Hi Everyone,

I just purchased a '94 940 turbo that had been in an accident at some point in it's life. Someone put the airbags back in but didn't do that great of a job. They used some type of sealer around them and it looks bad. I was wondering what the best approach to fix this problem would be.

Cheers,
Dave

Dear Dave,

Good a.m. and may this find you well. First and foremost, be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable clamp from the battery terminal and put the clamp in a plastic bag. This cuts power to the airbag sensor - under the driver's seat - and so prevents an inadvertent airbag deployment. At close quarters, this is very dangerous and it will be costly (about $1K). Once you have disconnected the clamp and isolated it, wait about 30 minutes for the capacitors to discharge.

Secondly, to work on the airbags, you'll need the Volvo Technical Manual. I believe that can be had from www.volvotechinfo.com.

If the problem is simply one of re-installing the unit, so that it fits properly, you should be able to do this. If the wrong unit has been installed - which is why I suspect sealants were used - you'll need to replace it.

If you want to source from a salvage yard, be sure to get the replacement unit from a recently-arrived car. The airbag is a mission critical part. Electrical / electronic parts deteriorate quickly when exposed to moisture, etc.

Hope this helps, at least a little.

Yours faithfully,

spook

Hi Spook,

Thanks for the airbag info. Is there a way to just disable to system? I'm a little worried about driving the car like it is right now. Those airbags could have came from a 960 or an earlier 900 series I guess. That could explain why the sealant was used around them.

Cheers,
Dave

Dear Dave,

Good p.m. I have neither the Volvo Tech Manual for the SRS System nor the Volvo Wiring Diagram for the 1991 cars.

On the 1993, for which I do have the wiring diagram, the only way to disarm the system would be to disconnect the airbag sensor, which is under the driver's seat. I think this would be unwise and I would not do it.

I'd guess that the car can be driven with the sensor disconnected. If you wish to try this: (a) be 100% sure to disconnect the negative battery cable clamp from the battery terminal, and put the clamp in a plastic bag. (c) Wait at least 30 minutes, so that any capacitors can discharge (c) Remove the seat (see FAQs under "Installing a power seat..." for how to do this). (d) disconnect the sensor unit, keeping your head away from the steering wheel. Cover the ends of the connector cable and the connector receptacle with tape, to keep out moisture and dust.

As the airbag is part of the overall safety system, I'd have a replacement airbag unit on hand and, using the Volvo Tech manual, install it.

I would not drive with a de-activated airbag, except in a "life or death" situation.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

spook