jej3

Okay. My attempts to correct the airbag warning didn't progress @ SITM as the Theo Tool couldn't connect to my airbag controller (same issue as my Durametric).

How does one permanently disconnect the airbag system?

I spoke to several @ SITM and the consensus was "I don't want to see if a 25 year old Air Bag deploys correctly". I am hopeful it will clear the Air Bag warning light.

I am not an advocate of "Re-Designing" or "Modifying in a detrimental way" these cars but I am 100% certain that disabling the Air Bag system, as I have done with the RDK, is the right thing to do.

If anyone has experience disconnecting the Air Bag Controller, please chime in.

Many Thanks!

Randy V

If you are getting the fault light your airbag is already deactivated.

No help on how to eliminate the warning message/dash light.

soontobered84

Maybe your airbag controller needs to be checked. There is a company in Allen, Texas that checks and rebuilds airbag controllers. Do a google search. I had mine checked and rebuilt for @ $50. They pay the shipping to the facility and you pay for return shipping. Takes about a week. No affiliation other than a satisfied customer and it's a lot cheaper than the $2800 for a new one.

To remove the airbag controller, disconnect the battery for at least 30 minutes prior to working on the system and leave it disconnected for the duration of the work. Remove the console sides, undo the 10mm (?) bolts on each side. (2 as I remember) and slide the controller out the left side a bit. Disconnect the 3 plugs from the front side of the controller and remove it. It's been a while, but I think that's about all there is to it.

jej3

Too much sensimilla, Randy? I asked about "Disconnecting" not "Deactivating"

Way to pump up that post count

jej3

Holy Smokes what a PITA


Looking at the below, I can advise that it is unfortunately not as easy as undoing a couple of screws and unplugging it



In fact, there are two 10MM bolts PLUS 1 shear bolt per side. I got the "orange" box loose and realized the harness appears to run up under the dash. Needless to say, I consider my attempt tonight to be a #FAIL.

What a bummer

Jim M.

If getting it out and repaired is to much trouble, then just remove the bulb from the pod.

Randy V

Jayzus, who pissed in yer Wheaties this morning?

FLYVMO

Trey, you can disconnect the power supply for the airbag controller, it is a multi-pin plug in the center console area. I'm on the road so don't have pictures at the moment. The crash sensors (left/right) and controller are attached with shear bolts which requires a special tool. I have that tool if you need to use it. The crash sensors are not too hard to remove (no need really), and the harness runs separate from the other main cabin harness, at least not bundled inside anything else.

I think in order to physically remove the passenger side airbag you would need to remove the dash, but perhaps someone else can chime in if it is possible without dash removal.

Cheers!
Carl

Alan

Just disconnect T52 the 6 pin connector to athe airbag uinit - thats all you need to do.

Alan

docmirror

IIRC, the lamp will remain lit on the dash permanently and the seat belt icon will as well. If the airbag can't complete POST, it won't turn off the lamp.

I would leave the whole thing in place, and remove the lamp(s). If the car is ever sold, the new owner might want the airbag system reactivated.

docmirror

Pretty sure the airbag will function as designed in a crash even after 25 years. The system does a POST on each key cycle. Provided the gas charge is not damaged, the ignition pill will fire it. Gen 1 airbag systems are very, very robust.

jej3

Thank you, Carl. I was actually able to get the shear bolts for the Air Bag controller off using channel locks. It wasn't too bad.

I was really confused where the power connector is for the Air Bag Controller. I do simply want to disconnect that and see what it does to dash lights and warnings.

To all others -

Unfortunately there is no real "remove the bulb" option as the central display on the digital dash is what is annoying the he!! out of me. Having that flash up every few minutes and sometimes disappearing and other times not, just SUCKS (especially on an 8 hour drive home from SITM)



I would like to disconnect the Air Bag Controller and determine if the messages on the dash get worse OR better.

If no change, I'll follow up on the lead from SoonToBeRed (John). Air Bag Systems told me it would be $50 to rebuild my unit. That is the same bargain, John got!

Air Bag Systems Link (No Affiliation)

If anyone can clue me in where the plug is and what it looks like, I'd love to try it

Adamant1971

Then why not just pull the pod and remove the bulb so you don't see the light. Like Randy said it's already deactivated if the light is on so I don't see the need in pulling the controller.

jej3

Pulling a Bulb doesn't do anything to fix the annoying Air Bag Malfunction message that dominates the digital display, unfortunately

Adamant1971

Oh ya, sorry I forgot about that in the display.