Airbag Disabling switch

[RckyMtnTJ]

Does anybody know if they will add one, or should I say do they have too add one on vehicles within a certain age?   I know the older TJ's didn't have the switch.  Then they started adding it.  Later it seems some have it and some don't.   The reason I ask is because I have had my 98' since new and never wanted it.  Now that I sometimes have my 2 year old in the front seat, I would like to be able to easily disable the airbags rather than pull a fuse.  I know the law was that they had too install tether anchors for car seats on vehicles under 10 years old.  Just wondering if anyone knows about air bag switches.

Thankyou,

Jeff

[Vinman]

I really doubt they have to add the switch, they will just tell you to use the back seat.

Their reasoning for removing it is because if you have a back seat, the kid should use it.
The only "newer" TJ's with the switch was the bare bones 4 banger that came without the optional rear seat thus the kid had to sit up front.

That being said, my 2000 TJ had the switch and my 2003 did not and they both had rear seats.

Vince

[Vinman]

On second thought, why don't you tell the dealer that you have no back seat and see if they will add it for you? If you kind of push the issue of child safety they may, it won't hurt to ask.

Vince

[RckyMtnTJ]

I talked to Chrysler Canada and Transport Canada today and they told me that they don't have to add a switch.  I do have to get a waiver that Transport Canada has saying that I want to be able to disable my switch.  Then my dealer can install it at my cost.  I haven't talked to a dealer yet, but I'm sure they will have the same answer.   When it came to installing seat tethers, the dealer told me numberous times that it wasn't safe to have a child in a TJ.  Finally on the third try, I found the "appropriate" dealer installed tether.  One that just screwed into the bottom of the rear seat leg.  They tried to have me leave my Jeep there for installation.  Apparently leaving the seat wasn't an appropriate option for them.  That was, until I showed them the seat came out and gave them easy access to the bolt to install the tether.

[01sahara]

I really doubt they have to add the switch, they will just tell you to use the back seat.

Their reasoning for removing it is because if you have a back seat, the kid should use it.
The only "newer" TJ's with the switch was the bare bones 4 banger that came without the optional rear seat thus the kid had to sit up front.

That being said, my 2000 TJ had the switch and my 2003 did not and they both had rear seats.

Vince

I think there are a few years that the TJs had the switch. My 2001 Sahara has the key switch.  Or just pull the fuse and disable the system on that side. I find I turn the  switch off for the kids and never remember to turn it back on when an adult is in the seat anyway.

[RckyMtnTJ]

I think there are a few years that the TJs had the switch. My 2001 Sahara has the key switch.  Or just pull the fuse and disable the system on that side. I find I turn the  switch off for the kids and never remember to turn it back on when an adult is in the seat anyway.

Thats part of my problem.  The wife pulled both fuses when the little one needed to ride up there.  As a result they never got put back in.  I was hoping for something easier..ie a keyed switch.  Does anyone know which fuse correlated to which air bag?  I really better put at least the drivers one back in, and I don't recall if they specified on the fuse diagram which one was for which one.

[yyc_tbird_sc]

This is coming from a former Transport Canada - Accident/Defect Investigator (my father). It is not illegal to disable an air bag, and most garages have the ability to do so. However, with the liability behind it all, there are not many licensed mechanics that will do this for you. I know you can sign a waiver and all, but things can still be taken to court. Thus....most shops will not do this for you, I'm not saying no one will, but you may have to look around for a while.

The exception is this though....they can sell you the parts, and may even tell you how to do it. This way, they didn't do the work, and as such cannot be held liable for it.

[RckyMtnTJ]

I know Chrysler Canada told me a dealer would do it if I got the waiver signed.  That doesn't mean a dealership will.  I think I will just likely pull the fuse when needed.