got a 97 chevy 1500 with a minor fender bender that popped the airbags. plenty of bags available on car parts.com. is it legal to replace the bags and module and resell the truck?

Been a few years since I heard one way or the other, but last I knew it was illegal.

thats what one would think.the truck was so cheap i couldn't pass it up.

installed by someone certified i guess......is there such a thing?

From memory.......

The air bag light will be on after a deployment. The airbags must be replaced. Also the two forward discriminating sensors should be replaced. There are other inspections that go along with it (like checking the wiring and steering column collapse). There is a module inside the truck, called a derm, or diagnostic energy reserve module. Some years, they could be reset, which would turn off the airbag light, but they would store a crash in memory. Other years, the derm could not be reset, and had to be replaced. I'm not sure which type derm is in a 97, but would bet it can be reset.

Oh, and resetting the derm requires a factory scan tool.

Good Luck.

thanks for the info stephen. i have access to a genysis scan tool with the ability to reprogram gm computers. would that work?

Originally posted by larryboy
thanks for the info stephen. i have access to a genysis scan tool with the ability to reprogram gm computers. would that work?

I am not familiar with that scanner. I have an OTC enhanced 4000, and can't recall if it will reset airbag lights either. The derm is accessed through the dlc (diagnostic link), but it is a seperate module, not related to the pcm. I spent some years as a GM dealer tech, but got out of the business in 97.

Every morning when I get up, I thank god that I don't have to go work on someone's junk.

being in california i need to this legal.so i might just pick up some bags and take to someone for the install.

or.......for what i got this thing for i could drive it for 6-8 months while my project evolves. then part it out and make some $.

welcome to the board stephen and thanks for the good info:) .

may also need a clock spring.....

None of the aftermarket scanners to my knowledge will be able to get any sir data....
There are certified SIR specialists these days, who taylor to the body shops... It is not ilegal to replace your deployed air bags, but be warned, its dangerouse to an untrained person....
I am certified thru GM for any SIR work, and yes, all the forward/discrimimating sensors, sir coil will need replacement, and the DERM will also need the deployment codes erased( can be reset to turn the light off, but will remain saved in the derm).

Sorry to jack the thread, but how do you remove an air bag? I need to pull the one from my 94 bronco to sell because it's becoming a rock buggy. Any clues how to get it out without setting it off?

thanks for the info everyone.....i am now convinced to NOT do this myself.

well I've had my colum out and half apart, but then i plan on removing my airbag. Would you like to buy it? I have a 97 s-10 which i'm pretty sure had the same column, also the sensors are for sale, and could probably dig out the wiring too. The wiring is seperate (stand alone) up to the computer.

Try this: Buy a used computer on ebay, they're pretty cheap. I scored one for $25. The service #'s have to match on the white label on the computer. I'm keeping mine as a trail spare

I went digging into the CA vehicle code online and could only find that:

It's illegal to sell a previously deployed airbag. I couldn't find anything else, at all. I heard some body shops were repacking them and charging the customer for a new one.

So if you do find something else let me know. Thanks