GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi all, new to the forum here : -)

We have a 2009 Vibe, and the driver side airbag sensor light is on. I've reset it already, and it came back on. Took it to the shop to get the diagnostic code, and the thing needs to be replaced - $900.

We don't have $900 right now. Does anybody know if the airbag can really go off for no reason, if that sensor light is on, or is that just a scare tactic Pontiac is using to get people to fix it? It's going to take us six weeks to have the money, and I'm really not keen on having to park it for that long. but - driving it and not knowing if the thing is going to explode in my face is not an option.

Thank you!
Jennifer

Jennifer wrote:Hi all, new to the forum here : -)

We have a 2009 Vibe, and the driver side airbag sensor light is on. I've reset it already, and it came back on. Took it to the shop to get the diagnostic code, and the thing needs to be replaced - $900.

We don't have $900 right now. Does anybody know if the airbag can really go off for no reason, if that sensor light is on, or is that just a scare tactic Pontiac is using to get people to fix it? It's going to take us six weeks to have the money, and I'm really not keen on having to park it for that long. but - driving it and not knowing if the thing is going to explode in my face is not an option.

Thank you!
Jennifer

Has the vehicle ever been in an accident with the airbags deployed?
The airbag itself is rarely the cause of such issues, and should be replaced last. Most often it's the airbag computer module or a sensor that goes bad.

I would get a second opinion from a dealer or a Toyota specialist.

If it comes down to actually replacing the airbag they and their computers are available on ebay for less then $200, shipped. Buying a new one, at full retail price, is really unnecessary.

Welcome to GenVibe!!!

Well, Where are you from? What set your heart on the Vibe? 2.4 or 1.8? GT, AWD, stick or slush? Get a good deal? Pics!!! (We need them )

I can't see the airbag going off for no reason, there are enough fail-safes in the system. Get them to tell you which sensor, then you can buy it off ebay and replace it yourself. $900 is a bit (a lot) much.

Hi Jeremy, thank you so much for the info. It was a dealer who looked at it, unfortunately : -( There is no previous accident history. Interestingly enough, a bunch of Toyota Matrix's were just recalled due to front airbag issues, and I'm wondering if Vibes will be next, given what's happened to our car. Not that that solves my problem... because even if I get reimbursed later, that doesn't help the fact that I can't afford to fix it right now.

Anyway, it was the dealer who said it was the airbag that needed to be replaced, hence the $900 cost (after their charge for parts and labour).

Great to know I can get one off of ebay, but I'd have no idea how to install it... and I'm nervous about driving around with my daughter in the car if this thing could deploy for no reason between now and when I get the airbag. If I go that ebay route, are they easy to install? We have a family friend who is a mechanic in an independent shop, and he said there is no way his shop would consider touching an airbag issue. Too much liability maybe.

Hi Star, it's just a 1.8 automatic... not sure what model really - I'm not much of a car person, lol. I will say it's pretty beat up, so pictures wouldn't be pretty, lol. It's well loved :-p

What set my heart on the Vibe is that my SO came with it, LOL.

It's weird, the owner's manual says it CAN deploy for no reason, but we literally just hung up the phone with a mechanic at another dealer, and he said it can't happen - that it cannot deploy unless two of the three sensors on the front bumper get smushed.

Anyway, dealer said it's not a sensor - it's the bag itself, plus 3 hours shop labour or whatever.

Thanks for the response!

star_deceiver wrote:Welcome to GenVibe!!!

I can't see the airbag going off for no reason, there are enough fail-safes in the system.

Duh! See latest recall.

A number of recalls over the years I've seen on various models that had inadvertent deployments had the air bag light on before deployment. It can happen... What is the exact code?

Used air bags can save you some money, but be very careful -- you don't know what you are getting. It's actually illegal to sell used air bags in some states.

3 hours labor seems excessive to me if it's only replacing the driver's air bag module. It's a few bolts, remove module, disconnect wiring, reinstall. On my car, I've removed the steering wheel before and had the air bag off the car in a matter of minutes.

jake75 wrote:Duh! See latest recall.

Well let's see here: Toyota is recalling 752000 '03-'04 vehicles for the airbag... and only 18 cases have been reported, and reportedly, only 2 of them were outside of Japan... I think I'd take my chances and hazard a guess that nothing is going to happen.
Secondly: In the years that GenVibe has existed, all the different members here, how many airbag detonations without cause have occurred? None. I also did a search on Toyota Nation, Corolla 9, and Matrix Owners.... None there either.

Now, the airbag NOT going off in an accident... that's a different story... an airbag light should be dealt with but until then, wear your seatbelt (which you should always do anyways) and you should be fine.

Hey there,
Try checking with Toyota to see what they charge. Have found somethings are better priced through them and they do work on the Vibe as its Matrix at heart. Had my Clock spring replaced at only $150 most of the cost of the airbag is in the airbag its self. Removing from steering wheel not that hard if thats the one you are talking about. They removed mine to get the the clock spring in the steering wheel so the time doesn't seem right. I'd check Toyota though just to see. Hope that helps.

Michael
03 Vibe GT