355 Airbag removal

Gents. I'd like to remove the 20 yr. old passenger airbag in my '99 355. Having studied Ricambi diagram #133 it doesn't look that complicated. However I would really like to hear from someone who knows the procedure before making an attempt. Does turning off the power at the battery completely eliminate all possibility of accidental static discharge? Does the dash panel 'pop off' by hand or does it require tools? Does it 'pop' back on? Does the airbag detach from the wiring harness via the shown connector or do wires need to be cut? Does ab lift out? Does removal initiate any electrical problems / computer glitches / fault codes - or can car be driven away? Can the control module under the driver seat be unplugged and discarded? My tech is reluctant because of disposal and liability concerns. If you've been down this road I'd really appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks.

 

The module is not under the driver's seat, but in the centre console (forward of the gearstick). Hope Dave L. doesn't mind me using his photo...

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There are special torx screws holding the unit down, but I'm sure a removal tool can be sourced.

Probably not all possibility. I blew an airplane evacuation slide because I missed a step in the disable procedure. Expensive mistake.

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/355-airbag-removal.176453/

steering wheel upgrade.

 

1. remove center air vent and right side air vent.
2. disconnect battery
3. remove four Torx bolts, 2 on each side of the passenger air bag, use tamperproof bits
4, lift airbag out of the hole, it does not snap
5. disconnect yellow cable connector

 

Are you trying to permanently remove/delete the passenger airbag or just temporarily remove it for recovering?

 

If you're removing it "forever", I'd advise you to not sell the parts on eBay. The ECU is basically unobtainium, and assuming yours still works, I'd recommend saving it for the next owner of the car.

 

Wow! What a generous outpouring of help. Thank you Quavon, Yelcab, INTMD8, Daniel and Dave L. for your advise and insight. It's humbling to
have the Brotherhood share their expertise. The AB is coming out permanently and thanks to Daniel's advise the parts will be saved and the ECU left in place. Progress to be posted. Thanks again.

 

This is how I did it, pretty easy-

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/145328920/

 

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I’ve also done it to straighten the corners and get it recovered.

As above; easy job.

Good luck.