Hello all, I am new to the community and happy to contribute to the forum as much as I can. I have a question I was hoping somebody could answer.
My cars rear passenger airbag deployed in an accident (no body damage, go figure) and was not replaced.
The airbag light is on (obviously) and I would like to fix this without getting the airbag replaced (nobody has ever sat in the back seat, and probably never will). Is it possible for the dealer to just disable that airbag so the system is functional? And if not, can I trick the system into thinking there is one in there and make the light go off, and more importantly make the existing 5 airbags operable? Thanks a ton for your help.

 

I would think that for liability issues you'd have a hard time convincing a dealer to do such a thing.

 

When did they add rear airbags to the mini??

Only the head airbag inflates back there.. and it is along the whole length of the roof.

 

Tell us a bit more about the accident. It's pretty unusual for an airbag to deploy without a fairly significant impact. I assume from your description that it was a side impact, and that you're referring to the head airbags that come out from the side of the headliner.

Why wasn't the airbag replaced? If it deployed I would guess that the headliner was destroyed also. Did you get it replaced?

 

I would get the whole unit replaced. If you don't, then you will not (unless you have a close friend who inspects it) pass inspection for a new sticker. Plus, If you are refering to the side curtain airbag, which is the only rear airbag I know of in any mini, then if anyone sits in the front passanger side will be affected also. It would also think that by the side airbag coming out you would have some cosmetic damage to the interior of the car and the exterior also. Usually when one gets in a wreck and gets it repaired, both the inside and outside are part of the estimate and repair. Good luck!!