Question 1

How long does an SRS module reset actually take?

Accepted Answer

Bench time on the module itself is typically 30 to 90 minutes depending on make and EEPROM type. For DFW mobile service we are usually in and out of your bay in under two hours including paperwork. For mail-in work, modules received before 2 PM Central ship back next-day air, for a practical turnaround of 24-48 hours door-to-door.

Question 2

What exactly is 'crash data' and why cant my scan tool clear it?

Accepted Answer

At the moment of deployment, the SRS control module permanently writes a set of flags and counters to a protected region of its EEPROM memory chip. This includes the deployment flag, impact severity data, pre-tensioner fire events, and side curtain flags. OEM engineers intentionally designed this block to survive scan tool clears, battery disconnects, and key cycles so that crash history cannot be hidden. The only way to clear it is to access the EEPROM directly with bench programming hardware, which is what we do.

Question 3

Will my VIN and occupant classification calibration be preserved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is the entire point of doing a reset instead of a replacement. We surgically rewrite only the crash data bytes and leave the VIN write, the OCS pairing, and the factory configuration bytes untouched. When the module goes back in the car it is indistinguishable from a pre-collision state except that the deployment flags are cleared. No re-coding or dealer trip required.

Question 4

Do you come to my shop or do I ship the module?

Accepted Answer

Both. Within the DFW metroplex we run a fully equipped mobile lab to body shops, dealerships, and independent mechanics. Outside DFW, ship the module to our mail-in intake address (not our Carrollton HQ) and we process same-day. Mail-in is generally the faster option for shops in Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, or anywhere beyond two hours from Carrollton.

Question 5

Can you reset a module if the airbags themselves are still deployed?

Accepted Answer

We can reset the module regardless of the state of the bags, but it only makes sense to do so after your collision technicians have replaced the deployed components. We do not touch the physical airbags, pyrotechnic charges, seat belts, or SRS wiring harness. That work must be done by your shop using new OEM or OEM-equivalent parts before the module goes back into service.

Question 6

Are there legal or insurance concerns with clearing crash data?

Accepted Answer

Resetting a deployed module for legitimate collision repair is a standard industry practice and is how virtually every body shop in North America handles post-collision SRS modules when the OEM does not require a replacement. We document every reset with before and after EEPROM dumps so you have a paper trail. That said, always confirm with your insurance carrier and follow OEM position statements, some manufacturers such as Honda and certain Toyota models require mandatory replacement, and we will tell you upfront if your VIN falls under one of those position statements.

Question 7

Which SRS module brands and manufacturers do you support?

Accepted Answer

We regularly service modules from Bosch, Continental, Autoliv, TRW/ZF, Delphi, Denso, Siemens/VDO, and Hyundai Mobis, covering virtually every domestic, European, and Asian OEM. If you have a specific part number you are unsure about, send it to us before pulling the module and we will confirm support. Our bench equipment covers Motorola, Infineon, Renesas, NEC, and ST Microelectronics EEPROMs that cover the vast majority of production SRS modules.

Question 8

Can you virginize a salvage yard donor module so I can use it in another vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is one of our most common services for shops dealing with OEM backorders. We strip the donor VIN, clear any stored crash data from the previous vehicle, and return the module in a fully virgin state ready for your tech to write the new VIN and configuration during post-install programming. Be aware that some late-model European vehicles pair SRS modules to the gateway with component protection, so always confirm donor compatibility with your scan tool before purchasing the part.

Question 9

What happens if the reset does not solve the problem?

Accepted Answer

No fix, no charge. If we reset the module and the airbag light returns due to a module-level failure we missed, we refund in full. Most post-collision light issues that are not solved by a reset turn out to be physical problems elsewhere in the SRS circuit, a damaged clockspring, a pinched harness, an unpaired OCS mat, and those need to be addressed by your technicians at the vehicle level, not the module level.

Question 10

What does mail-in SRS reset service typically cost?

Accepted Answer

Typical SRS reset service is $100 for an eligible module. Customer-paid inbound shipping is separate, return shipping is included only in the accepted final quote, and do not ship before acceptance and instructions.

Question 11

Can you reset a deployed airbag module without replacing it?

Accepted Answer

On many platforms, yes - the RCM can be bench-reset so that crash data is cleared and the module is returned to a pre-deployment state. This is platform-specific; some RCMs are one-use and must be replaced after deployment. We confirm at intake.

Question 12

Do you replace the airbags themselves?

Accepted Answer

No. We service the electronic restraint control module (RCM/SDM/SAS) only. Airbag cushion replacement, squib cartridge replacement, and seat belt pretensioner installation are mechanical work that belongs with a qualified body shop or technician.

Question 13

My airbag light came on years after a minor accident. Can you clear it?

Accepted Answer

Yes - this is one of the most common RCM jobs we do. Some vehicles have a "soft" crash event stored in the module from an impact that did not deploy the bags. We retrieve the crash data, assess the event, and clear or reprogram as appropriate.

Question 14

I bought a used car with an airbag light on. Can you fix it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We retrieve the DTC, determine if the source is stored crash data, a prior deployment, a missing module, or a circuit fault, and address the root cause via programming or module service. We do not guess or clear codes without understanding the cause.

Question 15

How long does airbag module service take?

Accepted Answer

Mail-in RCM service is available nationwide after review. Mobile on-vehicle service at your DFW location also remains available for select platforms. Do not ship a module before receiving accepted instructions.

Question 16

Is there a warranty on the programming work?

Accepted Answer

Yes - one year, unlimited miles. If the airbag light returns due to our programming work within that period, we resolve it at no charge. This does not cover new hardware faults in the airbag circuits unrelated to the module programming.

SRS / Airbag Module Reset & Repair

Why Body Shops and Recyclers Choose Core Auto Logic

Two Ways to Get Your SRS / Airbag Module Reset & Repair Done

We Come to Your Shop

Mail-In Module Service

What to know before requesting service

What happens next

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything covered in this service

Common reasons customers book this service

Capable platforms for this work

SRS / Airbag Module Failure Indicators

Built around what your shop actually needs.

Common Vehicles for SRS / Airbag Module Reset & Repair

A 1-year unlimited-mile workmanship warranty on our work.

Ready to get this programmed and out the door?