anyone know if there's a way to 'test' to see if airbags are still good on a used S.D. i'm thinking of buying? it was in an accident, and the front end was replaced (bumper, grill, fender, hood) but i'm worried because the list did not say the airbag was replaced. how can i check? can a bodyshop test? expensive?

Thanks!

 

Are you sure the airbags deployed? Might check CarFax if you haven't already. Also, you might see if you can get an itemized list of components that were replaced. Had a 2001 Tahoe and with the wife driving, hit a rock ledge next to the interstate head-on one day going around 60 MPH. Not a single airbag deployed. Front end was pushed back to the firewall on the pass. side.

It's weird, but an impact has to be "just right" in some vehicles to deploy the airbags. They may not have been deployed in the SD you're looking at. I would definitely have it checked thoroughly though. Especially the front sensors for the airbags to make sure they are intact.

 

thanks john, do you know where the sensors are? how to check them? thanks!

i do have the carfax, it lists items purchased, but no airbags were on the list. perhaps they did not deploy as you say. the truck was stolen and taken on a joyride.

 

I would have the dealer check it out not a body shop.

 

Been digging around but haven't been able to find a definite location for the sensors. Have the truck checked by a reputable Ford Dealership's service dept. or body shop. They will know what to check as there are a lot of components involved. Also, it is generally suggested that the sensors be replaced after a collision even if there wasn't a deployment. Here are a couple of good links:

Air Bags and Crash Sensors

Safercar.gov

Good info on both. But in your situation, I would get an inspection done to check all of the components. Unless it's just such a great deal you can't pass it up, I think I might also look for another truck. There are a lot of great repair shops out there but when you've had front end damage as extensive as that sounds, you could be looking at long term issues with front end alignment, more problems with ball joints, tie rod ends, premature tire wear, etc.

Only other thing I'll tell you is that CarFax is good but they only post what's submitted to them. You probably won't ever really know the "whole story". It's kind of like the OASIS reports. They are an excellent tool to use when shopping for trucks, etc. but they only show what's been done at the dealer, not what's been done by the independent shops. Just my $.02 worth.

 

thanks so much John. yeah, i agree. and i'll tell ya i think it's a steal. i had the front end checked at a tire shop, and they see nothing wrong. however i know what you mean, unless frame alignment is checked, could be a bummer. i can get it for 9,000 it is a '02 7.3L 150,000mi, CrewCab, auto, (no leather or power seats, not lariat) but has a nice new brushguard bumper, new fenders, hood, grill. so the fact that it's under lowest NADA value, i think it's a good deal. i may take a chance. (i just don't want to sacrifice safety, and i imagine airbags and sensors are spendy)

I tried to tell the guy since it's been wrecked (it's a repo, he didn't run carfax) i told him 5,000 (tried to steal it) and he said he had another offer for 7,000. I offered him 9,000 before the carfax came in (he is originally asking 12,000 which is way below the high blue-book). I told him there's no guarantee the airbags are good. he's not willing to budge, but he will sell to me for my original 9,000 offer. I let him sit for a week, maybe he'll go to 8,000...