QuestionQUESTION: I need to disable my front passenger airbag. I understand that normally this would be a big no no, however I am going to have to care for my 4 grandkids (ages 9 months to 8 years) for approx. one month while my daughter has some very serious surgery. It would be far more dangerous to have one of them in the front seat with it activated than not.
ANSWER: Hi Joan,
You can remove the plug for that one air bag but still keep the system functional for the driver. To do that it would be helpful to know if you have a 5 passenger or 6 passenger vehicle (buckets or bench front seat?) The module for the air bag is at the bottom of the center console but specifics depend upon which front seat.
The other way is to disconnect the system entirely by removing fuses 7 and 19 from the fuse panel behind the dash (remove the left end cap on the dash after opening the driver door for removal).
It would be a good idea to disconnect the battery - post clamp before pulling the fuses so as not to introduce any possibility of shorts/transient pulses. Once the fuses are out and the battery reconnected the car will function, but with no air bags.
Let me know which seat set up you have so I can describe specifically how to reach the module.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi, sorry it took so long to respond to you question on whether this is a 5 or 6 passenger. It is a 5 passenger with bucket seats up front. Here is one final question, there is a built-in child seat in the center of the back seat that is missing the cushion (I can see the velcro that held it there) where can I find a replacement. Haven't had much luck on the internet search.
ANSWER: Hi Joan,
If there are any wrecking yards near where you live, particularly ones that are do-it-yourself/pick-ur-part type, there is a pretty good chance that you will find a Chrysler car of the type that you have which will have that seat cushion. That would be my best suggestion and it gives you a chance to explore for anything else that is missing that you would like to replace. That is the most economical way to find such a part which is likely to still be present in most such recycled cars. Any relatives living in other metropolitan areas might also be recruited to look also. They group the cars by manufacturer so you should have to roam to far to find one in the yard. I enjoy these 'outings'.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: sorry to bother you again but the first part of the follow up question didn't get addressed. The original question was how to disable my front passenger air bag for the safety of my grandchildren. You had asked back if it was a bench seat or buckets. It is bucket seats up front. Please refer to the original question if this seems vague. Thank you again so much, this is a wonderful tool for us !
AnswerHi Joan,
To disable the passenger side air bag:
Disconnect the - post clamp from the battery and put a plastic bag over it.
Remove the ash receiver
Remove shifter knob fastener and remove the shifter knob
Remove shifter bezel screw located in ash receiver and remove shifter bezel
Disconnect ash receiver wiring, then remove ash receiver to get to the air bag module
There you will find a 13-pin plug and a 4-pin plug. The twisted two wires on the 4-wire plug that are red/white and light green yellow are the two wires that operate the passenger air bag. If you follow those wire you will find a connector that you can separate that will disconnect that air bag. If following the wire doesn't work out, then you will need to remove the glove box:
open the box and remove the interior attaching screws. Then remove the panel on the lower edge of the dash below the box in order to remove the glove box. Then you should find the connector for the air bag.
Then you can reassemble everything and the air bag will not fire off in the event of an accident.
Roland
PS: If you find that dismantling too much you can just disconnect the fuses or pull the 4-wire plug entirely at the module. That will disable both airbags temporarily while you have visitors.
