Airbag Light

[rfauber]

I have a 2002 Outback Limited, recently wrecked and repaired (left
front fender, hood, driver door) by a local non-Subaru repair shop
(nearest Subaru dealer to where I live is about 40 miles). Both
airbags deployed, and the bags, sensors, control module, and seatbelts
were replaced with units from a reputable salvage yard (East Coast Auto
in Virginia). The airbag light on the dash is still illuminated, and
the shop can't figure out why. They suggested maybe something needs to
be "reset" in the cars computer.
Any ideas before I give up and take it to a Subaru dealer.

 

[bigjim]

Why would YOU have to worry about it. If insurance paid for it let them
know if the shop cannot fix it so they pay. If you tried to sidestep
insurance well sometimes cheaper isnt always the best deal!!!

 

[mulder]

I have a 2002 Outback Limited, recently wrecked and repaired (left
front fender, hood, driver door) by a local non-Subaru repair shop
(nearest Subaru dealer to where I live is about 40 miles). Both
airbags deployed, and the bags, sensors, control module, and seatbelts
were replaced with units from a reputable salvage yard (East Coast Auto
in Virginia). The airbag light on the dash is still illuminated, and
the shop can't figure out why. They suggested maybe something needs to
be "reset" in the cars computer.
Any ideas before I give up and take it to a Subaru dealer.

As long as the control module was replaced with a brand new one,
nothing should have to be reset. However if a used one was installed
from a wreck which had the bags deployed it would be NG. Once the
module records a deployment event it cannot be reused and the airbag
light will be on.
I could be mistaken but I believe it is not legal to resell used
airbags, although this may be state-to-state and not federal. This is
due to the airbag theft problem. In any case with something as
critical as airbags you (and the insurance company) should insist on
all brand new parts. In fact if you mention to your agent that used
parts were installed they may want to take it up with the shop.
Was the roll connector (clock spring) in the steering column replaced?
This is usually fried when the drivers bag deploys and should have
been changed.
If the airbag light is on there are diagnostic codes stored that can
be read and used to find the problem, there is a procedure for reading
those codes by using the diagnostic plugs and counting the flashes of
the airbag light. This is explained in the service manual and your
shop should be aware of it if they know what they are doing.