SRS Inspection and Component Replacement

Inspection and replacement of safety restraint system (SRS) components after a collision.

This document provides instructions on what safety restraint system (SRS) components to inspect and replace following a collision.
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Warning
After any collision, inspect the impact sensor(s) near the collision area for damage. If a sensor is damaged, replace the sensor and the hardware that secures the sensor to the body.

Parts That Must Always be Inspected Following Airbag or Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment, and Replaced if Damaged

After any collision:

  • Inspect the harnesses and harness connectors that connect to all deployed airbags, pretensioners, and to all damaged components. Replace any damaged harnesses.
  • Inspect all seats and seat belts for visible deformation or signs of wear on the webbing. Replace any damaged components.
  • Inspect the seat belt height adjuster and webbing in the 1st row (behind the B-pillar trim) for signs of wear or deformation. Replace any damaged components.
  • Inspect all seats, seat belts, and retractors with pretensioners for visible signs of deformation or signs of wear. Replace any damaged components.
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    Note
    When inspecting the seat belt system, pay special attention to the area around the D-ring, where the seat belt webbing passes through the seat shoulder.
  • Inspect all seat belt anchor points for damage. Check for tears, bends, dents, fastener damage, or mount point damage. Assess fixing this damage before replacing any sort of seat belt component.
  • Inspect any impact sensor(s) near the collision area for damage. If the sensor is damaged, replace the sensor, and the hardware that secures it to the vehicle. Refer to the Service Manual for more information about impact sensor replacement.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Always replace any plugs or tape removed from the front door shells when replacing a front door pressure sensor. Additional holes in the door create more escape paths for air, which decreases the sensor's ability to detect a side impact, and can negatively affect airbag deployment.
  • Inspect any undeployed knee airbag:
    • If the knee airbag cover is damaged, replace the complete knee airbag assembly.
    • If there are visible signs of damage to the knee air bag cushion (such as scuffs, rips or holes) replace it.
    • Inspect the knee airbag module for visual damage (such as bent hooks or scuffing), and replace it if damaged.
  • Inspect the steering column:
    1. Remove the steering wheel.
    2. Insert the depth rod of a caliper between the column housing and the steering column until it cannot go any further, but do not force it. Make sure the caliper is aligned with the edge of the energy absorption strap.
      Figure 1. Measuring Steering Column Position


    3. Measure the distance from inside the column housing to the end of the energy absorption strap. If the distance between the two points is less than 126 mm, replace the steering column.


  • Use Toolbox to test the supplementary restraint system for proper operation.

Parts That Must be Replaced Following Airbag or Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment

After a collision when a seat belt pretensioner deployed, replace the following items and all accompanying fasteners:
  • The RCM (Restraint Control Module).
  • Any seat belt that has a deployed pretensioner, and the accompanying seat belt buckle.
  • Any seat belts and buckles that were in use during the collision.
  • If any airbag has deployed, replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect fuse.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If a seat belt pretensioner deployed, but no airbag deployed, replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect fuse only if blown.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect fuse unless it has been positively confirmed that the vehicle will be repaired.
In addition to the parts replaced after a seat belt pretensioner deployed, replace the following items and all accompanying fasteners after a collision when an airbag deployed:
  • Replace any deployed airbag and all accompanying fasteners.
  • If the driver’s front airbag has deployed, replace the steering wheel assembly.
  • If the driver’s front or knee airbag has deployed, replace the steering column assembly.
  • If a side (seat mounted) airbag has deployed, replace the 1st row seat assembly that contains the deployed airbag.
  • If a front airbag (driver or passenger), a knee airbag, or a side (seat mounted) airbag has deployed, replace the following items and all accompanying fasteners:
    • The 3rd row seat assembly, if occupied during the collision.
    • The Steering Column Control Module (SCCM).

Pedestrian Protection Components

Model 3 (2017-2023) vehicles are equipped with Pedestrian Protection components such as a pressure sensing tube, and hood actuators.

Figure 2. Pedestrian Protection Pressure Sensing Tube


Figure 3. Pedestrian Protection Hood Actuators


To determine if a vehicle is equipped with Pedestrian Protection components, open the hood and look for Pedestrian Protection hood actuators, as shown above.

If the vehicle is equipped with Pedestrian Protection components, after a frontal collision:

  • Replace the Pedestrian Protection hood actuators if they deployed.
  • Inspect the Pedestrian Protection pressure sensor tube and connector for signs of damage, such as tears in the tube and cracks in the connector. Replace the pressure sensor assembly if any part has been damaged.

Part Information

Current airbag component part information can be obtained through the VIN decode feature of the Parts Manual.

For Further Assistance

For further assistance, contact your local Collision Repair Support team as described in .