dash swap... but i don't want the air bags

[zerogravity]

Long story short... sort of...

I have a '90 reg cab ranger show truck/part-time toy/mobile showroom for my car audio business.

Amongst other things (FBSS air suspension with 24" travel, front and rear triangulated 4-link, 7200 watt RMS sound system w/34 speakers and 5 subs, custom bodywork yadda, yadda,) i am installing the 5.0 motor/tranny from a '98 eddie bauer explorer.
I like all the extras (a/c, consoles etc.) so i am swapping in the whole dash as well. (plus the door panels from a gen III ranger)

This truck never had airbags, so legally i am not required to use them, i need that space for the PCM (plus i have a little dog who will be dead if they ever deploy)

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My question is this... is there a simulator i can use to delete the airbags and still pass VI's (no airbag trouble light on the dash)

I read something about the blank plate on '95 rangers... or a tester of some kind.... what about the drivers side?


Don't let my list of mods fool you... I AM NEW AT THIS!, (but i do learn fast... i hear that helps)

 

[Charlie]

Pics?

 

[zerogravity]

i am building this thing up for the third time... so it is in pieces again, but here are some pics in various states on myspace....

http://zerogravity3000.spaces.live.com/photos/cns!1684522066FFC914!105/cns!1684522066FFC914!389/

some build up pics are not on here, but u get the idea...

 

[rwenzing]

The airbag indicator in the 98 Explorer dash requires 2 things to light: keyed power to the cluster and a ground provided by the Restraints Module (aka Airbag Diagnostic Monitor). Since you have no need for that module, unplug/remove it and the airbag light should stay off permanently.

The 95 Ranger was equipped with a driver airbag only and it had a dummy cover on the passenger side. That cover should fit the 98 Ex dash with little or no fab.

 

[MONMIX]

There actually ARE airbag simulators. They are used for testing and diagnosing. That make it safe to test and probe with out the risk of deployment.

I am aware of a FEW applications that are just plug in modules that can be obtained for less than $100.00. I can not say for sure is Ford Explorer is one of those applications.
However there is a scan tool type package that will act as an airbag simulator with varoius plugs and what not, but expect to pay a few grand for that set up.

 

[zerogravity]

thanks, I actually scooped up one of those blank plates from a '95 just yesterday, and it looks like it will just snap in once i remove the airbag cover bracket. It is just a resistor, so I can meter it to find out the resistance and make up another one for the drivers side if i have to.

But i like the idea of just disabling the whole system by deleting components...

I am still fitting the dash in the cab, so i have boxes of parts yet to identify
I have found what i believe to be the Airbag Diagnostic Monitor (computer module with a blue case that is supposed to reside in the passenger footwell) and also the impact sensors (of which i only have one).

so if i just leave all these components out of the system, my dash would be none the wiser?

when i get my V.I. i guess i would simply have to prove that my truck never had airbags from the factory as explanation for the why the indicator light doesn't come on with the ignition... right?

 

[MONMIX]

actually a 98 sould have two impact sensors.

With the control module out the aig bag light will still illuminate. I do not know where the light gets its signal from. It would stand to reason that you COULD completely isolate and remove all components, but it seems, at least in my initial thinking, that there is one tie in some where that might take some further investagation.
Good luck and let me know what you come up with. I would be quite intrested in knowing the results.

 

[rwenzing]

With the control module out the aig bag light will still illuminate.

Not true. The Air Bag Indicator light relies on the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor module to supply its ground. No module = no illumination.

 

[zerogravity]

Very interesting points... I realize the system should have two impact sensors, but i only got one in my pallet-o-parts.
in any case, i will try deleting everything and see what happens.

if no illumination, that's ok

if i don't like that i will go with the backup plan of hooking everything up and simulating airbags with resistors...

i will post results when i do. (it may be a month before i get enough hooked up to be able to power it up and start troubleshooting tho)

 

[MONMIX]

Not true. The Air Bag Indicator light relies on the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor module to supply its ground. No module = no illumination.

false

had I not started cars with the module removed and saw said light I might agree.

 

[rwenzing]

After pulling the module, you also have to disable the shorting bar in the module connector.

 

[R1dd1cK]

I know this been a while for this thread but I want to know more. I hate airbags. Want them gone in my 96 X Sport. So is there any more info on this subject.

 

[Stic-o]

Look for a dash from a '95-96 Ranger. you can keep your current steering wheel or install a aftermarket grant or something. 95-96 Rangers had a dummy pannel on the pasenger side, as the passenger side bag was a option.

 

[TheJackal]

I know this been a while for this thread but I want to know more. I hate airbags. Want them gone in my 96 X Sport. So is there any more info on this subject.

Please keep in mind that in the United States you must have permission before disabling the airbags or installing a switch.

http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site...toid=4289ae1ea540f110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD

 

[R1dd1cK]

Really. Who's going to stop me.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

In the early days of airbags did they not have a switch to shut them off? At least the passenger side? I wonder if it could be adapted to this situation.

I hope the OP has done their homework on the legal aspect. I wouldn't want ICBC asking questions at a later date.

 

[MONMIX]

why do you hate air bags?
They save lives.

Not a retorical question.
Please tell me if there is a reason you dont want them in your vehicle.

 

[R1dd1cK]

No no they dont. I had a friend in a car wreck. Car set fire. The fire was found to be set by the airbag. So yea I don't like them. None of my other cars have them.

 

[R1dd1cK]

After pulling the module, you also have to disable the shorting bar in the module connector.

Yea I just pulled my airbags last night. 2 plugs on the module. Gray one and a black one. each plug has 2 shorting bars. But only one in the black plug needs to be disabled for the light not to come on.

 

[MONMIX]

No no they dont.

Uhhhhhh, yes they do. 1,000's of documented cases.

I had a friend in a car wreck. Car set fire. The fire was found to be set by the airbag. So yea I don't like them. None of my other cars have them.

I have been in collision repair for over fifteen years and I have never heard of that happening. Not only that I have a hard time figuring out what would have ignited the fire. Not saying that it didnt happen mind you. Either way fire is better than a mouth full of steering wheel or a head with glass splinters. Both of which I have personally seen countless times. Insurance would still cover the car reguardless.

Either way, your descision is your descision. I just dont think it is in your best intrests. Good luck.