Front Seats Coming Out Tomorrow

July 31, 2008

Could someone confirm the way to disable the airbags while the seats come out and go back in again?

Is it a matter of just pulling the connectors to the seats off while the ignition is on, or do I need to disconnect the Battery while this is done, or something more extreme?

And same thing when putting them back?

Also, it is possible I will need to use the car with just one front seat fitted for a day or so (hopefully it will be the drivers ;) ) - I presume if there is only the drivers seat airbag reconnected, it will still be ok to use?

Cheers :thumbsup:

July 31, 2008

Could someone confirm the way to disable the airbags while the seats come out and go back in again?
Is it a matter of just pulling the connectors to the seats off while the ignition is on, or do I need to disconnect the battery while this is done, or something more extreme?

I don't think you really mean that do you Hoovie. Don't you mean Ignition off?

Yes, pull the connector.

You should really disconnect the Battery. Don't tell anyone (except the rest of the planet) but I've pulled airbag connectors without a Battery disconnect first, but never with the ignition on. I can't recommend leaving the Battery connected.

Also, it is possible I will need to use the car with just one front seat fitted for a day or so (hopefully it will be the drivers ;) ) - I presume if there is only the drivers seat airbag reconnected, it will still be ok to use?
Cheers

I'm fairly certain you'll get a DTC and probably a warning light after a while. The Airbag ECU usually looks for shorts and open circuits in the squib drive (airbag) cable and with the airbag disconnected it will see an open.

You can probably still drive it, but I'm not sure whether the ECU will completely disable the system in that situation.

With the squib disconnected, there is a built in shorting bar in its half off the connector, to help stop the squib getting fired by accident.

There was a common problem with Nedflanders some years ago where the connector would back out slightly, the shorting bar would become active and you'd get a warning light. A dead easy fix - push the connector home, but I guess a nice little earner for the dealers.

Do you have seat side airbags? Are you confident the new covering won't interfere with their deployment should the need arise (heaven forbid)?

July 31, 2008

Good thinking shcm. Post 2003 does have seat airbag but Hoovie I think your seat trimming contact should know how to deal with it;

July 31, 2008

I did mean off, yes :blush: (been a long week!)

Re the side bags. Yup I have side bags and one reason for doing my retrim in conjunction with pro trimmers is their knowledge of how to deal with this. They have adapted the sides to be airbag compliant by removing the stitching and redoing with special weakened thread. I asked a couple of leading questions when I first spoke to the guy who owns the company and they knew exactly what they needed to look for and do.

Thanks for info :thumbsup: I'll disconnect the Battery just to make sure (it is not like I can go anywhere with no drivers seat :D )

I reckon they do, Anchorman :) I like to know myself, partly so I can at least appear knowledgable about the topic as my theory is that if you seem to know what you are talking about, you are less likely for someone to try to pull the wool over your eyes :)

July 31, 2008

After disconnecting the Battery you are supposed to wait 5 minutes for the capacitor to discharge but I would go and have a brew. If that thing smacks you in the mouth you will think Tyson has just lamped you!!!