DJ1998

Hi there,
I just purchased my 1st Vette, a 98'. There is no cut off switch to the passenger side airbag. I am terrified to ride my 9 year old around town with me! Does anyone out there know if I can trust those next generation bags to not hurt my little girl? Crazy...the owners manual explains how to install a baby car seat! I always thought car seats weren't to be installed when airbags are present!
What do you seasoned owners think about it?
Also, does anyone have info on installing a cut-off switch? Price?
Thanks to all! I'm so honored to be a part of this gang!!!!

Oldvetter

1998 C5s do NOT have second generation air bags. Rear facing children seats should NOT be used. A 9 year old girl should be okay, but if she is 40-60 lbs she should be in a booster seat so the seatbelt hits her low across the hips not across the stomach. She should sit well back from the airbag.

You can buy an air bag switch and install it (or have dealer install it) from any Chevy Dealer.

DJ1998

Thanks OldVetter for your reply! I still have her booster seat, great idea!
I have a sticker on my door windows that say next generation airbag. Is there any way I can check to be sure?

71vetteinva

My 2000 has the air bag cutoff. The owners manual says the airbag should be off for infants and children under 12 years old.

I'd probably let her ride in the car, but I wouldn't let her sit close to the airbag. Have her slide the seat back as far as she can if you're worried or have the switch installed.

LATNC3

I have a 4 year old and he uses his booster seat. puts him up hi....and the seat is well back to i see no danger....just drive carefully!!!!


Rod

jgump

I pull the fuse on my 98.

moserbe

Which fuse do you pull?

Patman

I am pretty sure that they do, as I had a 98 Firebird Formula which I know for sure had second generation airbags on it and do you really think GM would've put them on the f-body but not on the Corvette? I'm sure GM started putting them on the C5 as soon as it came out in 97.

kwest2u

I have the cut off switch, but remember those air bags come out as if they are fired from a shot-gun! I have heard of adults being injured by them, let alone children.
Just be careful!!!!!!!

jovette

Air Bag Cut OFF Switch became standard C5 feature midway through the 2000 C5 production year. My 2000 C5 is 8,4XX produced and it does NOT have the passenger side air bag cut off switch.

BOTYNV1

I would have the cut-off switch installed, maybe a couple hundred bucks, but at what cost is safety?

screw991le

You need to get an aftermarket switch now. GM has discontinued thier kits.

Also along with the switch the seat belt needs to be changed also. It needs to be changed to a mid year 2000 and newer belt. The SRS system is designed to work with a different seat belt.

Here is an older link for the switch.

http://97vette.com/howto/airbag/index.html

Here is the new switch and info.

http://www.aoielectrical.com/

RUNNINGMAN 1

There is a fuse in the box under the passenger dash it is labelled air bag pull it I did mine last year I would not let my 8 year old son drive with me till this was done

JimZRyd

Turn the bag OFF! Safety should be #1, esp with the liitle one's!