Replacement airbags for an older Toyota car

[stargazer9999]

  I have an older Toyota car which I wish to keep using but the airbags are past their expiration date.  The sun visor has a warning to check them after 10 years.  The service department at the Toyota dealer near Robinson Airport Plaza was very helpful but they couldn't replace them there or tell me anywhere to do it.  Pro Auto in Hang Dong was helpful but couldn't help either.

 

I'd hate to have to get a new car simply because the airbags are too old and can't be replaced.

[Crossy]

Wear your seatbelt.

 

Don't crash.

 

Problem solved.

 

Seriously, if you can't get replacements then don't, it's not like they stop working immediately the 10 years is up. Chances are, if needed, they will perform just fine.

 

Let's try this in Motoring for a wider audience. 

[stargazer9999]

The Toyota dealer assured me they would not work anymore in an accident.  I'd love to have them tested/evaluated for safety if that was possible rather than replace them.  The car is 18 years young.

[transam]

It must be remembered that the airbag system is a very complicated affair using many components for it to operate if needed. Can't ever see a ploblem with the actual bag but maybe the igniter over time, but l doubt that. The trigger sensors are something else to consider replacing if you are worried as they operate the thing, so there are many items to consider if you want to be 100% sure.

 

My ride has a dash warning light where when you start up the airbag components are checked and if all OK the light goes out.

 

Airbags can be replaced as those who have a crash repair done also have new bags fitted. One must be careful though, believe it or not there are counterfeit airbags out there, l watched a video on them, not good, blow up in your face..

 

Personally I would not worry about it, especially if the dash light goes out every time..

[johng]

The Toyota dealer assured me they would not work anymore in an accident.  I'd love to have them tested/evaluated for safety if that was possible rather than replace them.  The car is 18 years young.

You cant test them as they are a one time usage part....and you cant just stuff it all back into the dash board once they deployed. [emoji1]

[stargazer9999]

Thanks transam for your helpful comments.  The airbag indicator light does indeed go on when I start the engine so I guess that's slightly reassuring.  I'm guessing that's checking the electrical circuit connections and not the integrity of the airbag itself.  It sounds like you know a lot more about this than I do.  I would just like peace of mind knowing that the bags would work in an emergency.  

 

I'll check again with Toyota and ask them what exactly that light means.  

 

If there's someone in Chiang Mai where I live who replaces airbags after accidents I'd  sure like to talk to them.  They should be able to evaluate and older car to see if it's safe.

[tifino]

had similar indications in wife's SX4.

 

Turned out it was the car battery itself, low, requiring replacement.

Simple as that!

 

The Outcome of not fixing, according to the workshop; was that the airbag wouldn't have ever activated prematurely - but they reckon it wouldn't have been reliable to activate when really needed

[Justgrazing]

Ditto Trans-am's advice above .. Airbag system's are quite complicated and not for the fainthearted to work on .. Just unplugging any part of the circuit alone can be hazardous if you don't follow the correct procedure .. As long as the warning light goes through the correct illumination there should be no problemo .. As for the age question I've seen a 15 yr Daihatsu comprehensively trashed in a shunt where the bag activated .. The front end disintegrated from rust issues but the bag went off .. You should be OK dude ..

[stargazer9999]

Again, the car is 18 years old.  I hope I'm okay and just worrying too much.   I'm rather be safe than sorry.  It's scary enough trying to survive on the Thai roads without having to worry about whether your air bags will work if needed.

[stargazer9999]

I went to the local Toyota dealer yesterday and they said that if the airbag light isn't blinking it means they're still okay.  I hope that's true.

 

I also found an online article about airbags that said unlike the older technology used in the 1990's the newer airbags are built to last for the life time of the car and don't need to be replaced.  I also hope that's true.