How To Deactivate Driver's Air Bag

[Roylpope]

Need to deactivate the Wife's 2000 Camry driver's side air bag. She is 4'8" and a crash could kill her. When car was new all the local Toyota dealers and Toyota Corp. would not help and refused to deactivate the air bag. I have approval from the Federal government to unhook the air bag but could not find anyone who would do it for me.
So, how do I deactivate the air bag?
Need to get it done for her protection and before she has a crash.
Or, how do I convince Toyota to do it for me?
Thanks,
Roy

[geoff5093]

Isn't there a master fuse for the airbag? Or why not simply remove the steering column and disconnect the yellow airbag connector?

[Eye8Pussies]

I doubt that you can convince ANYBODY to do it for you regardless of approval from the government...possibility of civil suits and all...

and I would do what geoff said and just take the airbag off, then unclip the wire. OR There IS an SRS fuse...not sure where in the car, but it shouldn't be too hard to find. OR you can unclip the SRS computer which is located under the center console.

but regardless, unhooking ANY part of the SRS system will disable all the airbags in the car

[w203]

how do you get the federal's approval to take out the airbag? they don't just give any verbal approval, usually a written one so just show toyota with it. since you're so far away can't do it for ya

[toyomoho]

The issue for the dealer is they cannot disconnect the airbag even with Fed approval. A switch must be available (from Toyota) to turn the airbag on and off. If available they might install it but don’t have any obligation.

Call Toyota customer service and ask if Toyota has a switch for this year of car that can turn the bag on and off. Tell them you have Fed approval to do this. Hopefully they should know about this situation given all the publicity, etc.

The problem with disconnecting the airbag system by a fuse, etc is the passengers will also be affected. If you just disconnect the drivers bag the SRS light will come on and disable the complete system. This is where the switch works because it just disconnects the effected bag.

Would think if all else fails with a little engineering skill you could make your own switch that simulates the air bag circuit.

The issue of disconnecting airbags for driver safety is nothing new, a Google search will turn up many hits.

[Roylpope]

"how do you get the federal's approval to take out the airbag? they don't just give any verbal approval, usually a written one so just show toyota with it. since you're so far away can't do it for ya"

There is a form you fill out and send to the Feds (don't remember the name of the department). If you meet certain qualifications they approve it and send a written approval back. I have the written approval and have shown it to the Toyota dealer (good Ole Rusty Wallace Toyota) to no avail.

Seems strange to me Toyota is willing to let my wife die in the event of a crash so they can protect themselves from the lawyers and a potential buyer of my car when we sell it.

If I recall from when I initially looked into it, there are two power wires going to the driver's airbag. I could unhook them but then the instrument panel "airbag" warning light would stay on. There is also a potential for unintended activation if the airbag is not properly disconnected.

Will check on the switch availability and try Toyota Customer Service again to see what their response is this time.

Thanks and keep the suggestions/ideas flowing.
Roy

[Kep]

Following eye8pussies logic you may want to post a warning on the dash so any other driver would be less likely to sue you if they were injured without one.

Kep

[05Moose]

Was doing a google search for someone else in the Tacoma forum and came across this thread. If you haven't had it disabled yet, the federal guidelines allow you to have a switch installed by Toyota if you have a medical waiver. People with certain medical conditions can't have an airbag hit them without causing more severe injuries which is why this rule is in there. I believe height/weight putting a driver too close to the steering wheel will also qualify. Where to start with that process though, I have no idea. Hope this info helps if you haven't gotten anywhere on this.

[Roylpope]

You can get the form from:

http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/...002fd17898RCRD

Good luck. I filled out the form, sent it in, and got approval to install a kill switch. Was never able to find a Toyota dealer who would do the job for me and Toyota Motor Company was not responsive either.

Roy