Please help a Brother out with this...

[JimZRyd]

Ok guys, here's the story...My 94 was the first year GM decided to put airbags in our Corvettes and didn't think of including an airbag shut off switch until the C5's (on my C5 it was very conveniently located in the glove box). I've seen way to many children and even small teens severely injured from deployed airbags, so in the year of owning my ZR-1, neither of my kids have ridden in it, although lots of time has been spent sitting in it while I am detailing her.

This weekend I was out in the garage getting her ready for a show in a couple of weeks, when my 4 year old little Princess comes up to me and asks, "Daddy, have you gotten that airbag turned off yet?" Needless to say, this put a fire under me to get this done!

GM did have a part number for this, GM part 12453830, but I cannot seem to find it by checking the parts vendors websites. There's even a nice little article from Corvette Fever that shows how to install it...
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/153_0401_airbags_cutoff_switch/viewall.html

Do any of you fine gentlemen out there have any info on where to get this retro fit kit or know of someone who might have one? I know some people say you can just pull the fuses to cut them off but I've read many places that this does not discharge the charge already on the airbag. Any help will be greatly appreciated! There's a precious little girl anxiously waiting to ride in her daddy's Corvette this summer like she used to be able to!

Thanks in advance:cheers:

[Kevin]

90 was the first year for the DS airbag, 93 or 94 was the first for the PS air bag. I'm not sure how you disable them.

[JimZRyd]

90 was the first year for the DS airbag, 93 or 94 was the first for the PS air bag. I'm not sure how you disable them.

Yes Kevin, 94 was the first year for the Passenger side bag. GM made a retro fit kit which should be generic for all 94-96 Corvettes. Just cant find it anywhere:(

[Demps]

I think the switch is made of unobtainium. I followed Hib's advice:

> To disable the SIR system for MY 94, you must do the following:
>
> Turn the steering wheel so the front wheels are straight
> Turn the ign. off and remove the key
> Remove the "Air Bag" fuse from the I/P fuse block
> Remove the left hand, lower trim panel
> Remove the connector locks from both SIR connectors at the base of the
> steering column.
> Unplug both connectors.
>
> After you do this and turn the key on, the Air Bag warning light will be
> on.
>
> To restore SIR function:
>
> Turn the ignition off and remove the key
> Reconnect and relock both SIR connectors at the base of the steering
> column.
> Replace the left hand, lower trim panel.
> Reinstall the SIR fuse.
> Insert the key and turn the ign. on to verify the Air Bag warning light
> flashes 7 times then goes off.
>
> If the system does not operate as above, consult the FSM SIR Diagnostic
> System Check
>
> Hope the little squid enjoys the ride!!
>
> cYa
> Hib Halverson
>
> Problems? Contact Dave Bright at: [log in to unmask]
> TOPICS: TECH: or NONTECH:
> http://www.zr1netregistry.com

[JimZRyd]

Good info there Ted! Got a few questions though...

Will pulling both the airbag fuse AND disconnecting the connectors under the drivers side dash not only disable the airbags, but also NOT allow them to be deployed in the event of a collision?

I read that there are 2 connectors, one on the left of the steering column for the drivers, and one on the right for the passengers. Could someone just disconnect the right side, along with pulling the fuse and just disable the passenger side? But I guess if the fuse is pulled you might as well disconnect it all.

To me it's not a problem if the airbag warning light is on. As long as it lets me allow the kids the thrill of riding in the Z it'll be a reminder that it's disabled. I read your note Ted to imply that you yourself have performed this on one or more of your Z's? If so, any problems? Pro or con? TIA!

[USAZR1]

If you pull the fuse,that kills the power to the airbag,correct? If that is correct,the capacitor(s) will gradually de-energize,correct? If all of that happens,the airbag will not deploy in the event of a crash,correct?

Since Jim's and our airbags are 20+ years old,I've often wondered what are the odds they will even deploy,if needed.

[JimZRyd]

If you pull the fuse,that kills the power to the airbag,correct? If that is correct,the capacitor(s) will gradually de-energize,correct? If all of that happens,the airbag will not deploy in the event of a crash,correct?

Since Jim's and our airbags are 20+ years old,I've often wondered what are the odds they will even deploy,if needed.

Clint, my delima is if they only slowly deenergize, how long does it take? How does one really know it's not going to deploy? I've taken care of kids smashed in the face by airbags and it's not pretty[-X. The C5's and newer can turn off the airbag with the key and make it non-deployable specifically for having a child in the passenger seat. This is what I'm looking for...turn it off or disable it so that it will NOT deploy.

[XfireZ51]

If you pull the fuse,that kills the power to the airbag,correct? If that is correct,the capacitor(s) will gradually de-energize,correct? If all of that happens,the airbag will not deploy in the event of a crash,correct?

Since Jim's and our airbags are 20+ years old,I've often wondered what are the odds they will even deploy,if needed.

Mine deployed after 18 years.

[USAZR1]

Mine deployed after 18 years.


Just curious,Dom,but what were the circumstances of its deployment?

[WVZR-1]

I don't know about later cars but earlier cars removing the SIR fuse will disable the car resulting in a "no start"! Ted's post seems to indicate that's maybe NOT the case in later cars with 2 air-bags.

Follow the instructions for servicing the air bag to de-energize remove the connector to the passenger side at the DERM and substitute a 2 Ohm resistor at the connector on the DERM side I believe should/would turn off the SIR light and not defeat the entire system. It should likely also allow the complete "bulb check" sequence at key on.

I've never done it to a passenger side but that will put out the light in nearly all when you're looking to modify in some way an SIR.

[5ABI VT]

why not pull the dash pad and remove the airbag after disabling? No chance of it going off then :) Im pulling my steering wheel for an aftermarket ill be disabling that side... Most likely Ill be taking the pad off and doing the same to the pass side so the kids can ride with me.

[JimZRyd]

I'm not really interested in removing the bag. Down the road when they are older or if I get really stupid and decide to sell her (I said really stupid) it'd be a good idea to still have them in place and turned on.

[XfireZ51]

Just curious,Dom,but what were the circumstances of its deployment?

Under unfortunate circumstances. The bag deployed when it should have.

[5ABI VT]

I'm not really interested in removing the bag. Down the road when they are older or if I get really stupid and decide to sell her (I said really stupid) it'd be a good idea to still have them in place and turned on.

makes sense. But removing them is a matter of 8-12 screws for the dash pad and a few connectors? not very difficult to re-install if you ask me.

[JimZRyd]

makes sense. But removing them is a matter of 8-12 screws for the dash pad and a few connectors? not very difficult to re-install if you ask me.

Might consider it then if nothing else seems right. Thanks!

[USAZR1]

Under unfortunate circumstances. The bag deployed when it should have.


Ouch! Man,I hate it when that happens.

[batchman]

Mine deployed after 18 years.

Sorry to hear but good to know. I've wondered about all my older cars since my wife's 99 Audi had a big warning label indicating replacement of airbags after 14 years. And so I wondered (but not for long, she traded the car), how does one buy a replacement airbag with a newer build date, or are they even marked with a build date???

Best,
- Jeff

[Demps]

Good info there Ted! Got a few questions though...

Will pulling both the airbag fuse AND disconnecting the connectors under the drivers side dash not only disable the airbags, but also NOT allow them to be deployed in the event of a collision?
--correct

I read that there are 2 connectors, one on the left of the steering column for the drivers, and one on the right for the passengers. Could someone just disconnect the right side, along with pulling the fuse and just disable the passenger side? But I guess if the fuse is pulled you might as well disconnect it all.
--I would have to research. Monkeying with changing out a steering wheel I found the service manual directing the disabling of both. I treated as a safety precaution to just leave it disabled.

To me it's not a problem if the airbag warning light is on. As long as it lets me allow the kids the thrill of riding in the Z it'll be a reminder that it's disabled. I read your note Ted to imply that you yourself have performed this on one or more of your Z's? If so, any problems? Pro or con? TIA!
--I did but 10+ years ago. No issues but no airbag need.


Ted

[JimZRyd]

Thanks Ted! Think I'm going to try this route first.