I got in a minor fender bender some time ago and am just about done with repairs. My airbag deployed and I want to replace it with the older kind that doesn't have an airbag. I saw on this forum that it has been done but I need to know specifically what problems/issues I may run in to if I do this...will the column/wheel mount need modification? Will the horn work? Stuff like that...it's in a 96 Cherokee Country btw

Thanks in advance

 

I'm pretty sure thats illegal,but maybe others will chime in

 

I did this in a Nissan truck I had about 12 years ago. Replaced the airbag equipped steering wheel with an aftermarket one. Horn still worked and truck passed state inspection. I don't believe it is an illegal modification, but I am not well versed in different state regs.

 

It is illegal to tamper with or modify the seatbelts and airbag systems, it's a federal law. If somebody gets killed in the vehicle and it was found to be tampered with, you could do some time in a PMINTA prison.

 

It's not illegal where I live... All I need to know is if it's doable without losing functionality...otherwise it's black tape across the front of the one that's in it now lol

 

Sorry about that, didn't see the last post. No matter what there's not going to be a new airbag, all I want to know is if swapping the wheel is an option.

 

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/airbagqa.html

 

Clear as mud

 

Yeah clear as mud is right. The way I read it, your ok because the air bag deployed. It seems that only dealers and shops are prohibited by law and if you disconnect an air bag you should post a big sign that says (no airbags) to CYA.

 

That's what I thought... was hoping someone could translate it into English. I would prefer an airbag be operational on any vehicle I drive on the road, but I would like to disable mine for trail use. Either way, just hoping someone would understand that mess and let the OP know.

 

As i understand it its more like the removing the cats thing. Sure its illegal but you arent going to spend time in jail for doing it. I live in Michigan and have never heard of anyone getting more than a slap on the wrist for such a thing and that was only because they were already getting nailed for illegal street racing. If its already blown just swap it out and dont worry about it. Pretty sure the steering shaft has the same spline count regardless of year and all you need is the wheel and an adapter kit.

 

Just remember to tell the next person there isnt an airbag there if you repair this one. My wife and I got a dodge neon back in 06 and were in a pretty decent head on collision and we wondered why the airbags didnt deploy. Well we had bought it from a small dealer to bought cars from auctions and I dont believe they new they had deployed. the car had a new dash and new steering wheel but no airbags.

 

Buy a used airbag off ebay, they're not that expensive...

 

This is the info I was hoping for, what kind of adapter kit would I need?

 

I'm trying to replace my turn signal switch but stoped short of pulling the steering wheel I don't know what to do about the Air Bag?????