Car accident

**c5z28** · 12-28-2010, 09:57 PM

Friend got swiped in his car. Air bags deployed and he had to crawl through the door window to get out. He mentioned how some vehicles have a relay that disables the car if it's in an accident, like the fuel pump. He hasn't tried to start it yet (probably going to check to see if the fuel lines are okay amongst other things first) but is there anything electrical wise he might need to know that might not let the car turnover? Thanks

**Smittro** · 12-29-2010, 03:57 AM

I've heard of this too but only thought it was when the vehicle was in a roll over accident..?

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**JayTA98** · 12-29-2010, 05:25 AM

not sure on GM's. I know Fords have a small push button breaker that turns off the fuel pump power in an accident. You just push it back and the power is restored. I haven't seen or heard anything on our GM's.

**02transamce** · 12-29-2010, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by JayTA98

not sure on GM's. I know Fords have a small push button breaker that turns off the fuel pump power in an accident. You just push it back and the power is restored. I haven't seen or heard anything on our GM's.

Exactly.Ford has had this for years and it definately doesn't have to be a rollover.friend of mine. Had a 88 mustang gt that was sideswiped while parked in front of his house and he had to reset the fuel pump inertia switch to drive it to the body shop.
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**Z28_Driver** · 12-31-2010, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by 02transamce

Exactly.Ford has had this for years and it definately doesn't have to be a rollover.friend of mine. Had a 88 mustang gt that was sideswiped while parked in front of his house and he had to reset the fuel pump inertia switch to drive it to the body shop.
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2nd that. 88 Bronco II hadf a switch under passenger side dash for the fuel pump. A jumper wire fixed that problem.
Have not seen anything on a GM product so far.

**JayTA98** · 01-02-2011, 06:15 AM

Is the car cranking? If it does check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail with a gauge, that will tell you if you are having an issue with fuel. Do you hear the pump prime for 3 secs when you turn the switch on?

I know this might sound out of topic but does the security light is lit in the cluster?

**cammed goat** · 01-02-2011, 06:35 PM

If I recall, most, if not all GM cars shut down once the airbags deploy to avoid a fire. I cannot remember if the airbags are connected to the ignition system though. If they are, your friend will have to have the airbags replaced in order for the car to start again.

**Schmalgar** · 01-02-2011, 06:48 PM

My 98 Trans Am was hit hard in an intersection. The airbag did NOT deploy. The car still cranked and ran fine (notwithstanding the damaged areas of course), but I do not know if the lack of airbag deployment makes a difference.

**Cutlass** · 01-02-2011, 07:05 PM

I've driven plenty of GM cars with the Airbags blown. There is nothing (that I'm aware of) built in any GM car that makes it not start after any kind of accident. Only physical accident damage itself will make it not start (ie damaged battery, fuse block, wiring, etc)