Disengaging Airbag
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,037
Likes: 26
From: SoCal
The problem with kids and airbags is also related to the fact that they are shorter, in an impact their heads are lower so if the airbag deploys it might hit them on the top of the head and jam their neck instead of acting as a cushion for the face like it is supposed to.
Unplugging the airbag causes the SRS light to stay on, some have suggested putting a resistor on the plug to fool the system into thinking it is still plugged in. Whatever you do, don't accidentally deploy the airbag when you are trying to defeat it. If that thing hits you you're gonna be in for a shock (physically and financially).
I haven't read of any electrical problems from the people who have installed the airbag ON/OFF switch, can you find the thread that explains the problems?
Unplugging the airbag causes the SRS light to stay on, some have suggested putting a resistor on the plug to fool the system into thinking it is still plugged in. Whatever you do, don't accidentally deploy the airbag when you are trying to defeat it. If that thing hits you you're gonna be in for a shock (physically and financially).
I haven't read of any electrical problems from the people who have installed the airbag ON/OFF switch, can you find the thread that explains the problems?
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Apex NC
Originally posted by s2ka
The problem with kids and airbags is also related to the fact that they are shorter, in an impact their heads are lower so if the airbag deploys it might hit them on the top of the head and jam their neck instead of acting as a cushion for the face like it is supposed to.
Unplugging the airbag causes the SRS light to stay on, some have suggested putting a resistor on the plug to fool the system into thinking it is still plugged in. Whatever you do, don't accidentally deploy the airbag when you are trying to defeat it. If that thing hits you you're gonna be in for a shock (physically and financially).
I haven't read of any electrical problems from the people who have installed the airbag ON/OFF switch, can you find the thread that explains the problems?
The problem with kids and airbags is also related to the fact that they are shorter, in an impact their heads are lower so if the airbag deploys it might hit them on the top of the head and jam their neck instead of acting as a cushion for the face like it is supposed to.
Unplugging the airbag causes the SRS light to stay on, some have suggested putting a resistor on the plug to fool the system into thinking it is still plugged in. Whatever you do, don't accidentally deploy the airbag when you are trying to defeat it. If that thing hits you you're gonna be in for a shock (physically and financially).
I haven't read of any electrical problems from the people who have installed the airbag ON/OFF switch, can you find the thread that explains the problems?
My advice. Stay away from Sensible Solutions (http://www.airbagonoff.com).
Richard
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
Yeah, I believe I've read problems in a couple of other threads too, s2ka... (thanks, Richard!)
Bottom line, if the process can be followed and we can (now) get AHM's blessing, I'm in! I'll keep you guys posted on my progress here. Given that San Francisco and Baton Rouge are both doing this work, I'm encouraged.
Bottom line, if the process can be followed and we can (now) get AHM's blessing, I'm in! I'll keep you guys posted on my progress here. Given that San Francisco and Baton Rouge are both doing this work, I'm encouraged.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
Well, so much for that avenue... 
My local dealer (Lundgren) said that they don't do it. He was aware of the NHTSA web site, and thought maybe I could find a place to do it there.
Thing is, I want this to have AHM's blessing. I'm not doing this "aftermarket" without having it covered under my warranty.
Any east-coasters out there who've had it done at a dealership?
My local dealer (Lundgren) said that they don't do it. He was aware of the NHTSA web site, and thought maybe I could find a place to do it there.
Thing is, I want this to have AHM's blessing. I'm not doing this "aftermarket" without having it covered under my warranty.
Any east-coasters out there who've had it done at a dealership?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville
A few of my thoughts:
- As of last fall, no Washington DC metro dealer would install a passenger airbag cutoff switch.
- To my knowledge, there is no OEM switch so even if a Honda dealer is installing it, they would be using an aftermarket product like the ones Sensible Solutions uses. Thus "AHM's blessing" is essentially meaningless--just another money-making opportunity vs. potential liability business decision for each dealer. Thus AHM and their dealers basically add no additional expertise or skill to this problem.
- I used Sensible Solutions, but actually got the owner/partner doing my installation. He explained that he travels quite a bit, but they also train and contract out much of their work nationally. Thus I believe that the quality of work may fluctuate based on who is doing the work and the local installers skill/knowledge. Best advice is to ask lots of questions.
- I don't understand why Honda has not made this switch standard equipment (like in a Miata or Z4).
- And, at the risk of repeating old advice, always kill the airbag, use a well-rated child seat or booster sized appropriately for your child, move the seat fully rearward and lock the seatbelt mechanism very tightly. The seat belt should go across the shoulder and not the neck, and be across the hips/pelvis and not the abdomen/stomach area.
- As of last fall, no Washington DC metro dealer would install a passenger airbag cutoff switch.
- To my knowledge, there is no OEM switch so even if a Honda dealer is installing it, they would be using an aftermarket product like the ones Sensible Solutions uses. Thus "AHM's blessing" is essentially meaningless--just another money-making opportunity vs. potential liability business decision for each dealer. Thus AHM and their dealers basically add no additional expertise or skill to this problem.
- I used Sensible Solutions, but actually got the owner/partner doing my installation. He explained that he travels quite a bit, but they also train and contract out much of their work nationally. Thus I believe that the quality of work may fluctuate based on who is doing the work and the local installers skill/knowledge. Best advice is to ask lots of questions.
- I don't understand why Honda has not made this switch standard equipment (like in a Miata or Z4).
- And, at the risk of repeating old advice, always kill the airbag, use a well-rated child seat or booster sized appropriately for your child, move the seat fully rearward and lock the seatbelt mechanism very tightly. The seat belt should go across the shoulder and not the neck, and be across the hips/pelvis and not the abdomen/stomach area.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
jcavalie, pjk3, what switches did you use?
Terp, I totally agree with your 4th bullet; he lack of a defeat switch is my only seroius gripe with the car.
As for the 2nd bullet, I want this covered under Honda warranty because I don't want the service department invalidating other warranty work because this aftermarket switch is in place. I'm not saying they'd do a better job, but they'd be obligated to honor my warranty.
Best wishes.
Terp, I totally agree with your 4th bullet; he lack of a defeat switch is my only seroius gripe with the car.
As for the 2nd bullet, I want this covered under Honda warranty because I don't want the service department invalidating other warranty work because this aftermarket switch is in place. I'm not saying they'd do a better job, but they'd be obligated to honor my warranty.
Best wishes.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chazmo
[B] As for the 2nd bullet, I want this covered under Honda warranty because I don't want the service department invalidating other warranty work because this aftermarket switch is in place.
[B] As for the 2nd bullet, I want this covered under Honda warranty because I don't want the service department invalidating other warranty work because this aftermarket switch is in place.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
The problem is that some of the installations have interacted (badly) with other systems, Terp. If joe blow installs my switch, and it botches up my electrical system, what am I going to do about it? Honda could be magnanimous and fix the problem, but they could also say "well, we didn't do it, so why are you here?" I guess that's my point, Terp. I'm not the aftermarket/mod type, and this is precisely why.
Anyway, I'm glad your installation was done properly. I would really like this done so I can ride comfortably with my 5 and 7 year old kids. Right now my wife totally freaks out on this subject, and frankly I totally understand her point of view. I mean, really, if something happened to my kids because of that damn bag, I'd absolutely NEVER forgive myself.
Anyway, I'm glad your installation was done properly. I would really like this done so I can ride comfortably with my 5 and 7 year old kids. Right now my wife totally freaks out on this subject, and frankly I totally understand her point of view. I mean, really, if something happened to my kids because of that damn bag, I'd absolutely NEVER forgive myself.