Problem Changing Airbag Door panels for Non Airbag

[Vorland]

My 996 has a blown door airbag. I want to change it to non airbag and have bought 2 door panels that are identical but have no airbag.

The Porsche specialist who is fixing my car tells me that the Airbag system check will bring it up as a fault and I might have the Airbag fault light come on. Also the fault will register in the ECU.

Is there any way to get around this problem. I know that there is an airbag activator switch that sits behind the door airbag. Could this not be connected up and somehow permanently stuck on OK position so no errors get reported. Or is there another way?

Any help appreciated....

[LVDell]

The first question I woudll ask is why would want to be less safe in your car and replace with a non-airbag component? I am confused on this one. Please tell me it is not becasue you are trying to save a few bucks.

[magcuda]

LVDell is correct. the system was designed for your safety. not only that but no respectable tech would rig the car and cancel the fault light, law suit city if any one ever got hurt.

[Tool Pants]

Why can't you put on the replacement door panel and leave your existing side air bag hooked up and where it is? Try it and see if the replacement panel will fit over the air bag. The air bag is attached to the door, not the door panel. Would be funny if it blows up however.

My 1997 Boxster does not have side air bags, as that started in 1998. I thought perhaps you could use a 1997 Boxster air bag control unit on a car with side air bags but the plug is different.

The other way to trick the air bag control unit into thinking there is an air bag hooked up is to use a resistor with the correct ohm rating.

Where do your replacement door panels come from, and what is the model year?

[Vorland]

Part of the reason is cost but also finding 2 door trims that match.

I know the safety issues are important but I think I am OK with that.

The door panels are off a GT3 and are black with pockets no speaker.

[LVDell]

How can you be ok with these safety issues (or lack therof)? Not smart to cut costs expecailly when they pertain to safety. Still do not understand you logic on that one.

This is a P-Car you are dealing with. Fix it correctly and you will not have surprise repairs and problems in the future that will set you back more than you are trying to save right now.