After a successful if long encounter with dash innards to replace the resistor pack, I now can’t get the s*dding airbag back into place.

 

I can see all the lugs (apart from the ones right under the pack towards the windscreen. Everything seems to line up enough that it should respond to pressure. I can get one side, even a couple of corners, to sit flush, but then something I can’t see/work out just won’t budge.

 

And as I’m not sure exactly how the thing works, I’m shy about properly thumping it, considering they’re triggered by impact, though if I disconnect the battery again, will that render it completely dormant? 

Edited 27 November, 20223 yr by MijIsTired

 

Added to clarify configuration of dash, as two glove compartments doesn’t seem to be that common. 

It's electrically triggered so disconnecting the battery will render it safe.

12 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

It's electrically triggered so disconnecting the battery will render it safe.

Disconnecting a battery does not make a airbag 'safe'.

 

The chances of any of these happening is slim to absolutely none, but still take precautions.

 

Dont drop it as it could cause an accidental trigger.

Dont put anything on or near the electrical terminals, chances of a spark/static triggering are probably none, but dont risk it.

When put down, point the airbag to the sky, not face down. If it goes off you dont want it flying upwards.

 

At the end of the day its still an explosive that can do a lot of damage so its never 'safe' until after being triggered and the explosives are used up. 

This is all really helpful, thanks posters.

 

That’s exactly where I was at: I know the trigger is electronic and so the actual impact sensors won’t be able to send a ‘deploy’ signal to the pack, but at the same time yeah, explosives, so feels wrong to thump it! 
 

So I’ll disconnect the battery, and maybe try being a bit more forceful, but will probably not use the shot mallet 😆

Though still hoping someone’s got tips for how to make this slightly less difficult..? This is my optimistic face… 

Sodium Azide is not impact sensitive and is not classed as an explosive either so it's perfectly safe to muck about with the airbag module, it can only be triggered by electricity, they're literally idiot proof.

Check that there's nothing mislocated underneath it, where it's trying to go down into.

 

Airbag control unit only has power when ignition is on, so logically speaking, you don't even need to disconnect the battery; but safer to do so just in case you forget 'not' to switch ignition on.

1 hour ago, sepulchrave said:

Sodium Azide is not impact sensitive and is not classed as an explosive either so it's perfectly safe to muck about with the airbag module, it can only be triggered by electricity, they're literally idiot proof.

Thanks! I love a bit of detail 😁

2 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

Sodium Azide is not impact sensitive and is not classed as an explosive either so it's perfectly safe to muck about with the airbag module, it can only be triggered by electricity, they're literally idiot proof.

Sodium Azide isnt used much in airbags anymore, Theyve moved on to other gas generating chemicals. Yes i agree its not classed as an explosive, just easier to explain that way. Yes I also agree its mostly not impact sensitive (although another pressure/impact and anything will ignite). 

I still wouldnt say its safe to muck about with, nor would I say its idiot proof, many things are 'idiot proof' but still hurt people.  

 

Yes airbags are very safe and generally you have to do a lot of things wrong to trigger them, but that doesnt mean taking precautions isnt a good idea...

3 hours ago, MijIsTired said:

 

Added to clarify configuration of dash, as two glove compartments doesn’t seem to be that common. 

 

 

Silly question, but sometimes it's obvious stuff we miss.................looking at the workshop manual (attached) is one of the screws (no 2) still in the hole, that would stop the airbag dropping down..... ??

 

 

Thank you again for the input! I am delighted to say… 

 

 

Haaaaaaaaaleluyah! 

Turns out, as is often the case when the problem-solving route has failed, I just had to hit it harder.

 

Though for @ApertureS’s peace of mind, it was more ‘weight plus gravity’ than an actual whack. And I still appreciate the chemistry info 😁 I love to know how and why things work (or don’t).

 

And @UrbanPanzerit wasn’t a silly question, and it was an excellent thought! but I was so drilled by my dad in the careful collection and storage of bits and pieces that I’m borderline incapable (famous last words) of missing something like that. Makes me veeeeeery slow though 😕 

 

On to the next thing now - the bloody door loom. Wish me luck. 

7 hours ago, ApertureS said:

Theyve moved on to other gas generating chemicals.

 

Like what?

 

Come on fella, you're nearly hysterical, you don't need to play the safety card here, this is a self help forum offering practical advice, leave the precautionary principle bullsh!t to the creatives.