pass side air bag shut off for a 96 GTS.....

[Toby]

I found this doing a search...

Kit for Right side Air Bag On & Off Switch Part #5011483AA MSRP $65.35

Anyone done this?

I do want to mount the switch someplace where I don't have to hack up the dash or replace it with a newer one. (so it can be removed cleanly)

Any Idea's?

Thanks!!

 

[Ron]

The kit you mention is just the wiring. You will also need the 1998 dash panel which includes the actual airbag switch and light bezel. Even with that, your passenger airbag door will be incorrectly matched as the 1998 dash is pebble finished rather than the smooth finish of the 1996 / 7.

As far as I know, I bought the second to the last one a few years ago. Given the risks involved with airbags, I'd suggest looking for the correct piece from Jon B or Chuck Tator rather than engineering something yourself.

 

[Toby]

yikes...I think I would be better off just keeping the kids at home...or buy a newer Viper.


Thanks Ron.

 

[sun diego]

I've got a '96 blue and kids. I called DC help line because the manual is vague. As long as the kids are on a booster that raises them to the correct height for the shoulder strap the air bag is fine. You only need to disable the airbag for rear facing car seats(0-2 years).

 

[jcaspar1]

I take my 2 1/2 year old daughter out all the time in my 97. I just pull the two airbag fuses. This deactivates both airbags. If you are worried about yourself you can always get a set of 5 points which should work better than the airbag.

 

[ceieio]

I looked into this once and decided to pass. There is a TSB for adding the cutoff switch and I believe the number is 08-025-01. There was a harness and switch that could be installed in the 96 and 97's.

 

[RockyTop]

Jcaspar is right on, just pull the fuses and have at it !

 

[Viperzilla]

jcaspar1: -If you are worried about yourself you can always get a set of 5 points which should work better than the airbag.-

You may get pulled over for 5 or 4 point harness. They aren't road legal. Depends on the type of officer you run into, and how eagle-eyed he is. Best of luck!

 

[Ron]

Pulling the fuses should be done with caution as it could induce static that will set off the bags.

Message, don't pull the fuses with someone sitting in the passenger seat. Also don't reinstall the fuses with anyone in the car either. Engine on or off, doesn't matter.

If you want to safely disable either airbag without dismantling it, Dodge also makes an inexpensive kit with a resistor of some type that simulates the presence of the activating squib. Was available last time I checked however this is not a "switchable solution" but rather a semi-permanant deactivation.

I personally would not let young children ride without disabling the airbag via one of the above methods. You are relying on the OEM belt take up reel to lock in time to keep them out of range and unless it's perfectly positioned I question whether it would, especially with a sub 40 lbs kid. Remember these are the GENI airbags.... 200MPH full force activation designed to save an unbelted +185lbs man.

 

[Toby]

My twins are 30 pounds each. They currently have forward facing car seats with 5 point harness as part of the seat.

I wonder if that set up would be ok as the child nor the seat would go forward in a crash.

The manual says nothing about forward facing seats.

If my kids used a booster or no booster I would never have then in the front seat with an airbag until they were much bigger.

 

[NCVCA]

I have a shut off module I just took out of my 2000 GTS. It didn't require any cutting (molex connector). I will sell it if anyone is interested, but can't be responsible for it's use. I do know that when activated with the ignition key the yellow light worked. I have no reason to beleive it doesn't work.