Sorry my first post is a question. I have frequented this forum for years and have always found answers from the many great users who have already posted.

I am the original owner of a 2002 TL which I just took in for 135k service and the airbag recall. My question has to do with the airbag service. When I got the car back after 2 days at the dealer, the radio had not lost power as would happen with a battery disconnect. The stations were remembered and the CD was playing the same song as I had left it.

Is it possible to do the airbag recall without disconnecting the battery? I have been going to this dealer for many years and have no reason not to trust them but I have become a bit skeptical on this one.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

 

Obvious question first...did they even perform the recall? I ask because when I brought mine in, my VIN wasn't in the recalled vehicles range.

If they did replace the airbag, there are devices that feed low voltage power to the accessories while battery is disconnected and retain the radio memory. They probably used it.

 

they have a device that plugs into the obd2 connector that feeds power to the radio and ecu so that when the battery is disconnected it retains memory

 

the recall installs a new part of the system,,not replacement of the airbag itself

current problem: speed of bag deployment is too high and can injure person--
worse than normal airbag injuries~

dealer does the work because A: they get paid too, B: the govt oversees recalls and every affected VIN must be accounted for
C: If there were an accident and deployment with injury- you can bet an attorney and the insurance company will be making sure if the recall part is installed--
or you and they will own a large part of the dealership,,at the least

 

note: most shops and dealers try to keep power to the car when able
major complaint of customers is loss of radio security code,,so now the shop has to find radio serial # and resolve that
Other owners have the code but dislike resetting radio stations etc

Your car should show no signs anyone has been there, played your radio, moved the mirrors or seat etc

 

Thanks for all the quick replies. They kept the car for two days because they had to have the car to order the replacement part(s). It wouldn't make sense for them to keep me in a loaner and then not do the service. I guess I am just a bit paranoid.

I wasn't aware of the device that maintains the power to the electronics. That's actually a great thing since I have had to go to an underground garage to reset the radio when replacing the battery in the past.

This forum is great. Thanks for the help.

Brian

 

My dealer inspected my car in the drop-off bay while I waited. Took less than 5 mins. All they did was pop off the cover underneath the steering wheel and check the part or serial number on the air bag module. No need to disconnect anything.

 

According to their recall letter, if you are the original owner and know the airbag was never replaced, then they wont replace it. So, there may be a chance they looked at it then put it back without removing it.

 

I recently got a letter stating a new change to the recall.

Everyone MUST get it replaced, regardless of it having been deployed or not.