SAAB 9-5 airbag - JustMike
Good evening fellow Honest- John- ers.

I am thinking of buying a Saab 9-5 with slight damage. I can fix the panel damage but the airbag in the drivers seat has gone off and the seat cover is split. Would I be held hostage by the main Saab dealer or can I fit a new bag and get the seat re-stitched ? Is it a computer job to re set the system ? Any advice ? Thanks

Happy New Year,

Mike
SAAB 9-5 airbag - Aprilia
An expensive repair by any standards.

Probably a s/hand good seat would be your best bet. I would not suggest trying to re-use the seat due to possible distortion from the airbag detonation.
Airbag ECU may need to be replaced because it may contain crash data in memory (there are some companies that can 'clear' them though, at a price).
SAAB 9-5 airbag - JustMike
Thanks a lot for prompt,well informed replies. I think I'll duck out from this one - its much easier to fix my trusty old 740 estate and even though its noisier and slower than a Saab 9-5 it can carry more stuff !!

Thanks again - I'll put your consultation fee in the next worthwhile charity box I see .
Cheers,

Mike
SAAB 9-5 airbag - Screwloose
JustMike

As Aprilia says; this could be a can of worms. Firstly; has the drivers steering wheel airbag also deployed? If so; you'll need a whole new airbag module and most of the SRS system's parts. At Saab prices.... ouch!

If it's just the side-bag that went off; then you'll need the airbag module clearing and the side crash sensor replacing: [max of 3 times.] Also, any seat belts that were being worn will need replacing along with their pre-tensioners if deployed. The seat position sensors will need expert assessment too.

The seat cover is an integral part of the side-bag's design. You'll probably find that the dealers only sell a complete seat or back assy. An identical second-hand seat that's checks out OK on the self-tests after installation should be fine.