14 replies to this topic

[leepol83]

Hi guys been a while, I’ve a 1997 mpi mini and I want to disable the air bag in the safest way possible, I know ill get a lot of why would you do that!! Well these things only last 10 years apparently so seems more dangerous leaving it active than to remove it in my opinion, is it a case of unplugging the connector on the back of the air bag or from the module under the rear seat ??
Cheers in advance

[MiniMadRacer]

My understanding is when air bags were first introduced they had a recommended life span of 10 years, subsequently extended to 15 years. In the light of experience and no time degredation I believe air bags no longer have any expiry date or service interval.

 

Also disconnecting one may invalidate your insurance, esp any injury claim.

[Ethel]

Isn't the warning light also part of the MoT?

[MiniMadRacer]

yes it is, I am pretty sure now any light on the dash board that is not supposed to be on, is an MOT failure..

[MiniMadRacer]

Back in the 80s I worked for an Ins Co. and although seat belt wearing then was not law here in the UK, we automatically reduced any claim by 25% for personal injury if you were not wearing a seat belt...

[Shaun78]

Hi,any srs system fitted as standard equipment cannot be removed that will be an mot failure,the airbag light can be on for mot if the passenger side airbag is switched off which can be done on certain cars that have a switch to do it,some people do remove airbags for some reason and put resistors in line to keep the light out,but an mot tester might question why the srs light doesn't work when the ignition is switched on.and then comes the insurance problem it could be void,and also if the worst happens and had an accident the police could ask questions.i would say if it hasn't got a fault leave it as it is.

[leepol83]

Thanks chaps
The light is in constantly on, which may be because the battery has gone flat 🤷‍♂️ I’m not a fan of having an air bag in a classic mini, if it deploys I dont think it’ll do anything giving the force required to set it off, had minis all my life with no air bag fitted and written a few off and I’m still here!! Just looking for the safest way of disconnect it really, I don’t think the mot man will even know it has an airbags in all honestly giving the age of it

[Shaun78]

Ok best way is to disconnect the battery and leave for about 10mins for the system to discharge and then it can be unplugged.

[leepol83]

Thank you is that the yellow plug behind the air bag itself, will this leave the air bag itself in a safe state ?

[Shaun78]

Yes it's a yellow plug,as long as the airbag is not connected and all wiring insulated you are safe,the just do something to get the light out before next mot.

[leepol83]

Yes it's a yellow plug,as long as the airbag is not connected and all wiring insulated you are safe,the just do something to get the light out before next mot.

Great thanks

[Ethel]

I'm sure there have been  some threads, if they haven't been lost. Searching with Google's Site: feature could be the best way of looking.

 

 

I don't think keeping the air bag will be a legal requirement because your Mini will predate that rule. You will still have to square it with your insurance though. 

 

Also worth noting the MPI windscreen is thicker to accommodate the airbag. I wouldn't like to say if that's a consideration, but the other front seat is also behind it: without an airbag.

[roblightbody]

Out of interest, does someone make replacement airbags for the MPI minis, and is the part unique to the mini?

[Ethel]

I think it's the same as the MGF. But I can't say for sure the critical bits are. They could easily have fitted a model specific bag & detonator.

[bpirie1000]

It appears that when a cars airbag has depoyed then the insurance will 90% of the time write the car off and hence the reason for the supply chain for airbags is so small.....

Gap in the market there for someone but i suspect an explosive enviroment to work in...