Local Mechanic Shares Costly Airbag Mistake: A Critical Safety Warning for Car Owners

Philadelphia, PA - A local automotive specialist from Harris Automotive recently shared a critical safety lesson following a costly mistake during a car repair. The mechanic recounted an incident where he inadvertently deployed a vehicle's side curtain airbags and locked its seatbelts by failing to disconnect the battery while installing an airbag control unit. "It was a complete mess," the specialist stated, explaining that the airbag control module's internal roll-over sensor triggered the deployment due to the slight movement during installation while the battery was still connected. This resulted in unexpected damage, requiring the replacement of two side curtain airbags, a new headliner, and the resetting of four seatbelts. He emphasized the crucial importance of always disconnecting the battery before working on any Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or airbag components. He also highlighted a company, Safety Restore, as a resource for resetting airbag control modules and seatbelts, and even for custom seatbelt color changes. This incident serves as a stark reminder for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts about adhering to safety protocols when dealing with sensitive automotive systems to prevent unintended consequences and significant repair costs.