Other Electrical Parts

Other Electrical Parts gathers electrical items that sit outside the main groups of wiring, switches, fuses and lighting. It holds an airbag disable kit, for competition cars in which the factory airbag steering wheel gives way to a competition wheel.

The airbag control unit monitors each airbag circuit whenever the ignition is on, and logs a fault when one is open. A disable kit takes the place of the removed airbag in that circuit.

Disabling an airbag removes a safety system, so it is meant for competition cars whose regulations allow or require it. On the road it affects occupant safety, legality and insurance: check the law where the car is registered, and tell the insurer and any later buyer. The rest of the restraint system, such as the passenger airbag and belt pretensioners, stays live and needs the same care as before.

Before ordering, check the following.

• Purpose: the kit is for a car converted for competition, typically where a smaller wheel on a quick-release boss replaces the airbag wheel.
• Connector: the kit has to plug into the airbag circuit it replaces, so compare it with the car’s connector.

Leave the work to a competent person, who first de-energises the system as the car maker specifies. The control unit holds a reserve charge for a while after the battery is disconnected. Never probe an airbag circuit with a meter or test lamp, which can fire the igniter. A removed airbag module contains an explosive charge, so store it face up, away from heat, and hand it in for proper disposal.