Removing Airbags - Need Directions
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No special tools, unless a former owner installed some airbag locks (bolts that need a special socket to remove). Disconnect the battery and let it sit for 15 minutes or more, because the airbag computer has a battery backup of some kind. You have to wait for that to drain away so the system is completely discharged.
To remove the driver's airbag, pop off the two covers on the sides of the steering wheel with a small screwdriver. That will reveal two bolts. Remove the bolts, then gently pull the airbag out partway. You should now be able to see the wire and connector hooked to the airbag. Disconnect that, and the driver's airbag is free.
For the passenger airbag, the two retaining bolts are hidden behind the glove box. Remove the three screws on the bottom of the glove box and set the glove box off to the side. You'll then be able to find the two bolts for the airbag. It's easier if you remove the passenger seat and lie on your back for this part. You should also be able to see the power connector for the passenger airbag, near the two bolts. Once the two bolts are out and the connector is undone, the two corners of the airbag are simply held in by velcro. Pry the corners up and detach the velcro, and the airbag slides out.
To remove the driver's airbag, pop off the two covers on the sides of the steering wheel with a small screwdriver. That will reveal two bolts. Remove the bolts, then gently pull the airbag out partway. You should now be able to see the wire and connector hooked to the airbag. Disconnect that, and the driver's airbag is free.
For the passenger airbag, the two retaining bolts are hidden behind the glove box. Remove the three screws on the bottom of the glove box and set the glove box off to the side. You'll then be able to find the two bolts for the airbag. It's easier if you remove the passenger seat and lie on your back for this part. You should also be able to see the power connector for the passenger airbag, near the two bolts. Once the two bolts are out and the connector is undone, the two corners of the airbag are simply held in by velcro. Pry the corners up and detach the velcro, and the airbag slides out.
FYI, of what I think is interesting to know:
I've gone through this before and would point out that is against federal law to remove/disarm the airbags if driven on the street.
However, a previously removed airbag (stolen or deployed for example) does not have to be replaced. It is, however against federal law to replace with non-functional and/or fake air bags.
I went through this with my state that stopped my registration due to the airbags being removed after deployment. I actually had to get the Feds and State representatives involved to get my car registered, since there was no law against what I did. If, however, I had removed non-deployed bags they would have not re-registered the car.
The state sent out a highway patrol dude to inspect the depolyed airbags and verify that I had no airbags installed before releasing the registration hold. The state was unhappy about it, since they claimed that I would just add fake bags later, but they covered themselves with the highway patrol report.
I've gone through this before and would point out that is against federal law to remove/disarm the airbags if driven on the street.
However, a previously removed airbag (stolen or deployed for example) does not have to be replaced. It is, however against federal law to replace with non-functional and/or fake air bags.
I went through this with my state that stopped my registration due to the airbags being removed after deployment. I actually had to get the Feds and State representatives involved to get my car registered, since there was no law against what I did. If, however, I had removed non-deployed bags they would have not re-registered the car.
The state sent out a highway patrol dude to inspect the depolyed airbags and verify that I had no airbags installed before releasing the registration hold. The state was unhappy about it, since they claimed that I would just add fake bags later, but they covered themselves with the highway patrol report.
This is good food for thought. I may be all set since the airbags in my car had been deployed before, however they may have been replaced too... I do not know if they are real or fake at this point.
I need to only disable my passenger airbag and the fed gov't needs me to write a letter to be approved THEN they will tell me if I qualify and or if a swtich exists for the mustang. I have looked into this already and cannot find anyone that will do it and or find a switch for it...
So I am on my own i guess.... At a minimum at least CT does not do any vehicle inspections... and I can always play dumb...
Methodical
Active Member
We are expecting our second child any day now. That means my son needs to ride in the front seat so the infant can go in back. A 3 year old should not have an airbag.
I am 6' tall so there is no room for either my son or infant to ride behind me...
I pick the kids up in the afternoon so it is either get rid of the car (I only use it to commute) or ditch the air-bags...
reddy351
5 Year Member
Check to see if there is a way to put a "disable" switch inline with the power source on the airbag. Newer cars offer that feature. You can stay "legal" AND protect your kids. It would prolly be a lot simpler, too.
What I would be worried about: If you don't have the airbag in place, (or even have it disabled) the potential for getting the crap sued out of you for disabling a safety device in your car, if they are injured/killed. I know, it doesn't seem like something you should worry about but, when it comes to money and "getting paid", even close friends can turn on you. The family of a person that died because of that situation would most certainly sue you, if they found out about the disabling.
Too bad both of them can't sit in the back seat. Mine always did. (I'm 5'11" and 275#. Talk about "little room".) In fact, my daughter is 15 and sits back there by herself, now.
What I would be worried about: If you don't have the airbag in place, (or even have it disabled) the potential for getting the crap sued out of you for disabling a safety device in your car, if they are injured/killed. I know, it doesn't seem like something you should worry about but, when it comes to money and "getting paid", even close friends can turn on you. The family of a person that died because of that situation would most certainly sue you, if they found out about the disabling.
Too bad both of them can't sit in the back seat. Mine always did. (I'm 5'11" and 275#. Talk about "little room".) In fact, my daughter is 15 and sits back there by herself, now.
Methodical
Active Member
Instead of removing it and causing issues, just unplug the harness and leave the airbag in place. So visually it's no issue with local authority. Then some time in the future you can just hook it back up. They have an airbag simulator that would/should keep the airbag light off and the buzzer from beeping. I used it when I rebuilt my car. I can get you info on it if needed. Let me know. Just One Man's opinion
This is just as illegal as removing it...
As for the airbag disable here is the rundown of the process and what I have tried already. If you have better info I am more than happy to keep the bag in place...
looked into getting an airbag switch and the basic details I recall are that the only way to get one is to first write a letter to Washington DC to get approval for it, then they will let you know if you are approved and if a switch is available for your car, then you need to find an installer for it... So i looked to see if i could find where anyone had done this on a Mustang, didn't find anything. So I made a few dozen phone calls (not kidding it was at least 30 calls) and everyone declined the work even if I had the letter. Most places I called I stated that I had a letter that informed me where to get the switch and everything and no-one wanted to touch it.
So that is my dilemma. Need to remove the passenger air bag, this most likely disables the drivers air bag, and I have this wheel sitting in the basement so I may as well put it in.
Then I am going to look at putting in a 5-point harness for me... we'll see on that though...
Oh and I can't put 2 children in teh back seat beacause I am 6' and there is NO room behind me for my son (3 years old)...
On the other hand... can you send the info on that airbag simulator.. that would allow the drivers airbag to still work right?
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