Disabling airbag

[Dean Lofthouse]

That looks the fella, there's no problems with it setting off if you unplug it which will disable it the only problem you may encounter is that your engine management light or Airbag service light may come on

 

This is what happened to the chap I know whilst getting a locked out motorist into her car using a slim jim door slider he accidently cut into the door airbag wires which set off the air bag, it shot the thin metal unlocking tool up under his chin and it exited out the top of his head

 

http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/slimjim.asp

Edited March 20, 2010 by Dean Lofthouse

[Peter]

Alternatively you could drive into a tree, activate the airbags, and then not replace them.......

[armchairarborist]

of course do it to a tree which is not to be retained..

[Dean Lofthouse]

Or you could just drive at the tree and at the last second brake, scaring the car into believing it's going to crash

[Treeworld]

That is an unlucky accident whilst trying to help someone.

 

I think I'll exclude the crashing the truck option and get the bag unplugged. would it be wise to disconnect battery first?

[Dean Lofthouse]

Yes it's the safest way

 

I took the dash out of my Landcruiser and that has airbags everywhere, I must have unplugged a thousand plugs, but everything worked when I put it all back together and connected the battery

[Treeworld]

Cheers Dean, I'll give it ago this week and let you know the result!!!

[Dean Lofthouse]

Cheers Dean, I'll give it ago this week and let you know the result!!!

 

Apparently the police can tell whether the driver was female and whether they were wearing their seatbelt by because there is always a lipstick kiss mark in the centre of a deployed airbag.

 

Lets hope, if yours deploys whilst unplugging it, that you dont leave a lipstick mark on it

 

[Justme]

Even with the bags disabled is she of an age / size that riding in the front is legal?

 

Ah just checked it is now legal for ALL kids to travel in the front as long as the air bag is disabled if you are using a rear facing seat or they are using the right seat / booster.

 

How old is she? As long as its not a rear facing child seat (or a front facing "full" seat type that moves here forward) which is for very young children then she should be ok.

 

A bit of googling suggest that you also need to inform the insurance company & check for side air bags as well.

[Cracker]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to disable the passenger airbag on a Ranger? It does not have a switch and am trying to find a solution, the main ford dealer say they are not sure if you can so asking if anyone knows how to? also if it is disabled will it effect the seatbelt tensioner on said side? Need a solution as got to drop daughter to nursery in May and got to use the truck to take her.

 

If you unplug the passenger air bag you'll disable the whole SRS system. The pretensioners won't work and the warning light will stay on. Don't be scared of unplugging the bag, it won't go off. I'm a qualified mechanic, worked in several dealership and was an AA patrol for seven years.