Passenger airbag recall/disable airbag?

[47_MasoN_47]

So it's looking like my 2009 sedan may be affected by the passenger airbag recall. I haven't got any official papers for it but I checked my VIN online and it came up. I'm not sure what all is involved in replacing that airbag, but if they have to pull the dash out frankly I'd rather just disable the airbag and not worry about it rather than risk some dealership breaking my boost gauges and all the other custom stuff I've done to my dash. I know there used to be a device on MI that could disable the airbag and it seems like the passenger seatbelt warning as well. Since MI isn't around anymore, is there another source for these? Some instructions to DIY one anywhere?

Thanks guys.

[ern-diz]

I checked my vin recently using one of the links provided in one of the other threads about this and came up on it as well. Thought it was strange that CA was listed as one of the red/priority states. Not sure if that's more about high humidity heat, or number of influential individuals in this state. In any case, I'm hoping for a fix soon. Working from home, I usually only drive my car for going places with my gal, but now we take her car so my car sees very little road time. Bums me out because I enjoy driving my car.

Like you, I haven't received any official paperwork. Unlike you, I wouldn't want a third party or DIY disable device. My mild OCD would still focus on the potential frag grenade behind the dash. I want that thing out ASAP.

[47_MasoN_47]

I'm just irritated at this garbage in general. I finally got the last 3 recalls done on my car just for another one to come out. Mark that down as another reason I'm never going to buy anything else made after 1990.

[ern-diz]

I'm just irritated at this garbage in general. I finally got the last 3 recalls done on my car just for another one to come out. Mark that down as another reason I'm never going to buy anything else made after 1990.

No kidding, eh? Super annoying and from what I understand, they're still installing them in cars today. Total garbage.

[CTScott]

So it's looking like my 2009 sedan may be affected by the passenger airbag recall. I haven't got any official papers for it but I checked my VIN online and it came up. I'm not sure what all is involved in replacing that airbag, but if they have to pull the dash out frankly I'd rather just disable the airbag and not worry about it rather than risk some dealership breaking my boost gauges and all the other custom stuff I've done to my dash. I know there used to be a device on MI that could disable the airbag and it seems like the passenger seatbelt warning as well. Since MI isn't around anymore, is there another source for these? Some instructions to DIY one anywhere?

Thanks guys.

That would be the occupant classification sensor bypass module that I developed and sold through them. It allows you to have a switch to choose to arm or disarm the passenger airbag. I developed it for various Toyota vehicles to allow people to run race seats and still have the airbag system stay happy.

[ern-diz]

That would be the occupant classification sensor bypass module that I developed and sold through them. It allows you to have a switch to choose to arm or disarm the passenger airbag. I developed it for various Toyota vehicles to allow people to run race seats and still have the airbag system stay happy.

Knowing you made it, and not some fly by night third party company, does make me feel better about it, but I'd still rather get the pos airbag out of my car.

Out of curiosity, are you still making/selling that module?

[Capt]

I have a 2009 Yaris in South Florida, like most of us I need to use my car. So I want this dangerous airbag disabled or removed.
I believe that disabling it will be an open door for insurance companies to refuse any claims filed by the occupant leaving the owner of the vehicle liable for injuries.
T is trying to limit their liability by telling owners that no one should ride in the passenger seat.

??Anyone know what the legal ramifications are for disabling the airbag.??

[CTScott]

I have a 2009 Yaris in South Florida, like most of us I need to use my car. So I want this dangerous airbag disabled or removed.
I believe that disabling it will be an open door for insurance companies to refuse any claims filed by the occupant leaving the owner of the vehicle liable for injuries.
T is trying to limit their liability by telling owners that no one should ride in the passenger seat.

??Anyone know what the legal ramifications are for disabling the airbag.??

It is illegal for a vehicle repair shop, reseller, etc. to disable airbags (and they can be fined severly for doing so), but an individual can disable them on their own car. There are also regulations for cases where they can be disabled:

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/Air+Bags/Deactivation+FAQ#1

[Mharr]

So is the passenger airbag bypass plug still available anywhere, or at least a circuit diagram? I've just joined the ranks of super-impressed Toyota customers with a possible IED dashboard, and apparently UK models don't have an off switch either.

[dogsridewith]

Can I unplug connector(s) and remove the passenger seat so the car still runs and drives?

[bronsin]

Can I unplug connector(s) and remove the passenger seat so the car still runs and drives?

No I dont think so. I used to r and r the pass seat in my ECHO without issue.

But that wont work in my 09 Yaris.

[CTScott]

Can I unplug connector(s) and remove the passenger seat so the car still runs and drives?

If you unplug the connector, you will put the airbag system in an error state where none of your airbags will fire in a crash (including your driver's side ones).

[CTScott]

So is the passenger airbag bypass plug still available anywhere, or at least a circuit diagram? I've just joined the ranks of super-impressed Toyota customers with a possible IED dashboard, and apparently UK models don't have an off switch either.

I don't have all of the wiring diagrams for the MK1 European Yaris, and the MK2 ones have a different passenger occupancy detection system than our US ones do, but I believe on the MK1's that the passenger occupancy sensor is just a switch. This switch which feeds the info to the SRS ECU to determine if the airbag should fire in a crash.

[dogsridewith]

If you unplug the connector, you will put the airbag system in an error state where none of your airbags will fire in a crash (including your driver's side ones).

So the Yaris with seat airbag connector unplugged will run and drive without a constant audible warning beep/alarm?

[dogsridewith]

I don't have all of the wiring diagrams for the MK1 European Yaris, and the MK2 ones have a different passenger occupancy detection system than our US ones do, but I believe on the MK1's that the passenger occupancy sensor is just a switch. This switch which feeds the info to the SRS ECU to determine if the airbag should fire in a crash.

Why does the 2007 Yaris beep for awhile and flash lights when I put something on the passenger seat?

[CTScott]

Why does the 2007 Yaris beep for awhile and flash lights when I put something on the passenger seat?

Because the US 2nd gen (aka MK2) Yaris has a occupant classification system for the passenger seat, which actually measures the weight of the passenger at four points between the seat and seat frame and uses that data to determine if the airbag should be armed (and if the seatbelt should be buckled)

[dkwilfert]

While letters are not out yet, the replacement inflators are now in stock/arriving at Toyota dealers. Had the recall closed yesterday afternoon on my wife's 08 hatchback here in Knoxville. :clap:

Check with your local dealer; you too may be able to make this recall history.

[ern-diz]

While letters are not out yet, the replacement inflators are now in stock/arriving at Toyota dealers. Had the recall closed yesterday afternoon on my wife's 08 hatchback here in Knoxville. :clap:

Check with your local dealer; you too may be able to make this recall history.

Good to know, thanks for the update.

[47_MasoN_47]

dkwilfert did they say what they had to do to replace it? Wondering if the whole dash has to be removed or if they can get to the airbag by removing the glove box or something.

[CTScott]

dkwilfert did they say what they had to do to replace it? Wondering if the whole dash has to be removed or if they can get to the airbag by removing the glove box or something.

The whole dash top has to be removed to change it.