How to insepct for fake airbags?

[Erin]

My Acura CL may soon be getting a new steering wheel. A 97 CL showed up in the junk yard and I need a couple things like – rear emblem, steering wheel, left park light housing. And maybe a FOB if I get REAL lucky (yeah right).

So, at some point my car was wrecked. Evidence includes – paint isn’t quite right on front quarter panel, park light housing partially broke, and the steering wheel is slightly bent. I have no history other than visual evidence.

I imagine the airbag deployed. Of course if it DID, how did the steering wheel get bent up?

We know the horror stories of the counterfeit ones. I HOPE I never have to find out if the airbag works on a car. But if it does come to that…

When I remove the airbag to replace the steering wheel, is there anything I can look for on the airbag to know if it’s genuine or not?

Topic

[college man]

Look for some type of factory stamp.

[Ingvar]

Turn key to position 2. Look at the dash lights. Does airbag light come up, blink for a few seconds, then go away, or it stays?
ABS module is always communicating with airbags during start up. It’s too much liability to skip, for manufacturer. ABS module checks on AB functionality and the dash light confirms it.
If I were you, I’d have called your local dealer and actually – very nicely and politely – inquire about brake system warranty, ABs included, on your vehicle. You may be surprised, as some do offer basically lifetime on ABs. This may give you loophole to have AB module checked free of charge. None of them wants more lawsuits, you know.

[Author]

Replies