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We bought a car at auction that had been involved in an accident.

I don't know if the airbags deployed in the accident so I'm wondering how I can find out if the car still has airbags and if they are still in working order?

Amy.

from the "Ask Jack" archives - 31 October 2009

When you turn the ignition on there should be a dash warning light illuminate with the initials SRS. This stands for Supplemental Restraint System or airbags.

Once the engine has started the light should go out after a few seconds.

The warning light should be close to the engine oil and battery charging lights.

This does not totally guarantee the car has airbags fitted but it will tell you if the warning systems are in place. If this light was to remain on all the time, it would be warning the driver the system has a fault and the airbags will not deploy (if fitted) if required to do so.

If you have any doubts as to whether the airbags are actually fitted or not, you would need to take the car to an auto electrician or the franchise garage for the make and model you have purchased.

Depending on the conditions under which you purchased the car, I would doubt very much if the airbags have been removed. If they have, I suspect there will be other major issues with the vehicle.