis is another handheld(Mac Mentor is the exact same thing) scan tool, it has virtually the same capabilities as the Tech2 but not as much proprietary info. It does however offer over a million trouble shooting tips from mechanics and tech from the past twenty years. It runs about 3000 Can. cheaper acroass the line I would imagine. There are many of these kinds of tools, coverage and updatability should be your main concern before purchasing one, but like Hotvibe says it will tell you just about everything about the electronics in your car!

[fire_502]

I wondered who did the bags for the Vibe. From the pic, I guess it was TRW. Does anyone know if they did all the systems, meaning bags and belts? Just curious.

[Hot Vibe]

Yes TRW did the bags and the belts. I worked for TRW VSSI(vehicle safety systems) before I came to GM. The webbing for the belts are made in Brazil and the hardware is made here in Michigan.

[fire_502]

Cool. We probably know a lot of the same people. Safety is a small field from what I hear. What did you do at TRW?

[Hot Vibe]

Since it is a small division there at TRW I am an IT person. I supported and custom built all of the PC's. Programmed in Cobol and Easytrieve on the mainframe. Helped with the Oracle database. Helped maintain the communications between all locations (plants). Trained all users on new software products. Drank a pot of coffee a day LOL They have about 500 users in the seat belt building and about 400 in the air bag building. There on 26 mile by Stoney creek. I worked in the seatbelt building and support those users.

[fire_502]

Cool. I heard that they are getting rid of one building and jamming whoever didn't get laid off into one building. Sucks to be them! Good thing you got out of there.