Is it possible to deactivate the passenger airbag using vag-com ??

kitora · 08-10-2003, 04:25 AM

I need o deactivate it so I can place a back-to-front child seat in the passenger side of the car.

Has anyone done this ?

Uwe@Ross-Tech.com · 08-11-2003, 07:11 PM

I won't tell you how.

You should NEVER put a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat of a car unless the airbag is PHYSICALLY disconnected. If you disable that airbag using software, it won't deploy if everything is working correctly. But the airbag controller's "limp mode" (if it senses any kind of fault) is to deploy ALL restraints in an accident. There was a lawsuit in Germany over this. A woman had the passenger airbag in her Golf disabled in the manner you suggest at the dealer. She had a rear-facing child seat in the passenger seat, and got in a relatively minor accident and the bag deployed anyway, killing the infant.

PLEASE, I urge you, if you must put a rear-facing child seat in the front passgenger seat PHYSICALLY DISCONNECT that airbag.

-Uwe-

CEB · 08-14-2003, 09:44 AM

They'll need a NHTSA waiver and a mechanic who is willing to deactivate it.

The back seat is much safer for a rear facing seat anyway. The excuse that "I want to be able to see my child" doesn't hold water. That is an extra distraction for the driver that could cause an accident.

08-11-2003, 07:11 PM	#2
Uwe@Ross-Tech.com Audiworld Premium Sponsor 2006 Audi A3 Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 2,230	Yes, it's possible, but.. I won't tell you how. You should NEVER put a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat of a car unless the airbag is PHYSICALLY disconnected. If you disable that airbag using software, it won't deploy if everything is working correctly. But the airbag controller's "limp mode" (if it senses any kind of fault) is to deploy ALL restraints in an accident. There was a lawsuit in Germany over this. A woman had the passenger airbag in her Golf disabled in the manner you suggest at the dealer. She had a rear-facing child seat in the passenger seat, and got in a relatively minor accident and the bag deployed anyway, killing the infant. PLEASE, I urge you, if you must put a rear-facing child seat in the front passgenger seat PHYSICALLY DISCONNECT that airbag. -Uwe- __________________ http://www.Ross-Tech.com

08-14-2003, 09:44 AM	#3
CEB AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 4,681	Very good point............ They'll need a NHTSA waiver and a mechanic who is willing to deactivate it. The back seat is much safer for a rear facing seat anyway. The excuse that "I want to be able to see my child" doesn't hold water. That is an extra distraction for the driver that could cause an accident. __________________ CEB '02 Silver S6, nav, park etc.

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