Restraints Wiring Repairs

Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.

We've separated the vehicle makers into two groups: those that do not allow restraints wiring repairs and those that allow restraints wiring repairs.

Do NOT Repair


Genesis

Per Genesis service manuals: "Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair SRS wiring. If there is an open or damage in SRS wiring, replace the harness."


Honda / Acura

Per the Honda and Acura repair information states: "Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair airbag system wiring. If airbag system wiring is damaged, replace the wiring harness(es)."


Hyundai

Per the Hyundai service information: "Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair SRS wiring. If there is an open or damage to the SRS wiring, replace the harness."


Jaguar Land Rover

Per the Jaguar and Land Rover Workshop manuals: "Given the legal implications of a restraints system failure, harness repairs to Air Bag module circuits are not acceptable. Where the text refers to "REPAIR the circuit", this will normally mean the replacement of a harness."


Kia

Per Kia service manuals: "SRS wiring can be identified by special yellow outer covering. Observe the instructions described in this section. Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair SRS wiring. If there is an open or damage in SRS wiring, replace the harness."


Maserati

Per a Maserati service bulletin: "Maserati does not allow any repairs to airbag system wiring harnesses, connectors, or terminals. If any damage is found on an airbag harness, connector or wire terminal, it must be replaced... It is forbidden to repair (solder) any electrical connections that affect devices involved in the active safety of the vehicle, unless prior express authorization from Maserati Technical Service is obtained."


Mazda

Per the Mazda service information: "Incorrectly repairing an air bag wiring harness can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module and pre-tensioner front buckles. If a problem is found in the air bag wiring harness, always replace the wiring harness with a new one."


Mitsubishi

Per the Mitsubishi service information: "Do not attempt to repair the wiring harness connectors of the SRS. If any of the connectors are diagnosed as faulty, replace the wiring harness. If the wires are diagnosed as faulty, replace or repair the wiring harness according to the following table." The table can be found in the Mitsubishi repair information.


Subaru

Per Subaru service information: "If damage, open circuit or rust is found on airbag system wiring harness, do not repair the harness. Always replace the faulty harness with a new genuine part."


Toyota / Lexus / Scion

Per Toyota CRIB #160 SRS Precautions: "Never repair SRS wiring or connectors. Replace damaged wiring." Always refer to Toyota/Lexus service information for the most up-to-date CRIB information.


Volkswagen

Per the Volkswagen position statement, Supplemental Restraint System Wiring Harnesses Applicable To All Volkswagen Models: "Do NOT attempt to repair the SRS wiring system or related components on any Volkswagen vehicle. Replace any damaged or bent SRS components with Genuine Volkswagen Parts. Some fasteners and clips are non-reusable; refer to the Volkswagen repair manual for more information."


Repairs Allowed


Audi

Per the Audi repair manual: "The airbag and seat belt tensioner system can fail.

  • Faulty repairs performed on airbag and seat belt tensioner system can lead to malfunction in passenger protection.
  • When performing repairs on airbag and seat belt tensioner wiring harness, use only terminals, connectors and wires designated for it. Refer to the Parts Catalog."

BMW / Mini

Per BMW service information: "Only repair those cables which show visible signs of damage. In the event of visible damage, make sure there is only one cable repair in effect after the repair work. If no visible damage can be identified, the entire cable must be replaced. When carrying out repairs to the airbag wiring harness, you must use the spare parts offered in the Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC)."


Chevrolet / Cadillac / Buick / GMC

Per the General Motors (GM) service information Document ID 325229 - SIR/SRS Wiring Repairs: "The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System/Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) requires special wiring repair procedures due to the sensitive nature of the circuitry. Follow the specific procedures and instructions when working with the SIR/SRS, and the wiring components, such as connectors and terminals."


Fiat / Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / RAM / Alfa Romeo

Per FCA/Stellantis service information: "...never attempt to repair the electrically conductive circuits or wiring components related to the SRS for which there is no Mopar® wiring repair kit. It is important to use ONLY the recommended splicing kit and procedure…"


Ford / Lincoln

Per our contacts at Ford: "Refer to Ford service information regarding SRS system wiring and connectors. Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 05-18-7 (August 29, 2005), states that if restraints connectors or wiring are contained in:

  • a stand-alone harness, do not repair them. Replace the restraints harness unless directed to repair the circuit by a TSB or other Ford publication.
  • the main vehicle wiring harnesses, they should be repaired using the solder and heat-shrink repair procedures in this TSB. The General Wire Terminal Repair Kit contains gold-plated terminated pigtails (with white insulation) and dual-wall heat-shrink tubing to perform these repairs. Loaded wiring pigtail kits with goldplated terminals are also available in the parts catalog."


Mercedes-Benz / Smart

Per the Mercedes-Benz service information: "The SRS wire harness pigtail is replaced using solder connectors. Contact a Mercedes-Benz part dealer."


Nissan / INFINITI

Per Nissan/INFINITI TechTalk summary document, TT Harness Repair Kit: "Nissan/INFINITI now allow repairs to SRS connectors and wire overlays of most circuits. Wiring harness and connector repair procedures have been expanded to improve customer satisfaction by simplifying the repair of most electrical wiring harnesses, which is the preferred alternative to wiring harness replacement."


Rolls-Royce

Per Rolls-Royce: “Only repair those cables which show visible signs of damage. In the event of visible damage, make sure there is only one wire repair in effect after the repair work. If no visible damage can be identified, the entire cable must be replaced. When carrying out repairs to the airbag wiring harness, you must use the spare parts offered in the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC)."


Tesla

Per Tesla: "The items listed below are repairable only by a Tesla Service Center, Regional Technical Specialist (RTS), or Field Technical Specialist (FTS). Contact Tesla Collision Repair for guidance if repairs are needed on of the following:"

  • "Supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits, such as airbag and seatbelt"
  • "Airbag sensor and seat sensor"

Volvo

Per the Volvo service information: "Caution! As the SRS system is a safety system, it is extremely important that these instructions are carefully followed when carrying out repairs in the cable harness."


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