Air Bags

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 4:47 pm

I am wondering if anyone knows the correct way to disable both front airbags? Personally I do not want them and am afraid of them. If anyone does not want to make their comment public ---then PLEASE E-Mail me privately at: JamesHStewartJr@AOL.COM. Your response will be kept confidential!!

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:43 am

Air bags are credited with saving thousands of lives since they began to be installed widely in vehicles starting about 1990. But they have also proved fatal in more than 150 instances, some of them minor accidents, due to adults sitting close to them and children, mostly unbelted, riding in front seats.Since we have on VIBE the new generation of low-powered bags, introduced in 1997 in response to some deaths caused by the force of inflation on smaller passengers when bags inflate at low speeds, I think that we should keep this safety device activated. Dont't know if the insurance will pay if you get hurt (or die) in accident with this device disconnected...!!!http://www.autoworld.com/news/archives/ ... ensing.htm

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 1:03 am

Some more info on GM's air bags...http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/saf ... lay.pl?665

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 3:42 am

First of all --Thank You for taking the time to respond to my topic. I realize all the safety and improvements regarding the airbags however it still will not change my mind. I am still searchimg for a proper disabling method. Thanks James

Yoda · Post by **Yoda** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:35 am

As much as it irritates me that the gov't forces us to spend an extra $500 - $1000 dollars for exploding devices that are required to be installed in front of our faces, I gotta agree with SCTM - it's better not to disconnect a fuse or contact just to render them inoperational. Not only are you giving up a safety device that you already paid for, but you're taking on more liability for all of your passengers. There were a few shops around the country that used to install airbag disable switches, but from what I heard they make you sign a liability waiver and you have to prove that there's a physical reason that you need the switch (like being 4' 8" or needing a child safety seat in a 2 passenger vehicle). Don't do it

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 6:15 am

quote:First of all --Thank You for taking the time to respond to my topic. I realize all the safety and improvements regarding the airbags however it still will not change my mind. I am still searchimg for a proper disabling method. Thanks James

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 8:01 am

We do care about you James but it's your choice and respect it. If you or anyone else... want to put and on/off switch, read this (from GM site)Quote:Question I have heard about air bag "on/off" switches. Should I get one? Answer: As the name implies, an on/off switch allows an air bag to be turned on and off manually. It can be installed for the driver, front-seat passenger or both. Some vehicles, such as those without back seats, or with very small back seats already have an on/off switch. Only the federal government can give a vehicle owner or lessee permission to have an air bag on/off switch installed if the vehicle does not already have one. NHTSA has identified risk groups that might qualify for such a switch: They include infants in rear-facing seats and children who must ride in the front seat (for example, in older, air bag-equipped vehicles with no back seat or a seat incapable of accommodating a properly installed rear-facing infant seat); and drivers with unusual medical or physical conditions or who cannot sit 10 inches from the air bag module.To inquire about getting permission from the government to get an on/off switch, visit the NHTSA web site, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. NHTSA will warn you about the risks of turning off an air bag, and give you a form to complete before issuing permission. General Motors believes that most vehicle owners, once they receive this information, will be persuaded that it is a mistake to obtain an air bag on/off switch.http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/saf ... r_use.html

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 9:07 am

An "ON-OFF" Switch--I could go for that very easily. Thanks for sending. I'll look in to it. I'll read the thread and see how to hook it up. James

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 9:40 am

My dad's 1999 Sierra has an on/off switch.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 9:57 am

quote:My dad's 1999 Sierra has an on/off switch.Trucks have an on/off switch for the passenger side air bag so you can put a child seat in the front seat (since there is no rear seat). Cars with rear seats (like the Vibe) have no need for an on/off switch because the child seat goes in the rear.Turning off the air bags has legal implications since you get a discount on your insurance for having air bags. If you disable your air bags and then get into an accident, you insurance may not cover you. Plus, if the passenger in your car gets injured because you disabled the air bags, you could get sued.Just some things to think about. Bottom line: air bags save lives, disabling them is stuipd. Just make sure you are wearing your seatbelt with your seat as far back as possible and you won't have a problem.

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 9:59 am

Ah yes, now that I think about it, it is just the passenger air bag that can be turned off with the switch. His truck does have the back seat however. Although it might be too small for a child seat.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 10:07 am

Is it a full rear seat or those "jump" seat that fold up? If it's the jump seats, they shouldn't be used for a child seat.

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 10:46 am

I believe its a full rear seat, but I'm not sure. I've only been in the truck a few times.

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 4:09 am

According with the following site, there are many manufacturers producing on-off switch for airbags.http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/airbags/click on: Availability of manufacturer-produced on-off switches Also there will be new regulations on airbags & seat belts...the first stage, from Sept. 1, 2003 to Aug. 31, 2006second stage phase-in, from Sept. 1, 2007 to Aug. 31, 2010( read more about this on http://www.womanmotorist.com/sfty/airba ... g-2k.shtml )

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 5:04 am

Good info. Thanks

coratz · Post by **coratz** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 11:07 am

don't disable the airbags..... the vibe has multi stage "smart" air bags. if you hit something hard enough to pop a bag off, youll be glad it was there. it happens faster than a blink of an eye, you will just sit there going wow, where did this come from?. the bag will save your (removed) from flying objects and slow your body from throwing its organs at the speed off soud into your rib cage. im a belliever in airbags. dont foget when that seat belt prtensioner fires and that bag comes out, your not in kansas anymore.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 3:27 pm

OK people Thanks for all the info---I think I'll let this sit on the back burner for a while ! Have a great day. James

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