Sketchy/dangerous work by pervious owner of my new to us car!
Went to add a brake controller to our new to us Jeep, already tow package equipped.
Thanks again to member ensigmatic for the gracous instant Karma of the controler a couple years ago that I have used on the old vehicle until now!
But look what the previous owner did!!! I found that he had a controller that was removed before selling! The idiot had screwed the controller mount... to the air bag!
Apparently he got away with it, short screws I hope, but damn... Lots of info on the jeep threads about not doing this!
Even if the screws into the airbag were not an issue... had the airbag been triggered the controller would be hurled at the drivers crotch at ~100 MPH! It was the drivers knee air bag under the steering column.
Thankfully all airbags report functional and hopefully isn't damaged somehow.
Endeavor to persevere.
September 25, 2023, 08:17 PM
P250UA5
Takes the Takata recall to a new level
The Enemy's gate is down.
September 25, 2023, 11:32 PM
Prefontaine
Wow. Another reason I buy cheaper stuff and get it new compared to nicer things used. What an ass clown.
What am I doing? I'm talking to an empty telephone
September 26, 2023, 06:32 AM
Blume9mm
duct tape is your friend
My Native American Name: "Runs with Scissors"
September 26, 2023, 07:13 AM
nhracecraft
So you've verified that the screw holes are 'in' the airbag cover and do NOT go 'through' the airbag cover, right? Meaning you can see the bottom of the holes w/ good light, and a mirror if necessary? Honestly, I'd probably definitely be having a conversation with the dealer you purchased that from!
Though the airbag(s) report 'functional', I assume that means the deployment system 'arms' properly and is functional, however there's NO guarantee that it'll work properly. One assumes pointy sheet metal screws were used here so it wouldn't take much to compromise the 'bag' part of the airbag. Of course, the only way you'll know is if it you need it. As such, and especially as this is you wife's daily vehicle, I'd make absolutely certain that I could see the bottom of the hole(s) in the cover!
I'd think the dealer (especially considering the previous owner is an employee there!) would think twice about being on the hook for selling a vehicle w/ a compromised safety/SRS system. Think of the liability! Get it on record...Just sayin'
If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !! Trump 47....Make America Great Again! "May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20 Live Free or Die!
September 26, 2023, 07:53 AM
rizzle
The airbag cover is designed to split open a certain way, the cover design has been compromised by drilling holes in it, good chance that it will not deploy properly. I would replace it, unless you plan on not running into anything and not needing it.
September 26, 2023, 08:55 AM
ensigmatic
quote:
Originally posted by cparktd: Thanks again to member ensigmatic for the gracous instant Karma of the controler a couple years ago that I have used on the old vehicle until now!
You're welcome Glad you found it useful.
quote:
Originally posted by cparktd: But look what the previous owner did!!!
The PO of my JGC had mounted it under there, but, just to the right of the steering column. I had the dealership remove it because 1. I never expected to need it and 2. My knee/leg only cleared it by a couple inches and could only imagine what might happen in a collision.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system,,,, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe "If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living." -- Seneca the Younger, Roman Stoic philosopher
September 26, 2023, 08:58 AM
Voshterkoff
I don’t remember what brand controller it was, but my knee won in a collision, mostly.
September 26, 2023, 10:47 AM
calugo
One of the reasons I don't buy used cars or motorcycles.
September 26, 2023, 03:25 PM
egregore
A Youtuber I follow calls that kind of work done by "Cousin Pookie."
This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,
September 26, 2023, 07:13 PM
.38supersig
Yikes!
September 27, 2023, 01:29 AM
mac_220
You can use duck tape for now, I am sure it will help!
September 27, 2023, 05:04 AM
trapper189
quote:
Originally posted by nhracecraft: So you've verified that the screw holes are 'in' the airbag cover and do NOT go 'through' the airbag cover, right? Meaning you can see the bottom of the holes w/ good light, and a mirror if necessary? Honestly, I'd probably definitely be having a conversation with the dealer you purchased that from!
Though the airbag(s) report 'functional', I assume that means the deployment system 'arms' properly and is functional, however there's NO guarantee that it'll work properly. One assumes pointy sheet metal screws were used here so it wouldn't take much to compromise the 'bag' part of the airbag. Of course, the only way you'll know is if it you need it. As such, and especially as this is you wife's daily vehicle, I'd make absolutely certain that I could see the bottom of the hole(s) in the cover!
I'd think the dealer (especially considering the previous owner is an employee there!) would think twice about being on the hook for selling a vehicle w/ a compromised safety/SRS system. Think of the liability! Get it on record...Just sayin'
My thoughts as well. Unless you uninstalled it yourself, you have no clue how long the screws were and have to assume the airbag is compromised. Given the location the permeable owner chose install it in the first place, it’s safe to assume he used 3” deck screws.
Glad you found it useful.