Air Bag System Removal
 

Hey all,
I don't have an airbag anymore—I have an aftermarket wheel. I'd really like to remove all the rest of the system—the wires, sensors, etc. Can I do this without triggering a warning light or other hassles? What all can I tear out?

Thanks!

P

I believe most just end up taking the computer out and then remove the bulb in the cluster for the airbag.

Most of the airbag system is on a separate harness from the main harnesses. It's a job to get to all the parts of the harness, but it is possible.

The airbag computer is up under the dash on the passenger side. As stated, that needs to be removed and the airbag light in the cluster needs to be removed as well. Some other system throws that light on if the computer is removed showing a major system fault.

There are crash sensors in the car, I've removed the front one on mine, I think there's a back one as well.

Don't think this applies, but for more info on this thread - the '94 and '95 cars have a passenger side airbag. You can unbolt the airbag from the bottom by removing the glove box. The "guts" of the airbag can be removed without disturbing the outer shell, so you can remove 90% of the weight but still have something to fill the hole on the dash.

Dale

So, if I remove, say, the harness that comes out by the ABS in the engine bay and runs to a sensor the nose of the car, it'll throw a light? Is it just a light, or does it cause the car to do anything else?

Thanks!
P

It's just a light. I removed one sensor on the front of the car as well, no issues except for the light.

Easiest way would just be to remove the two sensors in the front engine bay, the airbag cpu, and the cluster light. Haven't seen the back sensor yet, but haven't really looked.

If you remove sensors with the computer, you may get a beep code and/or flashing light. It's a snap to remove the computer, a bit more to remove the bulb (have to pull the instrument cluster).

Nothing else on the car cares that the airbag system is gone.

Dale

I had removed all my wiring and the bulb and it was never a problem for nearly 8 years. Within the last couple years, VA inspectors have really been cracking down during the safety inspections and are looking for the system test to pass. Might have something to do with the fact that all the inspection data goes into the state police database now instead of just on that little pink piece of paper.

That's a little odd since they'll pass a car with an aftermarket steering wheel (and thus no airbag).

EDIT: You're right, as of Feb 14, the airbag light has to come on for a light check, and then go off. Crap.

They used to pass me no problem, but the last 2 safety inspections they failed me for the aftermarket wheel and non-functional ABS light. Even inspection stations and inspectors who previously didn't care now suddenly do.