Got a wonderful 2008 TL-S (WDP, 6MT) that needs airbags, as it had been in an accident. Bought a Chinese MVCI tester, but while it confirms that the airbags deployed (duh!) I've not been able to confirm whether the seat belts triggered and were replaced. I'm contacting the shop that did the work, but since there are fairly easy ways to trick the system, can anyone who's had the misfortune of an accident tell me whether the deploying of the seat belts is easily detectable? Someone mentioned "locking up" - does that mean the seat belts are non-usable afterwards? Any other hints?

Thanks!
waldemar

 

the seatbelts have an explosive charge in them that locks them into place when the airbags deploy. If they did deploy then the seat belt won't retract very easily all the way back into the pillar.

 

"very easily" = slow? As far as I can see, both seat belts operate normally, other than that I can't adjust the height on the pillar of the driver's belt. Normal retraction, lock when you jerk on them, can't see damage or wrinkling on buckle or other areas.

 

okay this is how it works. when there is an impact detected, no matter where the impact was, the drivers airbag and the drivers seatbelt will be deployed, thats the first step. now if there was a passenger, the passenger airbag will be deployed too, no matter where the impact was, and if the passenger airbag goes, so does the passenger seat belt, no matter what, its just how the system works. the side airbags are another story but i'll save that for another thread.
as for what happens once it deploys, the seat belts WILL be useless afterwards. they will not retract at all and cannot be pulled either, and you have to buy a new one. if they still retract, then it means it was already replaced.

im guessing you are trying to diagnose the srs airbag light on your dash? if so, you will need a new srs unit(behind the cubby hole), if ANY of the airbags or seat belts deploy. also, the impact sensors behind the bumper MAY be reuseable but i would just get new ones as they are only about $30 each.