2006 Aveo Passenger side airbag sensor

[mercurial]

Hi all -

Just got the dizzying news that a new passenger side airbag sensor will cost me around $930 and some change to fix on my 2006 Aveo hatchback... in the meantime if the airbag light comes on again we'll have no airbags at all... Any advice?

More info: The "Passenger Airbag Off" light would not always "go off" when my 5'7" 130lb daughter would sit in the passenger seat. The dealership is saying it's the sensor. We just spent over $800 on the car - fixing door locks, new battery and replacing the Throttle Position Sensor - the car has only got around 78K on it. I'm out of $$$... Any advice would be appreciated!

[petrified.rabbit]

which sensor? the seat weight?

[mercurial]

I believe so - the sensor that indicates low, middle or high weight and size of person in the seat.

[petrified.rabbit]

i would probably buy a used seat, maybe off ebay?, in that case.

Chevy Aveo 2010 Gray Cloth Front Seat Set Manual OEM | eBay

[petrified.rabbit]

one more thing to consider, is where the weight is set in the seat, your daughter even though 130lbs, might only put __% of her weight on the sensor as her legs are not weight bearing on the seat. So she might be just be operating the switch off and on as she shifts weight will driving.

not saying its your fault. just that these things happen. your obviously out of warranty, i would test the weight factor of the seat with known measurements of weight, and maybe buy a scan tool to reset the lights your self versus paying dealerships. That way you can test the system.

[mercurial]

Thanks for all the suggestions! The dealer did say the scanner is a "controlled part" in that it expires so when ordered is manufactured on the spot but is not suppose to sit on a shelf so I'd want to get the newest seats... Just not sure they'd fit a 2006. The idea about turning the light off myself is good also...

thanks again!

[paulsaveo]

Although a scantool is definitely a good tool to have, most regular scantools can not read airbag codes or clear them. Ive got a bluepoint(snapon) MicroscanPro which set me back $400. it reads engine codes, body codes, manufacture (some) specific codes, and some ABS codes but nothing for airbag codes. My snapon dealer told me that lower end units will not be capable of reading airbag codes. Your best bet is to try and find a friend with a high end scantool, or become good friends with someone at a gm dealer that wouldnt charge you to hook the aveo up on their tecII (or whatever GM uses)

[petrified.rabbit]

i wouldnt waste my money on a stand alone. Dyno scan for windows with the gm enhancer with a cable will be less that $300 and states it does airbags (would verify the aveo before buying).

the computer based software is cheap, better and as long as you have a cable there are a lot of free versions. you can ever spend a little more (@$400) and rewrite tunes.

[mercurial]

The poor man's version of clearing out the light was also suggested to me... unattach and reattach the battery.

[petrified.rabbit]

that may or may not work for the airbag.