In simple terms:
Impact sensor: Just that. Senses the crash and deploys airbags if impact is severe enough.
Clock spring: In the steering column.Is a connection for the steering wheel air bag.

Ahh heck! Does someone have a diagram of this system. It would be easier to look at some pictures.

 

Ok that sounds like a good idea, lets see a diagram. This is how I see it, on the engine side of the radiator support I do see a sensor (impact ?) with a yellow connector (undamaged). The grill/hood did not push into the radiator support and the ac cond and rad were not damaged. So when that sensor sent a signal to the airbag module (in the console) it sent a signal to the steering wheel airbag and the seat belts. Am I on the right tract so far?

So when the airbag is deployed it used the clock spring in the process, and the pre tensioners in the seat belts went into action?

Anyone that wants to get more technical than that just hold your breath for a while.

Please tell me what parts MUST BE REPLACED NEW, those that can be RESET or REPAIRED. Just want to save a few bucks but not at the cost of a future failure that could injure or kill my son.
Thanks

 

Just mine thoughts , I would replace air bag ,sensors and clock spring with new, but then I never buy used brake system or steering parts, thats just me and my thoughts, however I have seen certified used parts available for you repair from reputable Auto recyclers listed on E-bay and localy, It's a coin toss, I have had issues with brand new parts also!

 

my opinion, but not a guide to action.

I believe that second-hand airbags - a good option to buy. Airbag - a simple mechanism, just rag bag and pyro cartridge. What can be broken in it? Airbag has a lifetime warranty, if it is installed in the vehicle. Vehicles used by 5, 10 or 15 years - the airbag is operational at all times. What changes, if the airbag is removed from the interior? Nothing changes, it is still operational. Because the airbag is asleep, when other parts of the car are working properly, the lack of wear.
The only condition. Careful inspection of electrical contacts."Rung" electro network using devices. There is an electrical connection - a 100% operational.

For me, I do opt for a used airbag. The reason - a considerable saving of money.
You make decisions independently.

And more .. I Join the guys. Do not do it alone, this work is for the pros, let him earn his daily bread.

 

The last time I had to deal with a clockspring, it broke because when the front end shop replaced the steering gear on a vehicle somebody let their kid play with the steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel round and round like a spinner broke the clockspring. Unless something has changed in the last 10 years, I don't know why you would have to replace it after a deployment, it is just a wire.

 

If you get a factory service manual and follow the directions they are perfectly safe. You need to get a code reader and see if there are any airbag codes. After you are done also check the codes to see if anything is still showing up. When some modules are deployed in a crash the have a deploy code. If you can get a code reader or have someone check so you can see if all of the modules are talking to each other and all of the data is correct. If you have the service information and are handy vehicles like this make a good project ,you just need to follow the factory repair procedures to make sure it is all correct. That is important as your son will be driving it and you can't cut corners with safety.

 

I do have a obd2 reader and will go to the repair shop and check for the codes befor he starts and he has already informed me of the need to reset the system. Does anyone know if the module can be sent off for reprogramming? I see on eBay listings for this service but not sure about the 2011 HHR.

 

myairbag.com

I already wrote about it.
And I used this service for my car - good job.

 

Welcome from Puckett, MS (south of Brandon). I go thru Clinton 2x a day...headed to Vicksburg and then home.