Front airbag sensor

JAYSR

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

Where is the front airbag sensor located? And what steps do I need to take to replace it? I would like to be able to do this myself rather than pay my mechanic his 80 something dollar per hour labor charge for a $12 part. Or should I just have my mechanic do this repair?

Thanks
Jay

1 Reply

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

The last image on the bottom shows the location

First the factory's guidelines for sensor replacement
The SIR/side air bag sensor replacement policy requires replacing sensors in the area of accident damage. The area of accident damage is defined as the portion of the vehicle which is crushed, bent, or damaged due to a collision. For example, in a moderate collision where the front of the vehicle impacts a tree, if the vehicle has an SIR sensor mounted forward of the radiator, replace the SIR sensor.
Replace the sensor whether or not the air bags have deployed.
Replace the sensor even if the sensor appears to be undamaged.

Sensor damage which is not visible, such as slight bending of the mounting bracket or cuts in the wire insulation, can cause improper operation of the SIR/ side air bag sensing system. Do not try to determine whether the sensor is undamaged. Replace the sensor. Also, if you follow a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) table and a malfunctioning sensor is indicated, replace the sensor.

I have attached all of the instructions for disabling the SIR system as well as replacing the sensor. Any codes will nee to be cleared out with a scan tool after repairs are made

Images (Click to make bigger)