Aftermarket seats and airbags

[Ranger]

Apparently the airbag adjusts it's deployment force based on the weight it perceives in the seat. So what happens when you install an aftermarket seat like a Recaro or an SPG? If you disconnect all of the wiring to the seat, is it possible that the airbag won't even deploy? I have a '99.

Edited May 2, 2007 by RangerGress

[Loren]

There is no weight sensor in the 996. The airbag uses the seat belt buckle to tell if someone is in the seat - that is why you need the special bar and programming when you use a child seat.

So if you disconnect the seat belt buckle you will get an airbag (warning) light -- but the airbag will still deploy on a signal from the trigging unit. (Assuming the airbag itself has not also been disabled).

If you put in a racing seat and racing harness you will need to get a spare belt end to put in the buckle or wire in a resister to simulate the buckle connected.

If you are just driving on the street I suggest you stay with the factory belt/buckle system.

[Ranger]

There is no weight sensor in the 996. The airbag uses the seat belt buckle to tell if someone is in the seat - that is why you need the special bar and programming when you use a child seat.

So if you disconnect the seat belt buckle you will get an airbag (warning) light -- but the airbag will still deploy on a signal from the trigging unit. (Assuming the airbag itself has not also been disabled).

If you put in a racing seat and racing harness you will need to get a spare belt end to put in the buckle or wire in a resister to simulate the buckle connected.

If you are just driving on the street I suggest you stay with the factory belt/buckle system.

Thanks a lot Loren. Whatever they're paying you, it ain't enough <g>.

[boss351]

There is no weight sensor in the 996. The airbag uses the seat belt buckle to tell if someone is in the seat - that is why you need the special bar and programming when you use a child seat.

So if you disconnect the seat belt buckle you will get an airbag (warning) light -- but the airbag will still deploy on a signal from the trigging unit. (Assuming the airbag itself has not also been disabled).

If you put in a racing seat and racing harness you will need to get a spare belt end to put in the buckle or wire in a resister to simulate the buckle connected.

If you are just driving on the street I suggest you stay with the factory belt/buckle system.

Does this apply to all 996's (I have a 2003 TT)?

Where can spare buckles be had (to plug in on a DE day, I'll revert back from 6pt to 3pt for daily useage)?