How to disable my airbag *gasp*

[bradleyheathhays]

So my Mom drives a 2002 Ford Taurus that I believe has one of the Takata airbags that have been killing people. So far her car hasn't been recalled for the airbag, but I know this recall is being done piece meal as they can't do them all at once, and since the recall applies to the year right close to hers I suspect hers eventually will be recalled as well. Either way I don't want to take the chance, and here's why...

The explanation for why these things are going off is there's some defect in the manufacturing that when the air bag is exposed to humid conditions and lots of temp fluctuations, something in them weakens and there they go. Mom's Taurus has a windshield leak so, even though it's never smelled, there's always been a virtual puddle of water in driver's side floor board. So the inside of the car has always been humid, just like in the airbag explosion scenarios.

So, for the time being, until she gets into another car, I'd like to disconnect her airbag to be on the safe side. She is an amazingly vigilant driver, never even a speeding ticket, and the risk of her rear ending someone is virtually non-existent.

How would I go about disabling an airbag on a 2002 Ford Taurus?

Or, alternatively, how do I open the steering wheel column, or front of the steering wheel, which might be part of the disabling process itself, and identify if Mom's airbag is indeed one of the defective types?

[Paintor]

Per liability, nobody can tell you how to do what you want to do.

 

Makes them liable in a court of law should injuries occur.

 

Close thread.

 

 

[Imcrazy]

You don't wanna mess with air bags... Especially potentially defective ones... They're not that expensive - take it in and pay the dealer to replace if you're that worried about it... It would be less than $1000 I bet... Also have the windshield fixed while you're at it...

[Silverado4x4]

On 5/18/2019 at 12:11 AM, bradleyheathhays said:

So my Mom drives a 2002 Ford Taurus that I believe has one of the Takata airbags that have been killing people. So far her car hasn't been recalled for the airbag, but I know this recall is being done piece meal as they can't do them all at once, and since the recall applies to the year right close to hers I suspect hers eventually will be recalled as well. Either way I don't want to take the chance, and here's why...

The explanation for why these things are going off is there's some defect in the manufacturing that when the air bag is exposed to humid conditions and lots of temp fluctuations, something in them weakens and there they go. Mom's Taurus has a windshield leak so, even though it's never smelled, there's always been a virtual puddle of water in driver's side floor board. So the inside of the car has always been humid, just like in the airbag explosion scenarios.

So, for the time being, until she gets into another car, I'd like to disconnect her airbag to be on the safe side. She is an amazingly vigilant driver, never even a speeding ticket, and the risk of her rear ending someone is virtually non-existent.

How would I go about disabling an airbag on a 2002 Ford Taurus?

Or, alternatively, how do I open the steering wheel column, or front of the steering wheel, which might be part of the disabling process itself, and identify if Mom's airbag is indeed one of the defective types?

It doesn't look like  that vehicle is in the recall from what I have seen. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-your-takata-air-bag-under-recall/  or you can go here https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ but I WOULD NOT MESS WITH THE AIR BAG as in if something would happen the insurance company is going to come after you for deactivating it. You are going to open yourself up to all kind of legal issues.

Edited May 19, 2019 by Silverado4x4

[davester]

Yeah, anybody sitting in that position (where you want to disable the airbag) will likely have injury claims denied by the insurance company because the airbag was disabled, if they get in an accident (regardless of who's at fault).

 

Realistically, if you are concerned about it, sell the car and buy another one that you know has a fixed/good airbag.

[bradleyheathhays]

Thanks for the good help.  Yes I'm there with all of you.  Concerned but not sure what to do.  Thanks again.

[asilverblazer]

Pulling the fuse usually disables electronic devices.

 

I don't know how to take apart the thing, but usually there is a plug in the back that could be unhooked to.

 

oooh, I'm scared now, don't sue me...

[Paintor]

14 hours ago, asilverblazer said:

Pulling the fuse usually disables electronic devices.

 

I don't know how to take apart the thing, but usually there is a plug in the back that could be unhooked to.

 

oooh, I'm scared now, don't sue me...

 

Warned ya.

 

Alot of failed sons been killing their parents to get money and the house. Now the poor ole lady is going to eat steering wheel after he cuts her brakes.?

Edited May 21, 2019 by Paintor