Hey Scotty, can I reprogram my airbag module? I have a 2008 Honda Accord, four-cylinder automatic, 161,000 miles, in great shape. I ran over a chunk of steel on the freeway. Surprisingly, the only damage was to the resonator/muffler on the underside, and the jarring of it all caused my seatbelt to lock. I replaced the seatbelt and took the car to the dealership to have the module reset. They said they don’t reset modules because they short out and essentially self destruct, and that I need to buy a new one. Yeah, whatever. There are many opinions against that, suggesting that I can just reprogram it with the right software. The one that appeals to me is something called TOAD OBDII software. Are you familiar with it and would you recommend it. I am a former Mechanic, Carpenter, lifelong do it yourselfer and I love solving problems and hate paying someone else to do it. I’m sure you can relate. Thank you, Justin
The ONLY reason Honda is requiring you to buy a NEW module is because of liability reasons. In light of the Takata airbag situation anything in regards to airbags is looked at from a legal and financial point of view. lets say in the event that you get the module programmed but you get into an accident and your severely injured because the airbag didn't go off what then ? Sue TOAD software company? its not like you can test this software....unless you bought another car identical to yours and testesd it yourself.
Another is that TOAD does not even mention any kind of software to reprogram airbag modules. https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/toad/
Very good point of view. My wife has the same POV. I agree now that I think about it. As well you’re right that TOAD doesn’t say anything about reprogramming. I think I confused it with another software I saw on YouTube. Thanks for your input.
If the seatbelt went off, why didn't the other airbags? Especially that one in your face? Shouldn't they work in tandem?
The object i hit was small enough that it went under the bumper and only came in contact with the under carriage which created an upward force, affecting only the seatbelt. Since there was no frontal or side impact detected the airbags were not deployed.
A force that affecting only the seatbelt is what seems strange. The airbag sensors, whichever direction they detect also control the operation of the seatbelt and airbags. The seatbelt is to tighten before any airbag goes off regardless of which direction the force comes from. For your seatbelt to go off when it is connected to airbag sensors, all of them, there must be disconnected airbags on your car.
I can see dealerships, or any mechanic, not wanting to bypass the lawful airbag system. A disconnected lawful system can put someone in jail. Especially, Even if you do the work following their directions.