Installing a shunt in drivers side curtain airbag

Hi everyone! I currently have a 2009 Taco access cab off road. It is outfitted with hand controls and a lift to put my wheelchair in the back. I am in a wheelchair (obviously) and have to use a grab handle that was installed over the driver's door where the airbag is supposed to be. Well, the guy that installed it is no longer around and most mobility dealers will not mess with airbag modifications or removal. So a buddy and I are going to try to put this in my new truck.

I purchased yesterday a 2017 Taco access cab off road which is going to get a similar lift and hand controls, but I still need to install the grab handle. The airbag can be removed I think and just have a shunt installed in the circuit to tell the computer the airbag is still there.

Does anyone have any experience in removing an airbag (not deployed) from a new truck. Which shunt should I consider? Is there a procedure I should follow for doing this. Is there someone I should consider taking the truck to to have it done professionally?

I am in Central Indiana and could use whatever help I can get. Thanks guys!!

 

If only OneShort was still around. I know he had similar challenges. Good question and wonder if another sub forum might be more helpful. @JimBeam ?

Perhaps technical sub forum would be more help OP

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/technical-chat.10/

 

Not sure Bob would be comfortable in regards to liability giving public instruction on removing mandated safety equipment, as far as a subforum goes.

But I don't know much about anything.

I'd think they're deactivated when the battery is removed from the system. Then explore removal of the panel.

 

http://aoielectrical.com/find-your-product/deactivation-shunts/

 

To get the airbag out you're probably going to have to lower the headliner, going to have to take out all the pillars, sunvisors, overhead console and rear dome light. Then unbolt and disconnect the airbag. Then you can find a mounting spot for the handle while you have the headliner dropped. It's not that big of a job just a little time consuming.

 

I'm not sure a shunt would take the place of an airbag.

I had an older vehicle that was affected by the Takata airbag recall. The airbag had the potential of shooting shrapnel, but no airbag recall replacements were available at the time. So I disconnected the airbag connector at the airbag, and shunted it. The SRS dashboard light illuminated, so it appears it knew the airbag itself was disconnected.

About a year later, the airbag was replaced under the recall, and the SRS light went out.

 

Did it have a resistor inline? If not that's why. And if so perhaps it was the wrong resistance

 

No, the connector was shorted out. That would probably explain why the SRS system tripped the light.

 

Welcome!

Wondering if a specialist in mobility modifications might be a better place to turn to. Seems to me that specialists in these type of mods are best suited to answer these questions. I'd recommend doing a search in your area for mobility experts specializing in vehicles. But best luck to you OP. Hope you enjoy your truck and fits your needs in the end.

 

Have you considered asking Toyota?

 

Not sure if these people can help, but maybe worth a call...they may have a suggestion.

http://www.absolutemobilitycenter.com/op-mobility-vehicle-lifts-in-tacoma/

EDIT: Maybe led you in the wrong direction here, sorry. Didn't realize Tacoma, WA. But might be worth asking anyway.

 

Thanks for all the input guys! I have thought about asking toyota. My biggest fear right after buying a new truck and telling them "oh by the way, I want to remove an airbag" is that they might rip the warranty up right in front of me. I had considered it though.

I will keep looking at mobility places that might be willing to help me out, but most go back to not wanting the liability.

And yes, I believe the shunt will work. That is what is in my 2009 Taco instead of an airbag.

 

You might want to look into the Toyota Mobility program.
Looks like you might qualify for up to $1,000 reimbursement if you have the work done with less than 799 miles.

http://www.toyotamobility.com/faq.html#3

 

I already know about this program. Most OEM's have something similar to this. I will use my hand controls and chair lift for this rebate.