Is it safe to buy a used airbag?

is there a way to scan them and make sure they work? I want to replace my nasty cheap plastic steering wheel...

When you plug it into your vehicle the airbag computer will do a diagnostic on it everytime you start the car to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. i would n't worry about it as long as it has not been deployed....

Originally posted by stropp:
is there a way to scan them and make sure they work? I want to replace my nasty cheap plastic steering wheel...

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Possible risks:

a. Improper storage. Service manuals have a lot of instructions and warnings about storage of air bags. What's the chance that all of the instructions and warnings were followed at a junk yard?

b. The air bag could have been from a flooded vehicle.

c. Buying a used air bag could help the market for stolen air bags.

A telltale sign of a faulty used airbag would be any blood stains at all. If you see any, pass.

Originally posted by Mass. Wine Guy:
A telltale sign of a faulty used airbag would be any blood stains at all. If you see any, pass.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good one. You need to add sarcastic warnings as some people might think a deployed airbag can be repacked.

Originally posted by Mass. Wine Guy:
A telltale sign of a faulty used airbag would be any blood stains at all. If you see any, pass.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good one. You need to add sarcastic warnings as some people might think a deployed airbag can be repacked like a parachute.

Check your local laws. It may be illegal. I know it is in many areas.

I have an airbag light on in my 2K Jetta. I went to the local dealership and I was told that the "igniter circuit was not within the limits and the resistance was faulty". Well...after the shock ($365 for the passenger side airbag + labor)of the cost I called VWoA. VWoA picked up the cost of the airbag (Thank you VWoA).

I was told by the service manager that he has seen a few of these airbag faults in the past.

I guess it is a case of buyer beware. Contact the dealership and find out if it can be tested before you spend the bucks.

would NOT recommend it.
besides, they make lousy party favors.

I wouldn't trust an used airbag to work when needed. Or rather, I would trust a new bag to be less likely to fail. Also (and no I am not one to "go sue", but...) just in case you were in an accident and an airbag failed, you would likely have a better case against the manufacturer if the airbag was new.

I'd sooner don a used condom!

I'm voting with the used one on this, I hate the things anyway. If your concerned about storage buy one on vortex from someone whose recently removed it or has yet to remove it.

Steve A