[MartinR]

Is it possible to turn-off a passenger airbag? I know a lot of newer cars have a key switch but mine, a MY'98 9-3SE, doesn't. Do I have to remove the dash and install a switch?

 

[Penport]

Yes it is - not sure how advisable though....

Anyway I changed my driver's seat (to a Recaro ) meaning there is no longer a side airbag. In order to "fool" the system into thinking that the airbag is still there a resistor was put in serial into the circuit in place of the airbag. There is a standard universal resistor pack produced by Recaro. Presumably the same could be done for the passenger airbag.

 

[john]

Martin, I have just checked this in the handbook. The handbook makes a big song and dance of not allowing children in the passenger seat. There is NO mention that the passenger airbag can be deactivated for the purpose of putting a cot in the front seat?

I may be wrong and wait for better advice, but first impressions seem to be that you can't do what you are looking to do.

See page 99 of your handbook.

 

[murphwiz]

Theres is a kit available from SAAB to disable the passenger airbag
part no: 50 10 244

 

[john]

Well done, Leon.

I have just looked up that part number and it says

5010244 NOT FOR GB USE. The RRP of the kit you can not use is £14.93

 

[murphwiz]

Very odd...
seems to be same part number for Ng900, 9-3 & 9-5... although 9-3 lists a refernce to a service bulletin... 9-5 makes no such reference!

I'll see if I can dig out the bulletin

 

[john]

The info I have is kosher, but a slightly different source to what you are looking at.

TSB might clarify this, otherwise I think Martin would be best advised to speak with his local dealer for clear advice (and feed back here, perhaps)

 

[MartinR]

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll ask my dealer for advice.

BTW, /john, you must have a different handbook to me. The airbag section starts on page 92 (p99 is electric windows for convertible model).

 

[MartinR]

Just spoke to dealer:
The device is a resistor so it means permanent disabling of the airbags. Basically this goes against either legal or insurance requirements so they (UK dealers) don't do it because a claim could be made against them in the case of a serious accident. If a key-switch is fitted, as many cars have these days, then turning off the airbag is down to the driver so there can be no legal claim against a dealer.

So, little ar, you'll have to stay in the back, even if Mummy's not with us .