Lawboy
Enthusiast
When was the passenger airbag override button offered as an option? I have three little ones and would not be able to take any of them for a ride without this option. Thanks in advance!
Passenger Airbag Override Button ???
- Thread starter Lawboy
- Start date
1998 was the first year Viper had the Passenger airbag switch. BUT, you can modify 1996 & 1997 GTS models and 1997 RT/10 models with a kit from Dodge. There is a TSB on it. installed it one hour labor.
Some people have just pulled fuses but there have been cases of airbag deployment due to ESD (electro-static discharge). While it's very rare, it would not be fun. This kit, as well as the 1998 and newer OEM units, ground the circuit when the airbag is switched off so static electricity is not a concern.
The Dodge Part numbers I got were :
05011483AA for the switch and
0LB38JX8AH for the dash piece bezel.
I got mine as soon as it came out and I've heard the above part numbers may have been superceeded. Some people had this on order with dealers for a year and got lost in the shuffle while other dealers were able to supply it promptly. Nancy at Woodhouse Dodge, 800 889 1893, is a good person to talk to about the kit.
This modification seems to have been approved by the Feds (NHTSA) see the following TSB (technical Service Bulletin) that every Dodge Dealer has:
Service Bulletin Number: 08-17-98
Bulletin Sequence Number: 317
Date of Bulletin: 9812
NHTSA Item Number: SB603153
Make: DODGE
Model: VIPER
Year: 1996, 1997
Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS: PASSIVE RESTRAINT: AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Summary: SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
There is also a TSB to disable the driver's airbag for medical reasons but I have not seen this done.
***** Of additional note: 1998 was the first year of "Next Generation Airbag" -- A less powerful airbag allowed by the feds.*****
Hope this helps. Good luck
Some people have just pulled fuses but there have been cases of airbag deployment due to ESD (electro-static discharge). While it's very rare, it would not be fun. This kit, as well as the 1998 and newer OEM units, ground the circuit when the airbag is switched off so static electricity is not a concern.
The Dodge Part numbers I got were :
05011483AA for the switch and
0LB38JX8AH for the dash piece bezel.
I got mine as soon as it came out and I've heard the above part numbers may have been superceeded. Some people had this on order with dealers for a year and got lost in the shuffle while other dealers were able to supply it promptly. Nancy at Woodhouse Dodge, 800 889 1893, is a good person to talk to about the kit.
This modification seems to have been approved by the Feds (NHTSA) see the following TSB (technical Service Bulletin) that every Dodge Dealer has:
Service Bulletin Number: 08-17-98
Bulletin Sequence Number: 317
Date of Bulletin: 9812
NHTSA Item Number: SB603153
Make: DODGE
Model: VIPER
Year: 1996, 1997
Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS: PASSIVE RESTRAINT: AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Summary: SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
There is also a TSB to disable the driver's airbag for medical reasons but I have not seen this done.
***** Of additional note: 1998 was the first year of "Next Generation Airbag" -- A less powerful airbag allowed by the feds.*****
Hope this helps. Good luck
Ron
Enthusiast
<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">I also purchased the kit Marv mentions above. I was told that I purchased the second to last dash bezel assembly that was available, but perhaps there was another production run. If you need it and run into trouble finding one, I'd also check with Chuck Tator (Tator's Dodge) Jon B. (Parts Rack) or perhaps a take off piece from a rear ended Viper.
The new dash assembly will have a surface texture like your console (like all '98+ dashes), not like the smooth textured 1996 ~ 1997 dash. Given that the stock '96/7 passenger airbag door and radio bezel surround is smooth,nothing will match texture wise. Color-wise everything is fine and although the textures aren't all the same, only you will know.... Really no big deal, especially given the safety issue, plus you can always revert once your kids are older.
FYI, the '98+ passenger airbag door (with the correct matching pebble grain)is part of the airbag assembly, so it's way too expensive to purchase new. The '98+ radio surround is relatively inexpensive, but the 1996/7 power window switches will not fit the '98+ bezel, nor will the '98+ window switch fit your '96/7 wiring harness.
Keep it simple, use what Marv mentions and enjoy the world of texture....</FONT f>
The new dash assembly will have a surface texture like your console (like all '98+ dashes), not like the smooth textured 1996 ~ 1997 dash. Given that the stock '96/7 passenger airbag door and radio bezel surround is smooth,nothing will match texture wise. Color-wise everything is fine and although the textures aren't all the same, only you will know.... Really no big deal, especially given the safety issue, plus you can always revert once your kids are older.
FYI, the '98+ passenger airbag door (with the correct matching pebble grain)is part of the airbag assembly, so it's way too expensive to purchase new. The '98+ radio surround is relatively inexpensive, but the 1996/7 power window switches will not fit the '98+ bezel, nor will the '98+ window switch fit your '96/7 wiring harness.
Keep it simple, use what Marv mentions and enjoy the world of texture....</FONT f>
Lawboy
Enthusiast
thanks guys! you viper guys are just the best!
Ron,
Do you have to turn the swith off each time you start the car to deactivate the air bag or does it stay in the "deactivated" position until you switch it back "on"? Also do you think you would be able to mount the switch in a hidden position so I don't have to have the dash bezel piece that doesn't match? Thanks.
Mike
Do you have to turn the swith off each time you start the car to deactivate the air bag or does it stay in the "deactivated" position until you switch it back "on"? Also do you think you would be able to mount the switch in a hidden position so I don't have to have the dash bezel piece that doesn't match? Thanks.
Mike
Martin D
Enthusiast
Mike,
It will stay deactive until you turn it back on.
As for hiding the switch, I am not sure.
Regards,
Martin
It will stay deactive until you turn it back on.
As for hiding the switch, I am not sure.
Regards,
Martin
Ron
Enthusiast
<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Mike;
Could you hide the switch somewhere else? Yes, however the switch is part of the dash panel, not available separately, at least as far as I have been able to tell. This issue I think is a legal one. It's clear to any passenger with reading ability that the airbag is turned off when it is. If you hid the switch and then forgot whether it was on or off when a full size adult was riding and then you crashed... let's just say I hope your insurance is paid up.
As far as rigging up a switch of your own design, again I'm sure it's doable, but how do you really know if it works until it's too late? If you review the wiring diagram of a 1998+ Viper, you'll see that it isn't just a single pole, single throw switch circuit. Plus the grounding issues, etc.... It isn't worth the risk for me.
The only thing I'd recommend to minimize the gaudy look is losing the graffiti that talks about not driving with the key in the switch. I wonder where Chrysler found that lawyer? </FONT f>
Could you hide the switch somewhere else? Yes, however the switch is part of the dash panel, not available separately, at least as far as I have been able to tell. This issue I think is a legal one. It's clear to any passenger with reading ability that the airbag is turned off when it is. If you hid the switch and then forgot whether it was on or off when a full size adult was riding and then you crashed... let's just say I hope your insurance is paid up.
As far as rigging up a switch of your own design, again I'm sure it's doable, but how do you really know if it works until it's too late? If you review the wiring diagram of a 1998+ Viper, you'll see that it isn't just a single pole, single throw switch circuit. Plus the grounding issues, etc.... It isn't worth the risk for me.
The only thing I'd recommend to minimize the gaudy look is losing the graffiti that talks about not driving with the key in the switch. I wonder where Chrysler found that lawyer? </FONT f>
Ron,
Point well taken. I didn't mean that I would create my own switch, but was thinking of how to avoid the panel mismatch. And yes, I would hate to face a trial by jury and explain how I "forgot" about my hidden switch.
Mike
Point well taken. I didn't mean that I would create my own switch, but was thinking of how to avoid the panel mismatch. And yes, I would hate to face a trial by jury and explain how I "forgot" about my hidden switch.
Mike
silverviper
Enthusiast
Any ideas on how to erase the "graffiti" on the dashboard? It sure is plug ugly.
