98 S70 - Airbags deployed - repair strategy

[wm_reed]

My daughter rear ended a 2016 Corolla doing less than 15 MPH. It was a fender bender which left no damage to the Volvo (only mangled the license plate). The corolla didn't fare as well. The Volvo self inflicted damage was bad as both driver and passenger air bags deployed (busting the windshield) as well as the seat belts activated.

I've been poring over the forums putting a recovery plan in place. From the local junk yard I procured a new dash pad with passenger air bag, drivers air bag, drivers seat belt, and passengers seat belt. I'm struggling with locating the air bag control module. The documents I've read all state the module is located in/under the center console armrest.

Questions:
1. Can anyone provide specifics on the location of the air bag control module?
2. Is it really necessary to replace the air bag control module? Is this because of the accident or because it is only designed to trigger the SRS system once?
3. Do I need to reset the SRS code before plugging in the devices?
4. Can I replace the items and plug them in without worry of deploying the device before resetting the SRS fault?
5. Everything that I read states I will either need a high tech OBD II scan tool or take it to a shop to read/reset SRS codes. Is this still correct?
6. Am I overlooking anything else?

Thanks,
Bill
Richmond VA

[kahl]

1. The center console must be removed to gain access to the module.
2. .
3.you do not need to reset the SRs before plugging in bags.
4.you can plug devices in
5.you need Volvo's Vida or similar device.

In regard to #2 i don't think you need to replace module. I had a faulty module in a 96 850. I got a replacement from a boneyard donor that had a front impact but no airbag deployment.

[cn90]

I am going off my memory but others will chime in.
I may be wrong but this is what I know:

#2. Computer can be re-used.
Ditto for the sensor. I think the sensor is made by Temic (? sp), same mfg for MB, BMW etc.
The crash sensor usually triggers when the deceleration is > 7g of force.
It usually resets itself, no need to replace the sensor (I may be wrong).

#3. Yes, you need to reset the module, after everything is back in place.

#4. You need VIDA laptop +DICE device etc.

[cn90]

As a rule, SRS Module and sensors are buried deep inside the car (like the Black Boxes in the rear of the planes to avoid damage).

Pick any car, the SRS Module usually sits in the center console, and is protected from the most severe collisions.
The Temic sensors (usually 3: one mounted on R cross-beam....under right passenger seat area, one mounted on L cross beam and one sits somewhere aft of the gear shifter.)
Each of these sensors measures: right hit, L hit, frontal hit respectively.

[cn90]

I will post the photo of the SRS Module only to show you the location.
No need to replace it.
The Module sits between right and left seats:

[Ozark Lee]

I don't think VIDA/DICE will do anything for a '98. VOL-FCR with a VAG COM cable should work on a '98 though.

The bags and the seat belts will both need to be replaced and I think on the 70s the whole dash cap has to be replaced to get the passenger's side bag to look right. The dash caps for a 70 series is much easier to source than an 850. Finding a decent 850 cap that isn't all curled around the air bag is nearly impossible.

...Lee

[cn90]

Thanks Lee for the reminder.
I think VIDA can reset SRS for 1999---> models, but 1998 is a different setup.

[wm_reed]

I appreciate the feedback everybody. Assembly should be complete tomorrow night. And then a new windshield. Could have been much worse. Thanks again!