Airbags / Airbag light

[MINTY]

I want to test something out on my car but before I do I want to run a question past people in the know.

If you disconnect an airbag and turn the ignition on whilst it is still disconnected the airbag lights will light up and stay lit up until they are cleared by smart or a dealer with a winstar machine.

That's the bit I know, now for the question...

Until the airbag light is cleared would the airbags actually function in the event of an accident?

Thanks in advance

Phil

[RacingSnake]

I believe if the lights are on, the airbags are non-functioning.

[MINTY]

Hmmm that might scupper my plans.

Might have to re-think.

[RacingSnake]

which airbag are you looking to disconnect?? (and why! (just being nosey ))

[MINTY]

Passenger airbag, to fit a custom dash board.

And before anyone says about safety implications, when the passenger seat is fully back and the new dashboard is in there is no danger of a passenger reaching the dashboard in an accident, especially with the harnesses in.

I've also checked with the insurance company too who have said I'll still be insured and it won't affect my premium.

When the passenger airbag is gone I was hoping the driver's airbag would still work.

The other thing I've been looking into is getting a child seat passenger airbag de-activation switch but I'm not sure if setting this first and then disconnecting the passenger airbag would still leave me in the same position.

[MINTY]

Off now to duck under the parapet...

[RacingSnake]

you could investigate the possibility of just using the connections off a blown airbag and store it under the dash - so it thinks it's all still attached, but nothing will blow. if that makes sense.

[Messerschmitt Owner]

Originally Posted by RacingSnake

you could investigate the possibility of just using the connections off a blown airbag and store it under the dash - so it thinks it's all still attached, but nothing will blow. if that makes sense.

there was a time when I could have given you one of those airbags!

[MINTY]

Originally Posted by RacingSnake

you could investigate the possibility of just using the connections off a blown airbag and store it under the dash - so it thinks it's all still attached, but nothing will blow. if that makes sense.

I was wondering yesterday how the SAM / ECU knows that the airbag isn't connected.

Campbell, being the airbag expert, after you're airbags have inflated does the light stay on when turning the ignition on?

[lil.smartie]

The car knows which airbag is faulty/not plugged in.... so I THINK (Not 100%) that only the faulty/missing airbag wouldn't be triggered in the event of an accident.

Kate