Have searched a lot, but no conclusive results found.

What is required to fit a passenger airbag to a car that has only a drivers?

Obviously the dash (unless it has second glovebox instead) and welding on of the mounting tabs to the dash support bar.

Big question is the trigger module and wiring. Do single and dual airbag cars use the same control unit?

Does the passenger airbag trigger wire run in the main loom, or is it separate?

Anyone done it?

Try looking under the dash with a torch you may find the wiring is already there waiting to plug into the airbag module. From memory the wife's & sons TJ2 exec's have the wiring already in position (fitted with a blanking cap on the plug) waiting for the air bag to plug in.


Cheers

I don't want to sound like I'm trying to pour cold water on your idea, but in Queensland at least, you would probably need a modification plate as airbags are part of the ADRs. This may just need an engineer to eyeball the installation or more. Otherwise it's probably illegal and would void your insurance etc.
One of the reasons I upgraded to a TL Magna was the second airbag so I appreciate their worth.

I don't want to sound like I'm trying to pour cold water on your idea, but in Queensland at least, you would probably need a modification plate as airbags are part of the ADRs. This may just need an engineer to eyeball the installation or more. Otherwise it's probably illegal and would void your insurance etc.
One of the reasons I upgraded to a TL Magna was the second airbag so I appreciate their worth.

I hear what you're saying. But I suspect in this case it would not.

Its not fitting an airbag to a model that never had them, thats different in construction to a model that does. There are no engineering differences between 3rd Gens with and without them - particularly in the critical dash support beam it mounts to.

I'm wondering if even the VIN number would tell them wether it was fitted or not - as they were optional on most models, I'm sure plenty of the same model went down the production line with and without it being fitted.

Type "retrofitting airbags" into GOOGLE (Australia) and you'll see where I'm coming from.

I like this guys attitude

http://blog.autospeed.com/2004/11/07/those-that-scoff-and-scorn-the-idea-of-modifications/

Using oe bits on cars that had them fitted as options I still think is fine.

Yup - I can see your point. I'd still like to see the official view from VicRoads.

Edit...curiosity got the best of me so I rang Qld Transport mod/alteration hotline and asked if it was OK to retro-fit a passenger airbag to a '97 Commodore which already had a drivers airbag fitted, also adding that the pass airbag was a factory option. Firm answer was no - and when I added that it was simply 'plug and play' he was still adamant that it would only be allowed if fitted by the manufacturer as it was an alteration to the single bag SRS system installed by the manufacturer at the factory to that particular vehicle and altering it in any way could compromise it despite being available as an option. Finally said that it may be possible to get it passed with an engineers report but that the engineer must assess the fitment using factory data on the particular system in place.
Might be different in other states or if you spoke to a more friendly officer.

madmagna i think did this to a car somewhere its on the threads

madmagna i think did this to a car somewhere its on the threads
Yes he did it to his wagon. Fully stripped the interior and rebuilt to his liking with airbags and the lot. Talk to him is your best bet.

I wouldn't be comfortable with this mod...there just maybe something that's been overlooked.

Go buy a complete dash board with airbag and do it that way i reckon....

The first time you'll find out if it works is when you relly,really need it to work.

Yup - I can see your point. I'd still like to see the official view from VicRoads.

Edit...curiosity got the best of me so I rang Qld Transport mod/alteration hotline and asked if it was OK to retro-fit a passenger airbag to a '97 Commodore which already had a drivers airbag fitted, also adding that the pass airbag was a factory option. Firm answer was no - and when I added that it was simply 'plug and play' he was still adamant that it would only be allowed if fitted by the manufacturer as it was an alteration to the single bag SRS system installed by the manufacturer at the factory to that particular vehicle and altering it in any way could compromise it despite being available as an option. Finally said that it may be possible to get it passed with an engineers report but that the engineer must assess the fitment using factory data on the particular system in place.
Might be different in other states or if you spoke to a more friendly officer.

I love a good good bureaucracy... :facepalm I don't actually doubt Vicroads would say anything much different.

I like your curiosity though ;) Glad Im not the only one that gets stuff like that stuck in their head and needs to know the answer!!

Sounds about right. lol Bureaucracy is run be dumb people who feel important and seek refuge in always saying "no" to anything. I would check that the modules/triggers are the same for single/dual airbags before you go ahead anyway. lol

i pretty sure that the passenger seat belt needs replacing as well, due to the rip stitching required... compare you passenger belt (near the base) with your drivers side belt, there should be a red tag on the drivers belt (at the base), in a crash it rips to extend the belt... and then needs replacing

i pretty sure that the passenger seat belt needs replacing as well, due to the rip stitching required... compare you passenger belt (near the base) with your drivers side belt, there should be a red tag on the drivers belt (at the base), in a crash it rips to extend the belt... and then needs replacing

Now that's an excellent tip!! I confess I wouldn't have thought of that!!

On the subject of seatbelts, what series did Mitsubishi finally put pretensioners into? Was pretty surprised to see none on mums TF!

Going to give this a bump.

Currently got an exec TJS2 with a KJS2 loom fitted so I have the plug for a passenger airbag.

Does the TJS2 exec have the brackets on the beam behind the dash to attach the airbag too? And is it just a matter of pluging in the passenger airbag and it'll be fine? I'm just wondering if the ECU will recognise the airbag and I won't get a SRS warning lamp.

Thanks everyone for any help!

P.S. I'm not worried about legalities with fitting a passenger airbag.
Firstly, who is going to bother to check my car to this degree? No police or vicroads officer is going to bother and I very highly doubt my insurance company would do the same.
Secondly, I've got third party insurance anyway and even if I had full comprehensive there's an incredibly low change of them finding out - I'd have to have a very expensive accident for them to be this thorough and even so - I'm quite certain that they would not refuse a claim for someone who has improved the safety of their car. What is the proof that I did it?
Thirdly, even if if they did check (incredibly unlikely), they would need to know that this was not a factory fitted airbag as the passenger airbag in TJS2 exec's was a option. Furthermore they'd need to fully access the vin number and the option codes in order to actually find the missing option code for a passenger airbag.
All of this actually occurring is near impossible.

Going to give this a bump.

Currently got an exec TJS2 with a KJS2 loom fitted so I have the plug for a passenger airbag.

Does the TJS2 exec have the brackets on the beam behind the dash to attach the airbag too? And is it just a matter of pluging in the passenger airbag and it'll be fine? I'm just wondering if the ECU will recognise the airbag and I won't get a SRS warning lamp.

Thanks everyone for any help!

P.S. I'm not worried about legalities with fitting a passenger airbag.
Firstly, who is going to bother to check my car to this degree? No police or vicroads officer is going to bother and I very highly doubt my insurance company would do the same.
Secondly, I've got third party insurance anyway and even if I had full comprehensive there's an incredibly low change of them finding out - I'd have to have a very expensive accident for them to be this thorough and even so - I'm quite certain that they would not refuse a claim for someone who has improved the safety of their car. What is the proof that I did it?
Thirdly, even if if they did check (incredibly unlikely), they would need to know that this was not a factory fitted airbag as the passenger airbag in TJS2 exec's was a option. Furthermore they'd need to fully access the vin number and the option codes in order to actually find the missing option code for a passenger airbag.
All of this actually occurring is near impossible.

I doubt they would check it, but seriously, you need to know that it would work. To the point of doing a test launch and replacing the bag. Just to make absolutely sure. Your CTP insurer would definitely have something to say about it.

You also need to consider that if it randomly deploys itself because of a fault or if you overlook something, your passenger is going to have a broken nose and you are going to look pretty stupid. Your CTP won't cover that, and you will be defected/fined/imprisoned/hanged for doing it.

thekovac, your "PS" essay sounds like your defending yourself before anyone's even said anything about your idea. That said, your rambling does bring a point to mind. If you have an accident and your passenger is injured as a result of an incorrectly fitted airbag, they will check everything you've stated and they will void your insurance claim which could cost a small fortune in hospital fees etc. and it will be put on you because it's your responsibility as the owner and driver to ensure the vehicle is completely roadworthy before it hits the road. Something to think about ;)

See if VicRoads will give you a letter allowing the modification.

Just fit it and if worse comes to worse. "I bought the car like that"

Just fit it and if worse comes to worse. "I bought the car like that"
That's not gonna go down at all, the driver holds responsibility for having a roadworthy car and will take the fall. Sounds a bit unfair if you did infact purchase it that way, but someone has to cop the blame and it'll always be the driver if it can't be proved otherwise.

I do appreciate the responses and input but let me just respond. I don't mean to refuse your input just trying to have a healthy debate.


I doubt they would check it, but seriously, you need to know that it would work. To the point of doing a test launch and replacing the bag. Just to make absolutely sure. Your CTP insurer would definitely have something to say about it.

You also need to consider that if it randomly deploys itself because of a fault or if you overlook something, your passenger is going to have a broken nose and you are going to look pretty stupid. Your CTP won't cover that, and you will be defected/fined/imprisoned/hanged for doing it.


thekovac, your "PS" essay sounds like your defending yourself before anyone's even said anything about your idea. That said, your rambling does bring a point to mind. If you have an accident and your passenger is injured as a result of an incorrectly fitted airbag, they will check everything you've stated and they will void your insurance claim which could cost a small fortune in hospital fees etc. and it will be put on you because it's your responsibility as the owner and driver to ensure the vehicle is completely roadworthy before it hits the road. Something to think about ;)


Firstly, Airbag's aren't exactly cheap to buy. And Secondly - there's no real way to test if it works or would go off randomly. If it is in the car, then I need to deploy it inside the car or have a high impact accident which I'm not prepared to do lol. O I can make the airbag explode outside the car as well but what does any of this prove?
I can't really see what can I do wrong or I can overlook. The airbag has one connection and that would be connected to a plug that already exists on the loom fitted in my car. My concern is whether the (SRS) ECU can deal with having two airbags connected as originally the car was fitted with only a drivers. Will I have a SRS light or not on the dash?

If it didn't go off in an accident then my car would be much the same as before I fitted the airbag. If my passenger had an injury then its TAC who covers the damage. TAC are not known for inspecting cars in accidents unless it's fatal. If for example the drivers airbag when off and the passenger's didn't then they'd need to actually prove that a) I did the modification and b) it's because of my work that the airbag didn't go off.


See if VicRoads will give you a letter allowing the modification.

Vicroads don't usually send out letters approving modifications. You have to go into a Vicroads center and they come and inspect the car.


That's not gonna go down at all, the driver holds responsibility for having a roadworthy car and will take the fall. Sounds a bit unfair if you did infact purchase it that way, but someone has to cop the blame and it'll always be the driver if it can't be proved otherwise.

A mechanic could check it over give the all clear for the car being 100% roadworthy and the airbag could still be faulty. Unless there's a SRS warning lamp there would be no other real way for any mechanic to know there's a problem with the airbag.

The brackets are what I'm talking about. If the brackets are in place as is the wiring and the ecu is dual srs ready then one would think safety is satisfactory, but I would still express caution and seek advice before fitting from someome qualified who can provide the necessary paperwork to back the installation up in the event of a collision. Remember in terms of wiring and ecu the vehicle won't pass a standard roadworthy if anything shows up out of place with a computer scan.

I do appreciate the responses and input but let me just respond. I don't mean to refuse your input just trying to have a healthy debate.






Firstly, Airbag's aren't exactly cheap to buy. And Secondly - there's no real way to test if it works or would go off randomly. If it is in the car, then I need to deploy it inside the car or have a high impact accident which I'm not prepared to do lol. O I can make the airbag explode outside the car as well but what does any of this prove?
I can't really see what can I do wrong or I can overlook. The airbag has one connection and that would be connected to a plug that already exists on the loom fitted in my car. My concern is whether the (SRS) ECU can deal with having two airbags connected as originally the car was fitted with only a drivers. Will I have a SRS light or not on the dash?

If it didn't go off in an accident then my car would be much the same as before I fitted the airbag. If my passenger had an injury then its TAC who covers the damage. TAC are not known for inspecting cars in accidents unless it's fatal. If for example the drivers airbag when off and the passenger's didn't then they'd need to actually prove that a) I did the modification and b) it's because of my work that the airbag didn't go off.



Vicroads don't usually send out letters approving modifications. You have to go into a Vicroads center and they come and inspect the car.



A mechanic could check it over give the all clear for the car being 100% roadworthy and the airbag could still be faulty. Unless there's a SRS warning lamp there would be no other real way for any mechanic to know there's a problem with the airbag.

Haha I had a feeling you would say that. I am used to NSW rules, not sure how different they are in Vic but yes, you are right. If the airbag doesn't deploy then you are in the same place as where you started. We can give the test a miss then because yes you are right, they aren't cheap.

Surely VicRoads or some other authority could give you a certificate or something to say that you are certified to have it. They can prove that you installed it somehow if you injure somebody. Insurers love a good challenge, so you never know.

Haha I had a feeling you would say that. I am used to NSW rules, not sure how different they are in Vic but yes, you are right. If the airbag doesn't deploy then you are in the same place as where you started. We can give the test a miss then because yes you are right, they aren't cheap.

Surely VicRoads or some other authority could give you a certificate or something to say that you are certified to have it. They can prove that you installed it somehow if you injure somebody. Insurers love a good challenge, so you never know.

The only certification I could get would be an engineers (VASS) certificate. This would cost, at a minimum, $300 (!!) and would also involve a lot of stuffing around with trying to get one. Most of the engineers have other things to do than make VASS certificates so you usually have to wait. Either way - I do not and will not spend the money for a VASS (Engineers) certificate for a stupid passenger airbag.

Might have to give Vicroads a call but they are fairly useless when it comes to this kind of stuff. Last time I called them to have my car's registered details changed to a Manual instead of Auto, it took me 45-60minutes of calling around and I had to speak to 4 people before someone finally told me that I don't need a VASS certificate for a gearbox made by the manufacturer for my model of car. Instead I just had to go into the service centre and they changed the details on the spot.

Legalities aside - from what can see in the service manual, the brackets for the airbag are in the dash pad not on the beam/bar behind the dashboard.

So my real issue is now regarding whether the main SRS ECU and/or Main ECU will be fine with the extra airbag being connected. I really don't want to have a SRS warning light stay on and then have to spend $200-300 to have Mitsubishi remove it. In that case I'd much rather just fill in the space with anouther box compartment that I'll custom make with fiberglass.

The brackets that the airbag bolts to are welded onto the crossbar behind the dash. I haven't seen a non-passenger airbag equipped car have the brackets already in place (but that doesn't mean that some don't have it as well).
You will also need a new srs ecu as the single airbag ones are different to the dual airbag ones (the ones that i have seen at least). I'd imagine you'd need one that's compatible with your loom (and ecu?).

Lets clear up a few points here

For starters there is no difference between a single and dual bag SRS ECU, the difference was between models with the TJ having a revised different SRS ECU and then again the TL/W had another similar to the TJ but added the side bags.

Secondly, NO magna which had either no or drivers side bag only have the brackets on the pass side. I have wrecked well over 200 Magna's in the last couple years and not a single car with no pass bag has the brackets. This even includes the series 2 TJ execs.

I have not only added the steering wheel bag and the dash one to my car but also the pre tensioned belts and the seat bags. In short, when I spoke to a few people I know who do RWC here in Vic, they simply stated that if they are there they need to work, this is simply checked by the correct operation of the SRS light. With my car, I disconnected all bags and did a scan, the MUTII told me that all 6 items were not connected or faulty, this told me the system knows that all items belong. I then plugged them in 1 by 1 and each error code was then cleared showing that they are all there and present. Can not do much more than that

I spoke to 1 engineer who again stated that as the car was offered with these options, he would not waste my money and his time with a cert, simply put he added again that no RWC tester would have a clue if they were added by me or by mits and as long as they can see the SRS light come on and then go off when it is supposed to then all is good

And that I suspect is pretty much that. Technically you can have your insurance voided for having tyres one size out from OE, but it doesn't happen.

Do it properly for all the same reasons you're putting it in in the first place - added safety. No point wanting extra safety and bodging the airbag install!


Lets clear up a few points here

For starters there is no difference between a single and dual bag SRS ECU, the difference was between models with the TJ having a revised different SRS ECU and then again the TL/W had another similar to the TJ but added the side bags.

Secondly, NO magna which had either no or drivers side bag only have the brackets on the pass side. I have wrecked well over 200 Magna's in the last couple years and not a single car with no pass bag has the brackets. This even includes the series 2 TJ execs.

I have not only added the steering wheel bag and the dash one to my car but also the pre tensioned belts and the seat bags. In short, when I spoke to a few people I know who do RWC here in Vic, they simply stated that if they are there they need to work, this is simply checked by the correct operation of the SRS light. With my car, I disconnected all bags and did a scan, the MUTII told me that all 6 items were not connected or faulty, this told me the system knows that all items belong. I then plugged them in 1 by 1 and each error code was then cleared showing that they are all there and present. Can not do much more than that

I spoke to 1 engineer who again stated that as the car was offered with these options, he would not waste my money and his time with a cert, simply put he added again that no RWC tester would have a clue if they were added by me or by mits and as long as they can see the SRS light come on and then go off when it is supposed to then all is good

I also called Vicroads asked about installing airbags and abs brakes, they said it was fine as long the parts are from the same car of the same year and it was an option.

At this Queensland Transport site there is a file listing reasons for rejection during a safety certificate inspection:
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/358eb9d2-cb39-4ce2-8a1c-1efe4abcdc80/pdf_veh_stds_ais_codeofpractice_section2a_feb2004. pdf

In part it reads:
"SRS Airbag
Reasons for rejection:
All occupant protection airbag assemblies and test procedures installed by the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment are not fitted and operational as indicated by the manufacturers test procedures (e.g. dash light)"


So from this one could possibly presume that an airbag which was not fitted by the vehicle manufacturer as "original equipment" but fitted post manufacture would carry no guarantee that it's installation had the same safety checks performed before certification as those carried out by the vehicle manufacturer. If it was mentioned on the option plate as being fitted then you would be assured it was certified.

Rest assured that in any accident where death or injury occurs, the vehicles concerned will be inspected with a fine tooth comb both by the police and the insurers.

Thanks heaps for the help everyone! Very much appreciated.

Thank you also Mal for clarifying whether the SRS ECU would work with the airbags.

My limitation now is the brackets for the airbag. I'd need to remove it intact from a wreck somehow and then reweld it to my car. I've got no welding skills and don't really know anyone that does.

Looks like I'll just rip off the face of the air-bag compartment and use it as a template to make a fibreglass compartment instead or maybe just fill in the "SRS" outline on the plastic and glue it in the space instead.

Shame but at least I know. Thank you again to everyone who posted. Very much appreciated!

Looks like I'll just rip off the face of the air-bag compartment and use it as a template to make a fibreglass compartmentWasn't there a model that had dual glove boxes, ie. this section was specifically made as a glove box? I'm sure I've read that somewhere.

Japanese Diamante had the upper glovebox IIRC.

View Life's Members Machine thread.. He replaced his passengers blanking panel with a second glovebox.

SuFz :ninja:

Japanese Diamante had the upper glovebox IIRC.

View Life's Members Machine thread.. He replaced his passengers blanking panel with a second glovebox.

SuFz :ninja:

Also, these gloveboxes are available in wreckers. Look for a TF Altera (not Altera LS) as they are the only model to get them.

My dad bought a magna (now mine) from new and when he told the sales man that he was making it dual fuel there ensured a half hour lecture about valves, fuel lines, warranties and the like. Dads view was - well so what if it needs valve reseat/new valves in 8-10 years. That would take me a few hours to do , anything else .. simialrly big deal , he enjoyed tinkering & doing light repairs on vehicles.. And so it got to the timing belt change before they bothered looking at the head - and guess what thinigs were pretty much what you expect from a well looked after engine that had done 100k kms.

Likewhise I rang Holden recently asking about a sun roof for brand new commodore wagon. "no, no way, never" was the reply. Then I learnt that the top of the line models come with sunroofs as an option. And a little digging (5 minutes on google) I found the Brand & model which is installed (after production) to these models. so I plan to have one fitted.
Not necessarily helpful to the question, but if its what you want to do, then go for it.

PS I have >15 years experience with LPG and so my new commodore wagon (with SIDI) is soon off to have LPG fitted - another "no, no way, never" thing to do.