Airbags and Body lift, specifically, why not?

[Mr Termite]

OK, so I know you can't do a BL if you have airbags. And I know it's because of the airbag sensors....

So why can't you just move the sensors to suit? Like you would barwork to have it sitting in the right position again? Honestly, I have no idea what the sensors look like and how they're fitted, so someone might need to explain that one too me.

And yes, I have googled and searched, all I've found is 'Can't do it, it's got airbags'.... lots of experts around methinks.

[TWISTY]

I have a 2009 model hilux with airbags, and a 100% approved bodylift.

It can be done legally, you just need to prove the airbags are not affected by installing the bodylift.

[grimbo]

Depends on the vehicle , some can be body lifted while others can't all depends on where and how the sensors are? Best bet is contacting your local road authourity to find out

[mmaaxx]

if the sensors are located on the chassis rails then forget it...as lifting the body will stretch the wiring.

If the sensors are located on the body then it may be doable but you must be able to prove with proper documentation that the lift wont affect activation and operation of the airbag/SRS system.

If the sensors are impact sensors then it wont be doable, if the sensors are deceleration sensors then it will be doable.

Your biggest problem will be finding an engineer that wil be willing to give you 5 minutes to listen and read the information you may have aquired.

Many are "old school" and do not want to even consider the possibility of it. Thats my experience, even if the information provided is the best that anyone can source.

Then you have the ADR's of 1200mm headlight height which the vehicle can be higher than.

Good luck...not impossible, but very very difficult.

[TheBigBoy]

Why dont you just pull the fuse on the airbags and do away with them and body lift it.

[tehekho]

Why dont you just pull the fuse on the airbags and do away with them and body lift it.

Because then the airbags wont work - and authorities don't like that...

[joeblow]

Why dont you just pull the fuse on the airbags and do away with them and body lift it.

thats one of the most inteligent things i've read on here in a while......

[alien]

if it was an issue of stretching the wires, couldnt you pull the fuse (making it safe to work on) and extend the wires?

[tehekho]

if it was an issue of stretching the wires, couldnt you pull the fuse (making it safe to work on) and extend the wires?

They have all nice double action connectors so you can't disconnect them and probably paid some idiot three times as much for the wiring - i don't think they'd appreciate somebody cut/shutting the loom - even if you were to solder or crimp and do whatever is appropriate...

At the end of the day, how are you going to test that your connections are satisfactory?

[TheBigBoy]

Well I dont like people telling me "I cant do this, and I cant do that" Id just ditch the airbags. But thats me.

[mmaaxx]

Well I dont like people telling me "I cant do this, and I cant do that" Id just ditch the airbags. But thats me.

That is a totally irresponsible comment.

You ditch the airbag, have an accident that May not have been your fault but somebody dies in your vehicle. Vehicle investigators see that the SRS airbag system has been de activated or removed then you are liable for manslaughter charges since your illlegal mnodification contributed to the death of a passenger.

The way to solve this is to find an engineer that is willing to give you the time of day and come prepared with all the technical information you can to them. Diagrams of where all the sensors are located on the vehicle, how does the SRS airbag system work, what failsafes do they have built in etc etc etc.

then you "may" have a chance of getting it approved .

[TheBigBoy]

Well I dont like people telling me "I cant do this, and I cant do that" Id just ditch the airbags. But thats me.

That is a totally irresponsible comment.

You ditch the airbag, have an accident that May not have been your fault but somebody dies in your vehicle. Vehicle investigators see that the SRS airbag system has been de activated or removed then you are liable for manslaughter charges since your illlegal mnodification contributed to the death of a passenger.

The way to solve this is to find an engineer that is willing to give you the time of day and come prepared with all the technical information you can to them. Diagrams of where all the sensors are located on the vehicle, how does the SRS airbag system work, what failsafes do they have built in etc etc etc.

then you "may" have a chance of getting it approved .

Like I said. Thats just me. Im sure none of you are followers and its their final decission anyway. There are some 4x4's in which the airbags can be switched off from factory via a dial, so how does that work then? If 1 has come out from factory with it, then cant the mod be fitted to other cars. Inwhich with a body lift you just have it always in the off possition .

I understand what your saying, but engineers arent as easy going as you think.

As for the legal stands. I would say that more than 50% of 4x4's are illegal anyway. So the whole at fault thing is out the window (if your at fault or not). Tyres = illegal. Lift = illegal. Castor plates, bush's or arms = illegal. My cb arial and steering wheel are illegal. It seems like all the good gear is illegal .

Im sure many others on here are the same. I would LOVE to do things all by the book and legal.

[mmaaxx]

Name me one 4x4 where you can switch the SRS airbags system off via switch.....there arent any...if its fitted its mandatory that it be operational at all times.

[TheBigBoy]

I just started searching for what car I was in that had it the airbag on/off switch. Turns out the switch is only for the passenger air bag. Then I found this. Could help.
http://www.airbagonoff.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://aoielectrical.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is also heaps on youtube from people changing their steering wheels.