Disabling Front Air Bags...

[Mylovelyhorse]

Hi all,

I've a lovely 02 Octavia 1.9TDI L+K... and... a lovely little 8 month old who wants to sit up front in her seat where she can interact with Daddy

I wondered if any of you parents out there have disabled yer front passenger airbags and if so, is there much involved...?

Is it DIY-able or do I gotta pay my Skoda mech?

Originally thought it'd have a switch in the glovebox but no such luck :thumbdwn:

(and sure I'd still have the one in the side of the seat)

All and any advice is appreciated...

Thanks,

D!

[Bodge]

The switch is a factory option I believe, so Skoda might be able to fit one. Not sure though.

Other than that, I'd imagine you could disable it with a full version of VAGCOM.

[cheezemonkhai]

I wouldn't entrust my child's life to a computer update as the only time you will know if it truly worked is if an accident happens.

There is a switch that can be installed. It basically cuts the circuit to the bag and puts a resistor in line so the computer doesn't think the airbag unit has a fault.

I would go this route.

[LJ_Matt]

I had to do this recently and my dealer claimed the airbag ECU would require replacement to fit the switch so wasn't an option.

In the end I opted for unplugging the airbag and fitting a 5 watt 4.7 Ohm resistor in the loom instead - no faults logged and the system all stays healthy.

This involves nothing more than removing the glove box (5 torx T20 screws and mind the interior light connection) then unplugging the yellow 2 wire connector going into the air bag module above the glove box hole - DO THIS WITH THE IGNITION OFF AND KEY REMOVED AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!

Then just insert the resistor in the free plug terminals, tape up securely and replace the glove box - you should find when you switch on the ignition all will be healthy (A fault WILL be logged if this connection is broken while the ignition is on, I had to clear this very code on my brother in laws cupra r after he was messing around looking for a loose connection)

One point to note is that technically speaking you should have a sticker on the dashboard to warn of this - my insurance company (swift cover) told me that there was no issue with it being disabled when a child was in the front (as "most" cars have a disable switch anyway); however for an adult to be there would render the insurance invalid with it disabled so please do check with your insurer first!!!

It can be disabled with vag com but then you get a fault light up as there's a firmware bug somewhere! There are two fault codes, one to say disabled (correct, just makes the light flash 6 times), while the other says resistance too low (faulty firmware!) - the second code is the one you will get if the ignition is turned on while the airbag is disconnected without a resistor fitted.

Now little'ns in the back again forward facing but I keep a T20 torx bit and the resistor with some insulation tape in the glove box so it can be disabled in 5 mins at the side of the road (for when she decides to throw up in the back for example.....)

I did post a thread in the diagnostics forum at the time but got no replies.

Also agree with Cheezemonkai's comments on not trusting just a software solution on its own.

Edited 15 October, 2009 by LJ_Matt
Lots more info added!

[JimF]

I had my front passenger airbag disabled for the same reason.

The airbags have their own ecu and using vagcom the bag can be disabled by simply plugging in. No warning light issues either.

Ask your local specialist, as has been stated official skoda approach is different.

Jim;)

[LJ_Matt]

I had my front passenger airbag disabled for the same reason.

The airbags have their own ecu and using vagcom the bag can be disabled by simply plugging in. No warning light issues either.

Ask your local specialist, as has been stated official skoda approach is different.

Jim;)

You obviously had more luck than me then as my airbag ECU definately has a firmware bug which causes the second error code, thus meaning that a software solution alone is not possible.

[David 8]

I had my front passenger airbag disabled for the same reason.

The airbags have their own ecu and using vagcom the bag can be disabled by simply plugging in. No warning light issues either.

Ask your local specialist, as has been stated official skoda approach is different.

Jim;)

Care too enlighten us as too how it's done with VCDS:)

[LJ_Matt]

Care too enlighten us as too how it's done with VCDS:)

Not sure about vcds as haven't used it but the info I used is on this site - Disabling airbags for mods/maintenance - TDIClub Forums

The fault codes I got were as below:

Address 15: Airbags

Control Module Part Number: 1C0 909 601

Component and/or Version: 31 AIRBAG VW51 0008

Software Coding: 13105

Work Shop Code: WSC *****

2 Faults Found:

00589 - Airbag Igniter 1; Passenger Side (N131)

33-00 - Resistance too Low

01280 - Airbag; Passenger Side; Disabled

35-00 - -

The second code is expected and triggers the airbag dash light on the clocks to flash about 6 times then it "should" go out; however because of the first code (which is the same as if you just unplug the airbag) then you get a permanent light on straight after which then requires you to re-enable the airbag before it can be cleared with vag-com.

My local dealer claimed there were no firmware updates or issues with the controller, personally I think they're full of the brown smelly stuff and just didn't want to admit there could be a problem instead just quoting the "our proceedure involves more than just the software" and also claiming that "despite what everyone says about vag-com being the same, our tools do different things" - again, being of a technical mind I say that's also rubbish! :thumbdwn: (If their fix involves a wiring mod then clearly it's got feck all to do with the ecu as there'd be no point in doing both)

Also the resistance too low fault still occurs with the resistor plugged in and the software disable.

I'd be interested to know if anyone with the same revision controller as me could try the software disable and report back if it works for them.

[Mylovelyhorse]

Thanks a million for all of your helpful comments gang. We haven't gotten around to doing this yet and have just opted for the lazy option of using the other car when the babbie is traveling with us!

Will post an update as soon I get around to tackling the job!

Thanks again...

[womble_lancs]

I'm not much of a mechanic, but wouldn't simply removing the fuse do the trick, or would that not work?

[Jcb.]

My L&K came fitted with the disabling switch in the glove box, accompanied by illuminated text next to the interior lights. Like a fasten seatbelt sign in an aeroplane, it says "Air Bag OFF" or something, but is unlit at the moment as mine is active. If it's any help, I can have a look in my car to see what's in place to disarm the airbag, it could maybe help in finding a more suitable soultion?