airbags/car won't start

phendriks · Post by **phendriks** » 28 Feb 2010, 15:09

Hello all,

Let me start by saying thanks for all the previous info I've gotten from this site. Kept my Volvo's on the the road for the past 6 years with virtually no dealer visits.

However, my current problem doesn't have much in the database. Our car was in a relatively minor front end collision - took out drivers headlight, slight twist in the bumper (easy fixes) - but blew the airbags. The car was driven home last Wed, started yesterday after body repairs while on the jackstands. Today it won't start. Its throwing a DTC 335 - request for MIL (malfunction indicator) lighting from TCM.

Only thing I've done since the last start was to remove the steering wheel module and cut and taped the wire. Is there some kind of feedback loop or ground fault sensor on this wire? When the bag blew it got hot enough to fuse the plug to the module, necessitating the snip. I can transfer the clockspring from the parts car but would rather not until I'm ready to transfer the dash. Do I have no choice? Do airbags and seatbelt tensioners have to be plugged in for car to run? Ditto the crash sensor - can I install it and plug it into the system. I was hoping to transfer parts in a piecemeal process and keep the car on the road during the period.

Any other info would also be appreciated.

P.S. Yes I know, disconnect the battery before doing anything after the replacement crash sensor is in.

Post by **tailor** » 28 Feb 2010, 16:01

In an airbag deployment, the seat belts "fire" as well and have to be replaced.
I do not know if this is part of the problem you are facing.

There is a downloadable 1995 850 manual which refers to the aibags....it is an invaluable source get it if you do not have it already.
see attached pdf for airbag

phendriks · Post by **phendriks** » 28 Feb 2010, 17:11

Thanks, I do have the manual, but manuals typically don't give the ins and outs of a situation. The manual will assume the car is on the rack until the entire system is replaced\tested\$$$ spent\returned to Owner. I'm looking at more of a "dribs and drabs approach".

I've already removed the seat belt and tensioners from the parts car for reinstall. Interesting though that there is no visible difference (at least to me) between fired and unfired retractors.

Post by **JRL** » 28 Feb 2010, 17:20

There is no dribs and drabs" approach to this, either fix it or total it.
This is why these cars get totaled out with a very slight hit, you need to replace everything in the airbag system

phendriks · Post by **phendriks** » 28 Feb 2010, 18:31

That's understood,

Two seat belt tensioners, two airbag modules, crash sensor. Just want the ability to do it over several few days while keeping car usable as Mom's taxi for the duration.