We had a Mitsubishi Triton at work. Possibly around a 2008 model. You could turn the passenger airbag off by turning a switch in the glovebox using the ignition key.
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There is a key operated passenger airbag isolation switch (which sits in the edge of the dashboard by the passenger door, there's a blanking plate there) part number ywl500050pvj, but it seems you need a small loom to connect that switch to the airbag circuit, which I can't find on the parts listing.
I've no idea about the legality or compliance with ADRs though.
Aussie airbags cannot be turned off in the D3/RRS. The seatbelt gong can be turned off as I have done it on my RRS. Was some time ago and cannot member how - something about pushing in the seat belt tongue a number of times etc - do what I did at the time google the issue and it you will find it. The Dash indication still lights up though.
Still haven't found how to turn off the gong when the key is in the ignition and the door is open - anyone?
Cheers
Garry
Mine has the sticker for turning the air bag off and a plastic cap, when I remove the cap their is a plug behind their. Would it be as simple as buying the switch? (assuming its just a key size slot rather than something key specific)
The issue is that is markets like the US, the airbags are considered a primary restraint system (PRS) and deploy at lower G forces. If Yanks chose to make seat belt wearing compulsory, they wouldn't need PRS airbags.
In Australia it is a secondary restraint system (SRS), deploy at higher G forces and at-risk children (under 4) are not permitted to sit in the front passenger seat and children 4 - 7 if in front are must sit in an approved booster seat. http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/.../subordleg+179+2008+pt.16-rule.266+0+N So airbag override should not be required.
Actually of the 50 US states, only 1, New Hampshire doesn't require seat belts. And even they require it at least for children.
Most of the cars I've owned have indicated in the owners manual or sun visor warning sticker that the airbag is supplemental, and that it was unsafe to rely on the airbag alone.
It seems that in the last 10 years various states are waking up to the issues of unrestrained passengers, that's great. However the legislation here still disallows the disabling of airbags. You must already know that we are far more of a nanny state than the US could ever be. :D