I don't think it will total, I repaired one very similar a couple of months ago and it was not close to a total. A basic rule of thumb is if cost of repairs exceed the value of the car, it will total. There are exceptions to this though. If it totals and you sign off, you will not be parting it out. At that point the car belongs to the insurance company and they don't want you stealing parts from their car.
About the airbags not deploying, I don't think your car met the parameters to deploy them. Airbag deployment is basically determined by angle of impact (which you met) and speed of deceleration (you need to stop REALLY fast) In your case, being hit high I think the car absorbed the impact slowly enough to not deploy the airbags. It has nothing to do with "hitting a sensor", There are no sensors in the front of a Cobalt.
your car is very repairable and if your body shop is cool, they will help you get the non- stock parts you want installed.
Good luck
Dennis

 

I got in a world of trouble with my insurance company after taking the nearly-new KYB struts and the perfect-condition dash and seats from my Beretta after some ******* kid rear-ended me at 40 MPH and plowed me into the vehicle in front. I wound up getting less for the car than I would have otherwise.

 

I think you are wrong about "not hitting a sensor". That's gotta be the only reason they did not go off. the ass end of the truck was too high and never touched his bumper.

 

I agree with you. Usual SNAFU Government mandates-- they mandated 5-MPH bumpers for "safety" but didn't bother to require all vehicle's bumpers to be of the same height. Imagine if you get hit in the side by one of those 4X4s jacked up several feet -- your head will take the full brunt of the impact and that mandated steel bar in the door won't do anything for you. These jacked up trucks are actually against the law in most states but cops don't do anything about them. Congress should mandate a warning sticker for our cars like cigarette packs:

Warning! Driving small, fuel efficient, automobiles amongst Land Yachts, SUVs, SEMIs, and >5K Lb trucks on American highways can be dangerous to your health.

 

Glad you're ok man. But whether its totalld or not do you really want a car thats airbags didn't deploy properly?

 

wow, that sucks Sorry to hear about your car. Glad you are OK

 

I'm gonna swap intakes, header, springs, front rotors, and wheels, and strut and sway bars.

 

Glad your ok, and sorry about the car.

 

Could u not sue chevy or something for the airbags not deploying? I mean isnt that what they are for? Id call a lawyer and talk to them about it....

 

i beg to differ...big time. there is most def a air bag sensor in the front of a cobalt. if you just repaired one just like that a few weeks ago, you better call that guy and tell him to come back because your putting his life in danger. heres some homework....everyone pop your hood and look at the back of the center of the rad support. the thing is the the forward sensor.


next thing i disagree with is the fact that a car is considered totaled when the value is lost.....it is considered totaled when there is 80% damage to what the vehicle is worth

 

Ok, I was wrong. I apologies for any mis information. There is a sensor in front. physically hitting the sensor or not still has nothing to do with airbag deployment (it's a pretty small target to hit if thats what has to happen). The actual percentage varies between insurance companies and policies. some companies will go over 100% and some will go as low as 70%.
if you are concerned by all means call GM. They will get all the information the need from the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).
I am posting GM description of the airbag system,

The supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system supplements the protection offered by the occupant seat belt system (2). The SIR system contains various inflator modules located throughout the vehicle, i.e. inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1) and the inflatable restraint instrument panel (I/P) module (1). Each inflator module has a deployment loop that is controlled by the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which is mounted inside of the vehicle. The SDM determines the severity of a collision and commands deployment of each inflator module. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components. Upon detection of a circuit malfunction, the SDM will set a diagnostic trouble (DTC) and inform the driver by commanding the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON. The steering column and knee bolsters (3) are designed to absorb energy and compress during frontal collisions in order to limit leg movement and decrease the chance on injury to the driver and front passenger.

Frontal SIR System Description
The frontal supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system consists of the following components:

AIR BAG indicator located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC)
Inflatable restraint I/P module.
Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
Inflatable restraint steering wheel module
Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
Steering wheel and column
Inflatable restraint front end sensor
Inflatable restraint seat belt retractor pretensioners
Inflatable restraint wiring harnesses
Driver and passenger knee bolsters
A frontal collision of sufficient force will deploy the frontal air bags. The SDM contains a sensing device that converts vehicle velocity changes to an electrical signal. In the event of a frontal collision, the SDM receives a signal from the electronic frontal sensor which assists the SDM in determining the severity of the collision. The SDM compares these signals to a value stored in memory. When the generated signals exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the frontal deployment loops simultaneously deploying the frontal air bags. The SDM, I/P module, steering wheel module, steering wheel module coil, seat belt pretensioner and the connecting wires makeup the frontal deployment loops. The SDM continuously monitors the deployment loops for malfunctions and turns the AIR BAG indicator ON if a fault is detected.

Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) is a microprocessor and the control center for the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. This SDM has 2 fused power inputs; one fuse is for the battery voltage and the other fuse is for the ignition voltage. The SDM uses vehicle battery voltage as its main power input. The SDM then uses the vehicles GMLAN Serial Data Communication line and the ignition voltage logic input for enabling or disabling the SIR deployment loops. The SDM contains internal sensors along with several external sensors, if equipped, mounted at strategic locations on the vehicle. In the event of a collision, the SDM compares the signals from the internal and external sensors to a value stored in memory. When the generated signals exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the appropriate deployment loops to deploy the air bags or seat belt pretensioners. If the force of the impact is not sufficient to warrant inflator module deployment, the SDM may still deploy the seat belt pretensioners. The SDM records the SIR system status when a deployment occurs and turns the AIR BAG indicator located in the IPC ON. As soon as 3 distinct deployment commands (representing different events) have been issued to any belt pretensioner, or the SDM commands any front and side air bag to deploy once, the SDM shall be considered to not be reusable. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic monitoring of the SIR system electrical components and circuitry when the ignition is turned ON. If the SDM detects a malfunction, a DTC will be stored and the SDM will command the AIR BAG indicator ON, notifying the driver that a malfunction exist. In the event that ignition positive voltage is lost during a collision, the SDM maintains a 23-volt loop reserve (23 VLR) for deployment of the air bags. It is important when disabling the SIR system for servicing or rescue operations to allow the 23 VLR to dissipate, which could take up to 1 minute.

AIR BAG Indicator
The AIR BAG indicator, located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC), is used to notify the driver of supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system malfunctions and to verify that the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) is communicating with the IPC. When the ignition is turned ON, the SDM is supplied with ignition positive voltage. The SDM requests the IPC to flash the AIR BAG indicator seven times. While flashing the indicator, the SDM conducts tests on all SIR system components and circuits. If no malfunctions are detected, the SDM will communicate with the IPC through the GMLAN serial data circuit and command the AIR BAG indicator OFF. The SDM provides continuous monitoring of the air bag circuits by conducting a sequence of checks. If a malfunction is detected the SDM will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and command the IPC to turn the AIR BAG indicator ON via GMLAN serial data. The presence of a SIR system malfunction could result in non-deployment of the air bags or deployment in conditions less severe than intended. The AIR BAG indicator will remain ON until the malfunction has been repaired.

Dual Stage Inflator Modules
Dual stage inflator modules contain a housing, inflatable air bag, 2 initiating devices, canister of gas generating material and, in some cases, stored compressed gas. The 2 initiators are part of the frontal deployment loop. The function of the frontal deployment loops are to supply current through the steering wheel and instrument panel (I/P) inflator modules to deploy the air bags. The inflator modules have 2 stages of deployment, which varies the amount of restraint to the occupant according to the collision severity. For moderate frontal collisions the inflator modules deploy at less than full deployment (low deployment) which consists of stage 1 of the inflator module. For more severe frontal collisions, a full deployment is initiated which consists of stage 1 and stage 2 of the inflator module. The current passing through the initiators ignites the material in the canister producing a rapid generation of gas and is some cases, the release of compressed gas. The gas produced from this reaction rapidly inflates the air bag. Once the air bag is inflated, it quickly deflates through the air bag vent holes and/or the bag fabric.

Each dual stage inflator module is equipped with a shorting bar located in the connectors of the module. The shorting bar shorts the inflator module deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when it is disconnected.

Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil
The steering wheel module coil is attached to the steering column and is located under the steering wheel. The steering wheel module coil consists of 2 or more current-carrying coils. The coils allow the rotation of the steering wheel while maintaining continuous electrical contact between the steering wheel module deployment loop and the steering wheel module. Two coil wires are used for the steering wheel module deployment loop. Additional coil wires are used for accessories that are attached to the steering wheel, depending on the vehicle model. The steering wheel module coil connector is located near the base of the steering column. The connector contains a shorting bar that shorts the steering wheel module coil deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the steering wheel module when the connector is disconnected.

Steering Wheel and Column
The steering wheel and column are designed to absorb energy when driver contact is made with steering wheel or inflated module. In a collision, the driver may contact the steering wheel directly or load the steering wheel and column through the inflated module. When the driver applies load to the inflator module or the steering wheel, the column will compress downward, absorbing some of the impact and helping to reduce bodily injuries to the driver. The steering wheel and column must be inspected for damages after a collision.

Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor
The front end sensor, also known as the electronic frontal sensor (EFS), is equipped on vehicles to supplement the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system performance. The front end sensor is an electronic sensor and is not part of the deployment loops, but instead provides an input to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The front end sensor can assist in determining the severity of some frontal collisions. The SDM contains a microprocessor which performs calculations using the measured accelerations and compares these calculations to a value stored in memory. When the generated calculations exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the frontal deployment loops deploying the frontal air bags.

Inflatable Restraint Seat Belt Retractor Pretensioner
The seat belt pretensioner modules contain a housing, a seat belt retractor, the seat belt webbing, an initiating device, and a canister of gas generating material. The initiator is part of the seat belt pretensioner deployment loop. When the vehicle is involved in a collision of sufficient force, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) will cause current to flow through the deployment loops to the initiator. Current passing through the initiator ignites the material in the canister producing a rapid generation of gas and the release of compressed gas, if present. The gas produced from this reaction deploys the seat belt pretensioner and retracts the seat belt webbing, which removes slack in the seat belt.

Depending on the severity of the collision, the seat belt pretension may deploy without the frontal inflator modules deploying, or they will deploy immediately before the frontal inflator modules deploy. As soon as 3 distinct deployment commands, representing different events, have been issued to any belt pretensioner, the SDM shall be considered to not be reusable.

Each seat belt pretensioner is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the pretensioner. The shorting bar shorts the seat belt pretensioner deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the pretensioner when servicing the seat belt pretensioner.

Inflatable Restraint Wiring Harness
The inflatable restraint wiring harness connects the inflator modules, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), the deployment loops, and the serial data circuit together using weather-packed connectors. Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System connectors are yellow for easy identification. When repairing SIR wiring harnesses, follow the proper testing and repair procedures listed in the service manual.

Knee Bolster
The knee bolsters are designed to help restrain the lower torso of front seat occupants by absorbing the energy through the front seat occupants upper legs. In a collision, the front seat occupants legs may come in contact with the knee bolsters. The knee bolsters are designed to crush and deform, absorbing some of the impact and helping to reduce bodily injuries. The driver and passenger knee bolsters are located in the lower part of the instrument panel and must be inspected for damages after a collision.

Side SIR System Description
The side SIR system consists of the following components:

AIR BAG indicator located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC)
Inflatable restraint SDM
Inflatable restraint seat belt retractor pretensioners (left/right)
Inflatable restraint side impact sensors (SIS) (left/right)
Inflatable restraint roof rail modules (left/right)
Inflatable restraint wiring harnesses
Inflatable Restraint Roof Rail Modules
The roof rail modules are located under the headliner extending from the front windshield pillar to the rear window pillar. The roof rail modules contain a housing, inflatable air bag, initiating device, and a canister of gas generating material. The initiator is part of the roof rail module deployment loop. When a side impact of sufficient force occurs the side impact sensor (SIS) detects the impact and sends a signal to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The SDM compares the signal received from the SIS to a value stored in memory. When the generated signal exceeds the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the side deployment loop deploying the roof rail air bags. The SDM, roof rail modules and the connecting wires makeup the side deployment loops. The SDM continuously monitors the deployment loops for malfunctions and turns the AIR BAG indicator ON if a fault is present.

Each roof rail module is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the module. The shorting bar shorts the roof rail modules deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when servicing the inflator module.

Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS)
The side impact sensor (SIS) contains a sensing device which monitors vehicle acceleration and velocity changes to detect side collisions that are severe enough to warrant air bag deployment. The SIS is not part of the deployment loop, but instead provides an input to the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The SDM contains a microprocessor that performs calculations using the measured accelerations and compares these calculations to a value stored in memory. When the generated calculations exceed the stored value, the SDM will cause current to flow through the deployment loops deploying the side air bags.

Dennis

 

thats a eazy fix i have fixed 2 that way. and im working on my 3rd one now it rolled over at 45 and took out the roof and windshield and back glass but dident break the sun roof and dented the car all the way round if its 4 sale i will buy it from you but you cant sell any thing off of it if you are interested hit me back . and if they total it and you dont want it let me buy from the insurance co. and ill give you a kick back for letting me do so. well talk about that later.

 

some more pics, swapped the wheels back to stock shoved the stock intake back where its supposed to be, stuck the engine cover back ontop the engine, took my sway/strut bars off and but my trunk liners back in. Damage is not too bad broke a motor mount, the throttle body/intake mannifold is cracked, and everything is just pushed by the rad support, gonna need some ac lines as well.


more pics with hood off.















used to be my hood





The frames ok the ends that hold the rad support need straightened a bit, 2 new fenders, new hood, 2 new headlight(sucks cuz I painted them and just bought new bulbs for 42$) and new front fascia/bumper, new radiator, ac condensor, tranny cooler, hoses, coolant, plus paint and labor. No damage to the suspension/engine/tranny/steering, engine cut itself off when it lost coolant threw a bunch of codes i remember a p0101 and a p2176 dont remember the rest.




and yellow where do you work at so I can come by and talk to you about it, the cars up off of us 42 in la grange at ronnie barrickman's towing

 

I am not trying to correct you or anything, but the computer should sense the impact and sudden hault and deploy the air bags.

 

i work for my self and if you want ill look at it 4 u i do every thing at my house except painting becouse i dont own a paint shop but i do use one and i get discounts. and i get oem factory parts from gm a hole lot cheaper then a normal shop gets them. and can prove it.


as far as the computer senseing the impack and deploying the air bags it wont inless you are going 45-50 mph and you hit the front square. not go under if you go under it it wont set it off becouse they dont want to total the car. if the air bags go off it totaled besides my first 2 i fixed dident set off the air bags eather becouse they were hit above the bumper in the grill area. and the one that rolled it has roof mount air bags they dident go off becouse there wasent a side impact and the roof wasent smashed down flat like.

 

damn that looks bad man

 

sorry man but that thing is most def. totalled

 

This is the damage to mine, bought it wrecked, and the Bags did not deploy.

https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/sho...atid=newimages

 

That is after i pulled the Driver side frame rail out and the Motor out

 

The adjuster said its bad damage but it all looks repairable he said we could swap the ss/na front end in for the same price, and that he'd take car of me and work with me to keep it from being totaled. whats also awesome is the dealer is a state farm shop so they do the repairs and state farm cuts a check so i think i will be okay with it.

 

I wouldnt want it to be repaired, the car will never be the same

 

I dont have the money to get another car at all so it has to be repaired and I know it wont be the exactly the same but aside from front end damage there isnt anything else wrong with it and its still warrentied on any mechanical issues that arise so I am not worried about that right now. If it lasts until it is payed off and i can get a down payment together on something else then, IF and only IF its giving me bad enough problems, then I'll think about trading my baby in.

 

thats cool man that they are going to take care of you.

 

The only parts that should be glued on a car as opposed to being welded are roof skins and door skins and the wheel house on the quarter panel skin. Anything else isnt strong enough, specially a rad support because the glue's shear strenght cant compare to a plug weld.

 

now thats haft dead but would make a great race car