Hi all, I just picked up an 02 s2k. I have an 8 yr old son about 60 lbs. He is not in car seat any more, but does use a booster seat where possible. I was just wondering if anyone has an opinion on having a child in the passenger seat given that the airbag can't be de-activated for short term use (not that I know of anyways). Took my son for a test drive recently and he is amazed by the car, he wants to go in it all the time. I'd love to keep driving him in it if it is safe to do so, but I don't want to risk harm to him if he can be injured by the airbag. The 02 doesn't have the progressive air bags that are in use these days, and I believe they deploy at full force all the time. The passenger seat is a good distance from the air bag location though, it would seem relatively safe based on what I can tell. But I'd love to hear any other opinions if possible. Thanks very much.

 

Don't know about your 02, but my 06 shuts off the passenger airbag if the kid doesn't weigh enough to be safe. A light illuminates near the center vents to show when it is shut off.

 

you could probably find out more info about that in your owner's manual if you have one

 

thanks for the replies. The owners manual talks mostly about infants and relates mostly to car seats. It doesn't really say much in terms of ages of children or weight characteristics to use a guidelines.

The 06 airbags are much better than those in my year or car as mine won't shut off based on weight and I believe they deploy at full force all the time.

 

You can have an airbag kill switch installed.

 

That began in MY06. I specifically bought a MY06 for this feature. I personally would be hesitant to put a small child in the front seat, I mean odds are it would be ok, but I would hate to have a small accident turn bad because of the airbag, which I suppose could happen.

With that said, I do think there is a way to turn the air bag off, I think someone has even made a switch. Search around

 

thanks for the replies on the switch, I'll search for it and see what I can come up with. I'll try to find out from some local sources what age of child is safe with airbags, at some age and weight they must be safe, what that is I just don't know right now. Thanks for the help on this odd subject.

 

The '02 doesn't have an airbag cutoff. I think '06 was the year that was added. However, I believe 60lbs. is the weight at which the airbag will remain active. If that's the case, I'd say it doesn't matter what year your car is.

 

I'd like to know more about what you find out...

 

I drive my 05 with my 4 year old in his racing seat 'booster seat'. He's all the way back and seatbelted in. He's about 45-50 lbs and a strong kid, so I don't worry. I also don't drive crazy with him in the car...but his seat has bolsters around his head for protection also.