Special enhancements such as collision sensors have made car repair and rebuilding technological. Auto collision sensors detect an impact between the vehicle and another object. This detection sets off certain safety restraint actuators that deter injury in a crash. Collision sensor systems control functions such as air bag deployment and seat belt pretensioners.

The auto collision sensor consists of a base, a spring, and a rod. The base attaches the collision sensor to the vehicle. The spring connects to the base. The rod attaches to an electrical source and is inside the spring. No electrical flow runs when the sensor is in the upright position. When the rod is bent, a current will flow to set off needed alarms.

Wire collision systems also exist. The wire runs through the bumper and has a sensor that detects physical contact with an object. The sensor determines the strength of the impact. Strong physical contact will alarm safety restraints. Car collision sensors are active during a crash. Before repairing or rebuilding a wrecked car, consider the following:

1. Was there enough impact to set off the collision sensors?

2. Which auto collision sensor sent an alarm?

3. Were any safety restraints set off?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the correct auto collision sensors replacement

Collision sensors work for specific applications. Therefore, it is very important to use the exact same sensor OEM part number when replacing the product. Compare the OEM number one the old sensor with the OEM number from the one you get from the collision sensor manufacturers.

I recommend: Buy replacement parts made from a collision sensor manufacture such as Delphi. Purchase from suppliers of collision sensors such as Airbags OEM or Micro Epsilon.

Consider updating with new collision sensor technology

The latest of collision sensors do not notify the car of a collision but actually prevent it from having one. Look into adding some of these newer auto collision sensors to your vehicle.

I recommend: Crimestopper has a huge variety of auto collision sensors to protect all areas of the car. Massa also has up to date collisions sensors in wireless and liquid.

Check all collision sensors after an accident

You cannot always see collision sensors because they are sealed. Some sensors will show physical damage after a crash. Many focus on airbag sensors because of the deployment and needed replacement of the bags. However, check all sensors for damage with collision calibration sensors.

I recommend: Check seat belt sensors and bumper sensors. You can purchase replacement sensors can from Honeywell and Cherry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be certain to check out all mandates and requirements for collision sensors on vehicles. The federal government has regulations for safety. Stay up to date on what they require from the vehicles that you rebuild.