Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 09:34:41 -0400 From: Rob Levandowski <roblnopsamhiz.com> Subject: Re: 9-5 and front airbags
In article <1027512563.23959.0.nnrp-07.9e981281nopsam.demon.co.uk>, "JD" <jonathonnopsameditch_AUNTY_SPAM_.com> wrote: > Hi, > I have a 2000 9-5. I wanted to know what happens about disabling the front > passenger airbag. I want to use a rear-facing baby car seat and I need it > disabled. Presumably this is something that a dealer has to do ? Is it then > easy to re-arm the bag when I want to put a normal sized adult in the front > seat ? Or do I have to go back to the dealer when i want it armed again ? > Also (but slightly OT) can anyone recommend a rear facing baby car seat > available in the UK. There seem to be lots of options like travel systems > etc but being my first one (baby that is) I'm slightly at sea without a > paddle. Child seats should be in the rear of the vehicle. Your dealer can even install a special mounting attachment point on your package shelf to help secure the child seat properly, if your car didn't come equipped with them. The rear seat is a much safer location for the child, especially if the child seat is installed in the middle position. This puts the child in the place least likely to suffer an intrusion during an accident. If UK laws regarding airbags are anything like the US laws, you're not likely to get the front airbag disabled legally. In the US, to disable front airbags in a passenger car, one must have written permission from the Department of Transportation. Obtaining that permission usually requires documentation of need. Even with that permission, it may be difficult to find a dealership willing to perform the operation, as there is concern that they might be held liable for injuries which occur due to the lack of a functioning airbag. The "disablement" may consist of a key switch, which must be activated with your ignition key prior to each occasion that you start the vehicle, so that the airbag defaults to "armed" unless you turn it off. Even then, your child's head would still be right next to a functioning explosive device that could be set off by a short circuit or static discharge (unlikely as that may be). It's far simpler, and FAR safer, to put your child in the back seat. :) -- Rob Levandowski roblnopsamhiz.com (Opinions expressed are solely my own and not a statement from my employer)
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