I have a 98 Expy XLT with the 5.4l. Is there any way to disable the passenger airbag? I sometimes would like to bring my son with me when the backseat is folded down for large items, but I am afraid of the airbag killing kids hype.

I don't see a switch anywhere, is there another way to disable it, like a fuse or a wire I can put a switch in series with?

Thanks,
--Dan

 

There is a legal way to turn off the driver's side airbag. You go down to your dealer and fill out the federal form and they will install the switch. As far as the passenger side airbag goes, I have a feeling it's not legally possible. I know the feds allow for a switch on the passenger side when there isn't a back seat for kids to ride in or to mount a child safety seat. Not sure why our SuperCabs have this, though.

Suggest you call the dealer to find out if the federal form covers the passenger side or not.

 

A lot of new cars are coming with a switch to turn it off, but I'm not sure Ford has started. Mercedes has it in most I think starting in 2001.

Not the news you wanted I'm sure. My daughter is still too small to ride w/o a child or booster seat, but I know once she is a little older it'll be a pain not being able to let her ride up front.

 

Safest place for young kids is in a car/booster in the back seat - after seeing what happens to children as front seat passengers in even minor accidents - I wouldn't even consider letting mine ride up front until they are appropriate age/weight (my opinion). Yeah - it can be a pain - but y' know so are seatbelts and speed limits!