Handling Deployed Supplemental Restraint (SRS) Systems

Handling Deployed Supplemental Restraint (SRS) Systems

Handling deployed SRS systems after a collision

NOTE: First read the instructions for reusing the safety products. Service Precautions

This method is divided into 3 sections:
- Components that must always be replaced
- Components that must be checked and replaced if necessary
- Additional information.

Components that must always be replaced

After activation of the driver's side and passenger side airbags (SRS) and/or seat belt tensioners:
- replace all deployed airbags
- replace all deployed seat belt tensioners, including end mountings/quickfix
- replace all seat belt buckles for the seat belts that were engaged when the seat belt tensioners where activated
- replace the cable harness for the airbag on the passenger side.

After a seat airbag (SIPS) has deployed:
- replace all deployed airbags
- replace the upholstery, foam and impact protection on the seats.

After activation of the inflatable curtain (IC):
- replace all deployed inflatable curtains
- replace all damaged components by the inflatable curtain, e.g.:
- the A panels
- the B panels
- the C panels
- the D panels
- the headlining.

After whiplash system (WHIPS) deployment:
- replace the WHIPS mechanism.

Components that must be checked and replaced if necessary

Where there is visible damage (deformation, cracks or material that has melted in the heat):
- replace the steering wheel
- replace the contact reel on the driver's airbag
- replace the steering column, see the "Additional information"
- replace the dashboard if the passenger airbag has deployed
- replace the cable harness for the airbag on the passenger side
- replace the windshield and its bonding
- replace the sun roof
- replace all damaged wiring
- replace the supplemental restraint system SRS control module, see the "Additional information"
- replace the WHIPS mechanism
- replace the loudspeakers in the dashboard
- replace the panels under the dashboard
- remove any broken glass from the windshield from the ventilation ducts.

After a seat airbag (SIPS) has deployed:
- check that the seat and the backrest frame on the seat are straight. This may be deformed after deployment of the airbag
- replace all damaged cable harnesses.

After activation of the inflatable curtain (IC):
- replace the collision sensors on the B and C-posts
- replace all damaged mounting elements for the inflatable curtain and the panels
- replace all damaged cable harnesses.

After whiplash system (WHIPS) deployment:
- check that the seat has no other visible damage.

Additional information

Important to remember:
- when one or more airbags has deployed, the seat belt tensioners in the rear seat (and in the third row rear seat) are automatically activated. For this reason, these seat belt tensioners, the seat belt buckles and the end mountings must be replaced
- when one or more airbags have deployed, check the seat belt tensioners in the front seats. See Seat belt tensioner, checking. The activation of the tensioner function depends on whether seat belt was in use or not when the airbag deployed
- the supplemental restraint system module (SRS) must always be replaced when:
- diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) cannot be erased
- the control module has suffered mechanical damage
- there is damage to the car floor in the area around the control module. The damage can weaken the mechanical mountings for the control module

- if the car is equipped with Volvo On Call, both the collision cable and the spare battery must be checked
- diagnostic trouble code (DTC) SRS-112 must not be erased during the warranty period. The sensor module should be returned to Volvo in accordance with current procedures
- all steering column functions must be verified:
- axially
- vertically
- for opening and closing the lock mechanism. The functions must work without play or noise

- it should also be possible to drive the car so that the function of the steering is guaranteed.

After activation of the inflatable curtain (IC):
- following a heavy frontal collision, it is possible that the front part of the A-post for the inflatable curtain may be damaged. Check this.

After whiplash system (WHIPS) deployment:
- note that the WHIPS system is available in 2 variants.