If your vehicle has been involved in an accident, there’s a good chance that the seat belts and airbags have deployed. If this is the case, your airbag control module will store crash data history, which cannot be cleared with an OBD2 scan tool.
For the airbag control module to continue normal operation, it will need to be removed from the vehicle and sent in for a crash reset.
At OEM RDC, we offer a comprehensive airbag control module reset service that will restore your original unit back to safe and working condition. Using our proprietary module reset software developed with over two decades of industry experience, you can count on us for a successful reset, every time.
Functions of the Airbag Control Module
The airbag control module is in charge of the entire SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), also known as the airbag system. There are various sensors located throughout your vehicle that the airbag control module is always monitoring. Immediately upon impact, the module looks at data such as vehicle speed, rate of deceleration, impact location, occupant positioning, yaw rate, and much more to help determine which SRS components to deploy. In addition to providing SRS deployment commands, the airbag control module is also responsible for recording all crash data events.
Why Should You Reset Your Airbag Control Module?
Choosing to reset your airbag control module can save you hundreds of dollars! Replacements not only take several days or even weeks to arrive, but may also require additional dealer programming. With our airbag module reset service, you can have your original unit reset for a fraction of the cost without any need for additional programming or VIN coding.
What's the Difference Between an Airbag Control Module and SRS Unit?
The Airbag Control Module and SRS Unit are interchangeable terms for the same computer. Each manufacturer may label the part differently, but they all perform the same SRS functions. Some other names the airbag control module can go by are:
- Supplemental Restraint System Unit (SRS)
- Restraint Control Module (RCM)
- Airbag Control Module (ACM)
- Airbag Electronic Crash Unit (Airbag ECU)
- Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM)
- Sophisticated Airbag Sensor (SAS)
- SRS Control Module (SRSCM)
Is It Necessary For Me to Reset My Airbag Control Module?
This is a common question we get from rebuilders looking to restore their vehicles after an accident. There are certain criteria the crash event has to meet in order for the airbag control module to write crash history in itself.
One of the most common events is airbag deployment. If the airbags deployed in the accident, there will generally be crash data stored in the SRS Module that cannot be cleared via an OBD2 scan tool. You will need to remove the module and send it in to our facility for a reset. We have the proper equipment, software, and level of expertise to successfully reset your airbag control unit.
If you did not have any airbags deploy in the accident, then you may not need to send the airbag control module in for a reset. Oftentimes, seat belt deployments will only store SRS DTCs, which in most cases can simply be cleared after installing repaired seat belts or new replacements.
Where is My Airbag Control Module Located?
The location of the airbag control module will vary from vehicle to vehicle. In most cases, it can be found in one of three places.
In the Center Dash - This is a common place for the airbag control module to be mounted, particularly on Honda/Acura vehicles. The precise location may vary, but you'll generally find the airbag control module on the lower half of the dash, mounted on the floor, between the driver and passenger footwells. You will generally have to remove an assortment of plastic trim to access the module.
In the Center Control Console - Another common place to look for the airbag control module is in the center console. On some cars, this will be the area between the front driver and passenger seat, where the gear selector would be. This is a common location for the module on Nissan/Infiniti vehicles.
Under the Driver/Passenger Seat - The final location where you may find your airbag control module would be under the front driver or passenger seat. You will most likely have to unbolt and remove the seat, or tilt it out of the way, in order to access the control unit.
We always recommend that you exercise extreme caution and follow manufacturer guidelines when it comes to removing your airbag control module. Ensure that the battery is disconnected and that you are not getting any power to the vehicle when installing or removing any SRS components. We recommend to do a quick online search on the airbag control module location for your particular vehicle. Chances are, someone has removed their airbag control module from a vehicle similar to yours and created a forum post, video, or photo tutorial on how to do it. Contact us if you need additional assistance and our support team will do their best to help. You can also consult your vehicle’s service manual on more precise removal instructions.
To place a repair order, select the needed service from our online store. Next, select the year, make, and model of your vehicle and add it to the cart. Please note: year, make, and model must be selected individually for each vehicle if your repair order consists of multiple service types or vehicle types. If you require multiple repair orders of the same vehicle type, you can add the appropriate amount in the quantity tab. Once your selection is made, click the add to cart button.
If no other services are needed, click the cart icon and a side menu will pop out giving you the order summery. If everything is satisfactory, click the go to cart button on the bottom of the screen to proceed with checkout. You will need to register or login to your online account to place the order. Upon checkout you will have an option to write any comments pertaining to the repair order. We highly recommend you use this section to mention any specifics pertaining to your repair.
All of our repair orders are fulfilled within 24hrs of us receiving your items as long as nothing is held up outside of our control. If you require and even faster repair, select "SAME DAY REPAIR" and we will complete the repair within 12hrs of us receiving your items. Please note: We must receive your shipment before 12PM EST Monday - Friday.
Once you've prepaid for your repair service, you will receive an email confirmation with your order. Please print out the receipt and include it inside the box with your items. Please note: your repair order may be delayed if no order information is included inside the box.
Carefully pack your items and ship it to our Agawam repair facility located at:
OEM RDC
630 Silver St.
Suite 8a
Agawam, MA 01001
We also offer an alternative way of placing an order online through our "BUY IN 1 CLICK" option. Simply add your name, email, phone number, and a description of the repair services needed and one of our team representatives will reach out to you promptly.
OEM RDC offers unparalleled quality and turn around times on all of our repair/replace services. From post accident SRS repairs to seat belt webbing replacements. All of our services are done in house by qualified professionals and offer a lifetime warranty on repair craftsmanship.
24hrs comes standard with all of our repairs. Opt-in for SAME DAY REPAIR SERVICE and we'll ship your repairs back to you the same day we receive them. *shipments must be received by 12PM EST M-F for same day service.
The process is as follows.
Step 1.) The best and quickest way to place a repair order is through our online store. You can also place an order with our "BUY IN 1 CLICK" option in which a team representative will reach out to you and further facilitate your repair order via phone or email. If you have technical questions or questions regarding placing an order, you're more than welcome to call in and a team representative will be happy to assist you.
Step 2.) After your order is placed, print out the order confirmation sheet and include it inside the box with your items. Make sure that all of the contents inside the box are securely packaged for safe transportation. Next, ship it over to our Agawam repair facility. Please make sure that all of the parts to your repair are included inside the box. We will not be responsible for delays in repair if we encounter missing parts/items.
Step 3.) Once your shipment arrives at our facility, it is carefully unboxed under a camera and logged into our system. You will receive an update via email and SMS regarding shipment arrival. We are not responsible for damaged goods during transportation to our facility. If we suspect something missing or damaged we will notify you immediately and send video proof upon request.
Step 4.) If there are no hiccups along the way, you will be notified upon completion of your repair/replacement order via SMS and email. If something does come up along the way, we will call or email you with further information. We use all of the major shipping carrier to ship back your items. Delivery times vary from 1-5 business days - based on distance to destination. If you prefer to use a specific shipping carrier please include that information in the order comments during checkout.
Once your receive your order back from us, we include a detailed instruction guide on how to properly reinstall your components back into your car. If something doesn't go right, or you have further questions, our support team will be happy to assist you.
All of our work is performed by qualified personnel who undergo a rigorous training program to ensure that repairs are completed with the highest standards. This is one of the reasons why we offer a LIFETIME warranty on all of our repair services. If you're not 100% satisfied with your repair/replacement, please reach out to our support team and we'll be happy to assist you.