Aibag cutoff switch questions (1 Viewer)

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CharlieS

CharlieS

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Hi again,

I did a forum search and didn't have any luck, so I thought I'd ask here.

My new-to-me land cruiser ('96) has an Toyota factory airbag disable switch. It has the indicator up by the vent and the switch in the glove box (very neat and tidy wiring job, by the way).

I am concerned that the airbag system may have issues, since the dash light is always on.

Here are my questions:

1) As I mentioned above, the airbag dash indicator light is always on. It is on whether the cutoff switch is enabled or disabled. The PO said it has been like that (warning lamp on) since they had the switch installed by the dealer. I don't know the guy and am not trying to be a jerk, but I am not sure if this is true. Should I be concerned that there may be an airbag problem? Or is it really the case that the light is always on when you have an airbag cutoff installed? Do I need to get the airbag checked by the dealer?

2) On the other hand, I really don't have any desire to have this switch, since I'd rather keep my child in the 2nd row seat for safety sake. Can I remove the airbag cutoff switch myself? Or is it a dealer job due to the sensitive nature of airbag related work?

Thanks in advance for anything you can share!

Charlie
 
if it were mine I would definitely take it in to have a look at. the air bag light should not be on! I would even try to take it to the dealer that installed it and ask him to find out why it is constantly on!
just my opinion
 
Do have it looked at, preferably by the installing dealer. The installation can be reversed, again by the installing dealer.
 
Thanks guys!

Unfortunatley, the installing dealer is in Massachusetts where the PO lived, and I am in Vermont. Doesn't look far on a map, but it is a 4 hour drive. Argghhhh.

I'll check with my local dealership (right next door) and see if they can check it the SRS system out, and possibly remove the disabling system.

Thanks!

Charlie
 
Yup.

Installation requires NHTSA authorization.
 
landtank said:
like that would stop me.
Click to expand...


Agreed. We all know you do what you please anyway...:D
 
Landtank,

I'll drop you a line if we have it pulled out.

I haven't consulted with the missus, so it might end up staying installed. Even thought it is "my vehicle" it is also going to be the family hauler too. Her car is too small for 3 dogs, kid, luggage, etc when we travel.

I don't know the NHTSA stuff but there is a whole table in the instructions (stuffed in the owners manual) saying what the conditions are where you can "legally" shut it off. Pretty much never, basically. Bizarre that the guv'ment meddles that much in what we do inside our own vehicles.

Thanks for the info.

Charlie
 
cruiserdan said:
Yup.

Installation requires NHTSA authorization.
Click to expand...

My wife has a medical condition that could be fatal if she were to get hit in the face with an airbag. We submitted a request to the NHTSA for an airbag cut-off switch for her 2003 Corolla, and they gave us an okay letter. The problem is finding a dealer to install it for us. No one wants to because of the liability, (even though the letter says it's okay).
 
cruiserdan said:
Yup.

Installation requires NHTSA authorization.
Click to expand...

I would love to see the statutory justification for that. Actually I wouldn't. The whole thing is absurd. In a reasonable world the switches on all vehicles and people would be able to decide for themselves when they want the air bags enabled. Instead the government has decided that people are too stupid to be trusted with this ability.

That being said, when I looked at the NHTSA form it looked like you could qualify by merely stating that you forsee having to carry children in the front seat for some reason. Sounds like a standard just about everyone could meet.

Jared
 
I wonder if having this switch installed without a letter of approval would cause your truck not to pass inspection? Given, it would probably take a sharp eye from a knowledgeable tech to spot it and realize it's not stock.
 
CharlieS said:
Hi again,

...land cruiser ('96) has an Toyota factory airbag disable switch. It has the indicator up by the vent and the switch in the glove box (very neat and tidy wiring job, by the way)....
Click to expand...


Hmmmm...never knew this was an option!
 
The only way to obtain one from Toyota is to first obtain a permit from NHSTA and then presenting said document to a participating Toyota dealer and filling out a "Hold harmless" legal form for Toyota. At that point the dealer forwards the documents to Torrance and the kit is released to the dealer.
 
cruiserdan said:
The only way to obtain one from Toyota is to first obtain a permit from NHSTA and then presenting said document to a participating Toyota dealer and filling out a "Hold harmless" legal form for Toyota. At that point the dealer forwards the documents to Torrance and the kit is released to the dealer.
Click to expand...


CDan have you seen what is in the "kit".
 
Any idea of the Gulf States Toyota dealer cost to have this done, Dan?
 
The kits vary by model and what bag(s) have been authorized to be switchable. Kits are driver only, passenger only and both. They have ignition key activated switch(es) in the glove box and dash indicator(s) and the wiring harnesses to get the job done. It has been some time since I have done one but if memory serves a single was about 175 bucks and a dual was around 250 bucks.

D-


Additional thoughts.

It doesn't matter how bad you want one Toyota will not supply it without the government form and the signed waiver, period.
 
Last edited:
I wonder if the light is coming on from the airbag diagnostics that checks for the air bag existence. I know when I replaced my steering wheel the air bag light came on when I drove the truck without the bag in for a little test run. The light would not turn off even with the bag back in place.

There is a procedure in the Service Manual for turning off the air bag light that involves the diagnostics port in the engine bay and a two wires. Maybe the light is on because of this? What I would try is this: turn the switch so the bag is live, then perform the procedure to turn the light off/reset the system. If that works just never turn the bag off again, which should keep the light off.

I'll try to post the instructions later when I get home to my manual.
 
Last edited:
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