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): Notes
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)!
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.