Air bag electronics need to be in working order
Q. I experienced a problem with the air bag control unit on my 2010 Santa Fe. The dashboard seat belt warning signal wouldn't turn off as normal after starting the car. The car was taken to a local mechanic for a diagnostic check. The result was a faulty air bag control module.
I've searched online and found multiple reports of air bag issues involving the 2010 Santa Fe but nothing regarding the control module. The mechanic purchased a control unit from a local Hyundai dealer. The parts department employee commented, to the mechanic, that this was the third module purchased this month. I have the original air bag control unit in my possession.
The mechanic stated that the air bags wouldn't have deployed in the case of a front-end collision. Are you aware of any issues with the Santa Fe's air bag control unit?
A. We have not seen this specifically on the 2010 Santa Fe, but based on your experience and info, it sounds like they might be starting to have a problem. You didn't mention if the air bag light was on but it should have been. Any time there is a failure in the air-bag system, the amber air bag light should illuminate and the system is then disabled.
I would recommend hanging on to your receipt so if there is a recall in the future you can get reimbursed.
Q. My friend has a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. She took it to a parts store with a shop. She thought she needed a serpentine belt. They said it was the alternator, which they replaced. When she went to leave, none of the gauges on her dash worked (gas, temp, fuel and speedometer).
They said she needed a new dash cluster. A GM dealer wanted $130 just to diagnose the problem. Do you think it is the cluster or something simple that may have happened while replacing the alternator?
A. This is a tough one and a great example of why it is important to have a really good trust relationship with your repair shop.
From your question, it sounds as if the dash was not a problem prior to the alternator failing. So now the question is did something happen at the shop or did the alternator take it out when it failed. There is no way of knowing for sure but I have seen a bad alternator take out a dash cluster before.
I would certainly have someone diagnose the problem. However, you may or may not learn what caused the failure. I am disappointed the shop did not mention the dash was out before your friend picked the car up. Based on that, I would have someone else diagnose the dash problem. I hope this helps. Thanks for your question.
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