Disable Passenger Side Airbag....?

[Mik]

Hi All,

I have discovered that I do not have a mechanism to disable the passenger side airbag....or at least, I cant find the bloody thing!.... [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Looking through the manual, it seems there should be a switch in the glove compartment, but its not there..??

My car is an 98/S S4 Avant.....any ideas?

Thanks!

[wazza]

It is usually on the top left of the compartment and the switch is operated by using your key. [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

[Mik]

Thats the thing.....its not there.

[wazza]

[img]images/graemlins/suicide.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Is it a imported model? i think that some imports dont require these as regulations.

[Mik]

Hi Riz

No, its a UK car. reg 10/98 the first time.

Mik

[Mik]

[img]images/graemlins/062802beat_prv.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

I highly doubt they forgot to install it at the factory.... does it look it should be in the glovebox? i.e. space but no lock barrel?
Maybe this was before it was UK specification to include the airbag on/off things? dunno really [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[Mik]

Might not have been included on early models (have noticed a small beware of airbag sign by the passenger side door).....makes me think what it would take to get it fitted, as it is hard to live without having the childseat in front.....any ideas anyone?

Thanks

[DavidT]

I assume you could remove a fuse or a relay, maybe even a plug but it all sounds far to risky doesn't it ?

I had a 1.8T sport before my S4, that was a 98 model and i'm sure I could disable that. I'll try and remember how.

[kiwi_mtm]

I have a 01 1.8T A4, and an 01 RS4, and neither have this feature to turn off the passenger airbag.

I am in New Zealand though. Our cars are euro spec cars, but options slightly differ sometimes.

[Dippy]

The switch is in fact optional since it disables a safety feature. The usual reason people want it is if they have children in the passenger seat, where the airbag can be dangerous. However IMO children should ride in the back where it's safest.

[tombs]

It seems on 1998/99 models of the S4 it isnt there, but my 2000 A4 (previous car) did have the key option in the glovebox on the top right hand side. I know what you mean Mik, as I have a baby daughter and its a pain not being able to have her up front, or my wife has to come for the ride as well.

[Dippy]

and its a pain not being able to have her up front, or my wife has to come for the ride as well.

Not as much as the pain of being thrown through the windscreen!

Remember that you may be able to assess the risks (I assume that you do), but a child can't...

[tombs]

erh.... how could she be thrown through the windscreen she is 2 month's old and would be in a rear facing baby seat??? [img]images/graemlins/spineyes.gif[/img]
That is the very reason audi introduced a mechanism to turn of the the passenger airbag, so it would'nt crush the baby seat (which is secured by the seat belt), and if you happen to be driving by your self and you need to transport your baby you can have him or her up front with you, were you can keep an eye on them. As the early days of a babies life are very much touch and go, it is very reassuring to have the baby within your view, where as if the rear facing baby seat is on the back seat you cant see them from your driving position.
[img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

Remember some soap boxes are made of balsa wood.... [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]