2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Disabling the airbag

[JGheen]

Just wondering if there is an easy way to disable the airbag on the driver's side? I'm not sure where the airbag sensors are but I would prefer to have it disabled for my own reasons. Is it illegal to disable it?

 

[JGheen]

Ok, I did a search for some more info on this airbag disabling. Do the early '98 trucks have the airbag sensors on the transmission hump and 2 others behind the headlights? Also, a question that really wasn't answered on the other threads, if you remove the airbag fuse, will that prevent it from deploying or is it better to just cut the yellow wire in the steering column? And if you do that, the only bad thing is the airbag light stay on unless you do something about it, right? What about disconnecting the sensors at the sensors? Do have to have the batteries disconnected so they don't explode while disconnecting them? Basically how fragile are the sensors, can they take a good beating before they signal the airbag explosion?

 

[EBottema]

From what i have read it is against the law to disable them or remove them. However, the government has no right to make that decision for me or anyone else. Just like the seatbelt law, its your own choice, not anyone elses



erik

 

[1empire1]

I wouldn't cut any of the wires. The air bag harnesses are usually covered in yellow wire loom (or orange) to distinguish it from the rest of the wiring under the dash. Somewhere down under the steering column there shoud be a plug connector to unplug the wire going up the column to the drivers air bag. There is also a diagnostic module on the transmission hump that controls the enitre system. If you unplug any of the air bag connections including the front sensors, the air bag light will turn on. Once an air bag light is on the entire system is disabled. I'm not 100% sure about the legality of disabling the air bags, but i do know some dealers that have done it for people not wanting them. If it was me disabling them I would go to the diagnostic unit inside the vehicle and unplug it from there. I would disconnect the battery as a precaution. The system technically shouldn't be active with the vehicle parked and the key not on, but you can never be too careful. Hope this helps...

 

[JGheen]

What does the connector look like? Like how many wires are going in and out of it?

 

[1empire1]

The one to the drivers side will usually have only two wires, some have four. If you disconnect the drivers air bag it will also disable the passenger side one. You are better off finding the control module over the transmission hump and disconnecting everything from there. It will set the light in the dash either way.

 

[JGheen]

Does anyone have a pic or a diagram as to where this sensor is on the transmission? I will try and look in my Dodge Service Manual when I get home as well.

 

[edgrim]

Disabling Airbag

Took mine off last nite to swap for a 98 style wheel hub and cruise,just disconnect both batteries,then cycle the igniton key three or four times,unscrew the airbag from behind the hub (4 screws for the bag, 2 more for the cruise,your's may differ a little, then pull bag forward and unplug from back of airbag 2 prong plug drop plug behind wheel and put screws back on.



I'm not worried about the light, when I get finished with my project everything will be plugged in, but for now I can still drive until I'm finished.

 

[EBottema]

hey please show us some pics of the steering wheel swap!!!!



Erik

 

[edgrim]

Steering Wheel Swap

Be glad to when its finished. ;-)