jeff schaffer

Can the airbag deploy if the ignition is off ?
I'm trying to paint wheel controls but cant disconect the neg. battery
in the trunk at this time.
I read edmunds says no
some help please on this ?
jeff

843de

Yes it can, the airbags can deploy with the ignition off in the right circumstances. The way the system is designed, the bags can deploy even after the vehicle is deprived of power. In a "worst case scenario", you get rear ended and it destroys the battery, but you're also sent shooting into oncoming traffic head on into a truck...the bags will still deploy using current stored by capacitors in the SRS system. That's why you need to disconnect the battery and let the current decay for at least five minutes.

Air bags need to be handled with the utmost respect, even disconnected from the vehicle they present a danger to you. My Dad has a student in his post graduate program who is blind in both eyes due to a bag going off in his hands. He did it the "right" way, and the bag deployed in his face at nearly point blank range when he removed it from the dash in his Subaru. As best as they can figure, there was a static discharge from his hands that triggered the bag.

Laco

I believe you can disable the SRS system by pulling fuse 8, behind the kick panel on the right side of the console.

843de

You can pull the fuse, but for added insurance and peace of mind, always disconnect the battery and wait until the system bleeds its voltage off...5 minutes minimum.