I rolled my car in a ditch. I was going less than 5 mph and it was possibly the worlds softest, gentlest roll over anyone could experience. The side air bags deployed, but not the steering wheel one. I figured once we get it flipped back over and check fluid levels, I should be ready to roll, however it will not start. Is there a switch or something? if so, where might it be? Can it be bypassed? Any suggestions?

 

No switch. But, the airbags and the rollover sensor and the SDM(airbag brain) will need replacing, whoever does that should be able to deal with it. Hopefully you have insurance.

Does it crank and not start, Or no crank? Did you check on the battery?

 

Donbrew has first hand experience with this issues, you’re in good hands, Linda. Glad you’re ok and welcome to the site.

 

I didn't do a full rollover, I just went through a drainage ditch and ended up at about 55 degrees. Even after I did the listed repairs the ESC never was right. A person with regular tools can do the changing but the SDM and rollover sensor need to be programmed with a computer.

 

Only had liability insurance We did check the battery but no go. Although it's not what I wanted to hear, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I know the sensor is around $300, plus the SDM, so its going to be way out of my reach to fix. So its back to my 98 GMC truck.

 

Thank you very much. I love my little HHR, but not going to be able to get it repaired. Maybe someone has one that needs a motor and transmission. I don't know what other options there are yet.

 

Thank you again for the info. So the sensor and the SDM must be replaced? They can't just be "reprogrammed?" I don't know a damn thing about automotive mechanical stuff, except the basics, I'm a locksmith by trade. Words I live by.....I would rather know a little about a lot, than a lot about a little and It's better to have and not need, than to need and not have (except in this case)

 

The SDM can be reprogrammed, there are places on eBay that offer the service, dealers won't do it and mine had a difficult time programming a new one. Sensors are one and done. I found that each of the parts retailed for about the same $350 each. I was lucky and found a online GM dealer that was having a sale. Don't get used parts; I don't think it is legal; to sell used airbags.
If you are a locksmith you might know a fellow with a GM scantool and access to Techline.

For the won't start; Check all of the fuses, including the one next to the battery. Tighten the bolts in the under hood fuse box, they need to be verrrrry tight.

 

"The SDM can be reprogrammed.." donbrew +1
I had a drawdown of steering airbag...
changing the airbag itself and reprogramming the sdm was cheap, and not hard work...and i sent my sdm to be reprogrammed in the usa.
The loss of time for shipping and back was not critical at all. The car drove as if nothing had happened, not noticing the absence of an airbag.
It is unlikely that your car stopped starting due to the loss of airbags, look for another reason. OBD2 diagnostics as an initial step.
When you find the reason - maybe you will change your mind about parting with your favorite car, most likely some kind of nonsense interferes with life.

 

just talking to the guys...
according to them, after a coup, the car may not start:
1. because of the immobilizer;
2. a record "crash" is formed in the brains.
Both problems are cured by simply reprogramming and erasing traces of the rollover information in the car's brain.
It is proposed to first check: whether fuel is supplied to the injectors; Is there an electrical impulse going to the spark plugs? Most likely something from this pair is missing. Then you need to connect the diagnostic scanner to the car and erase the records of the coup.
further or the car will start, or further excavations.