The function of the vehicle's main airbag
The automotive front airbag, usually referring to the driver's side frontal safety airbag, is a core component of the vehicle's passive safety system. Its main function is to provide crucial cushioning protection for the driver when the vehicle undergoes a frontal collision.
Buffering impact force: At the moment of impact, the main airbag can rapidly inflate and pop out, forming a soft buffer layer between the driver's body and the steering wheel, dashboard, and other hard objects inside the vehicle. This effectively absorbs and disperses the impact energy, significantly reducing the risk of injuries to key areas such as the head and chest. Data shows that when used in conjunction with seat belts, the airbag can reduce the head injury rate by 25% and the facial injury rate by 80%.
Cooperating with seat belts: The main airbag is an auxiliary restraint system, and its protective effect highly depends on the cooperation of seat belts. Seat belts can secure the driver in the seat, ensuring their body is in the best protected position after the airbag deploys, preventing secondary injuries from being caused by the airbag itself due to being too close or improper posture.
Triggered under specific conditions: The main airbag's detonation has strict conditions. It will only activate when there is a sufficient intensity of collision (such as hitting a fixed obstacle at a certain speed) within approximately 60° on either side of the vehicle's front. Not all collisions will trigger it.
When the main airbag (usually the driver's side safety airbag) malfunctions, it is strongly recommended to immediately stop driving and go to a professional repair facility for inspection and replacement. Do not attempt to handle it yourself or ignore the fault.
The safety airbag is a one-time use passive safety device. Its core components (such as the gas generator and airbag module) cannot be safely repaired after detonation or in case of a serious malfunction. Forcibly repairing it may cause it to completely fail in an accident or even accidentally pop out, resulting in secondary injuries.
Common causes and handling methods of main airbag malfunctions
Poor contact of wiring or plugs: This is the most common cause, accounting for approximately 45%. The spiral wiring (spring) inside the steering wheel or the plug under the seat becomes loose or oxidized due to long-term use or accidental collision, causing the fault light to illuminate.
Handling method: Professional technicians can inspect and reinsert or clean the plug pins. If the spring is severely worn, the entire spring assembly needs to be replaced.
Damaged collision sensors: Sensors are installed in the vehicle's front, doors, etc., and may fail due to accidents or aging, accounting for 20% of the fault causes.
Handling method: Use a professional diagnostic instrument to read the fault code to locate the specific sensor, and then replace it.
Airbag module aging or failure: The airbag module (including the gas generator) has a service life. Generally, after 10 years of vehicle use or 150,000 kilometers of driving, the internal chemical agents may get damp and deteriorate, causing the module to fail.
Handling method: It is necessary to replace the entire original or certified aftermarket airbag module. The gas generator is a hazardous product and must not be disassembled by oneself; otherwise, there is a risk of explosion.
Fault in the safety airbag control unit (ECU): The control unit is the "brain" of the airbag system. If it fails, it will cause the entire system to fail.
Handling method: Minor faults can be attempted to be reprogrammed or refreshed with software. If it cannot be resolved, a new control unit must be replaced, which is more expensive.
The airbag has been detonated before: Even if the fault light is not on, if the vehicle has ever experienced a collision causing the main airbag to pop out, the airbag module and gas generator are one-time-use items. They must be replaced as a complete system.
Important reminder and maintenance advice
Safety first: A malfunctioning safety airbag is equivalent to "no protection" on the road. Data shows that the normal deployment rate of the airbag in a faulty state will drop sharply from 98% to 35%.
Must be professionally repaired: The safety airbag system involves high pressure and hazardous chemicals. The repair must be operated by technicians who have received professional training and are equipped with dedicated diagnostic equipment. Before maintenance, the vehicle's power supply must be disconnected and allowed to rest for a sufficient period of time (at least 5 minutes is recommended) to release the residual electricity in the capacitors.
Choose official channels:优先选择4S stores or large chain auto repair shops with safety airbag repair qualifications (such as Tuha and Tmall Auto Care). 4S stores use original factory parts， but the prices are higher； chain shops have better cost performance， but their qualifications need to be confirmed.
Avoid using non-original parts： Never use dismantled parts (second-hand airbags) or parts from unknown sources. These components may be faulty or pose safety hazards.
When the fault light is on， it requires immediate attention： If the airbag fault light on the dashboard (usually an icon representing a person and an airbag) is constantly on or flashing， it is necessary to immediately conduct diagnosis； do not have a attitude.
In summary， for the situation of "the main airbag is broken"， the safest， most reliable， and most recommended solution is： go to 4S stores or professional repair institutions to replace a brand-new original airbag module. Any attempt at repair involves huge safety risks and is not worth it.
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