I can buy a 2002 S60 that had a front end hit. The damage is the lights, hood, grill, but the airbags deployed. What is involved with replacing them with used ones, and can the sensors just be reset after the undeployed airbags are installed? (The car was not totaled.)

Replacing the steering column bag is not major, replacing the passenger bag requires removing the dash top - also not too bad. Assuming that the replacements come from a pick&pull, cost is fairly cheap. You will probably need a new dash cover/top.

Two torx screws behind the steering wheel will remove the bags. I suggest replacing the horn ring at the same time with a new one.

The sensors behind the front bumper? I would think that they will need to be replaced, but I have never been there/done that. It might be possible to pull them back out to the ready position.

In order to turn off/read SRS codes, a dealer is needed.

This is not going to be a cheap fix.

Before buying a car that is obviously going to be 'salvaged', take a trip to the parts counter at a dealer and ask about the sensors, bumper cover, bumper shocks, etc. Also, if there is a reputable repair shop close to you, ask them for a little guidance as to possible parts that will be needed.

Klaus
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Cynthia Amendt, RIP

Klaus, I first want to say thank you for your years of service to the Volvo community. I am always amazed by your insight and ability to help steer us hack mechanics in the right direction. You have helped me with all of my Volvos from my 140's to my V70, and all of them I owned in between. Thank you!

Hopefully someone will know if the sensors have to be physically reset, or if the only resetting needs to be done to the air bag control module?

I am hoping this car can be fixed fairly inexpensively. It does not have a salvage title.

I had a good talk with my Borton Volvo parts person this morning. The sensors have to be replaced at $135 each. And listen up: The SRS module probably has to be replaced @$450, the seat belt retractors probably have to be replaced because they go off with the air bag deployment.

Regardless of the price, probably not worth your effort. Even if you could find all of the parts in a pick&pull and pay bottom dollar for them.

The parts guy's mother had a minor front hit, SRS not activated, interior looks like new, needs new fender, lights, hood, etc. and selling for $1500. I forgot what year S60, but low miles and mechanically in great shape.

Klaus
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Cynthia Amendt, RIP

Thanks for the advice. I had thought of that, however it would exceed the value of the car to pay a 'professional'. I know many people have successfully done the repair themselves. After all, isn't this board about DIY for Volvo's? If the answers were always "Go to a professional", what point would there be for this board?

You are right that this board is a wealth of useful information for mechanics. The problems with the air bag system is you want to be absolutely sure it will work if an incident ever occurred that triggered the bag. If you have not trained in air bags, I suggest you go to a professional mechanic. The potential downside could be severe (and we want you to be driving Volvos for a long time).