Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
72 12... Notes on scrapping vehicles with gas generators (airbag system)
The gas generator is a pyrotechnical component and is for the most part permanently mounted on the following components:
- Airbag module
- Driver's/passenger airbag
- Side airbag
- Head airbag
- Knee airbag
- Automatic electric reel
- Belt end fitting tensioner
- Belt buckle tensioner
- Safety battery terminal
- Active head restraint
In accordance with accident prevention regulations and specific national regulations, gas generators must be rendered unusable before they are scrapped. This is necessary because pyrotechnical objects can cause injury if improperly activated (e.g. scrapping with flame cutters).
With vehicles which are scheduled for scrapping, it is always essential prior to draining and further stripping work to ensure that all the gas generators in the vehicle are fired.
The fired gas generators can then be scrapped together with the vehicle.
Gas generators that have not fired constitute a hazard (also to the environment)!
Firing failure
If correct firing is not possible, the relevant components must be removed and disposed of by special waste disposal companies!
Comply with SAFETY REGULATIONSfor handling airbag system components .
If a triggering operation has failed:
- Disconnect the triggering device from the battery and
- Wait a few minutes before approaching the vehicle
The components of an airbag system must always be disposed of. Such components must not be sold on as used parts.
Firing
Triggering of the gas generators may only be carried out by expert personnel and under the supervision of a responsible person. Other standard accident prevention regulations (safety goggles, ear defenders etc.) must also be observed.
The gas generators must be fired from the outside in this vehicle which has been earmarked for scrapping. In this process
- the doors must be closed
- the rear lid must be open
- the side windows must be open and
- the sunroof must be open
To fire the gas generators, use the firing device with the appropriate cables (follow instructions).
Wear protective goggles and protective gloves when handling a fired gas generator!
The burning of solid fuel will heat up the airbag unit - danger of burning hands!
Wash skin with water after contact with fired gas generators!
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.