Citation

Veppert C. Collision 2009; 4(1): 18-24.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Most vehicle manufacturers maintain that the only proper way to repair a deployed airbag system involves replacement of the used airbag control module (ACM) with a new factory ACM. However, due to the high cost of ACM replacement, some automobile owners choose to have their deployed ACMs reprogrammed by unauthorized repair shops. This article examines four airbag control modules to investigate if reprogramming services actually restore the ACM to its factory settings and if the ACM will have accurate crash data in its memory. Findings from the study indicate that accident reconstructionists will encounter problems from reprogrammed ACMs. Only one of the four tested ACMs appeared to be restored to its previous condition. The other three ACMs provided inconsistent crash data after a new crash event, and one was incapable of recording new crash events at all.