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355 Airbag removal

Discussion in '348/355' started by watkinsgt, Aug 4, 2019.

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  1. watkinsgt

    watkinsgt Karting

    Feb 4, 2008
    215
    #1 watkinsgt, Aug 4, 2019
    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.
     
  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,273
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    #2 Qavion, Aug 4, 2019
    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...

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    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.
     
  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,551
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #3 yelcab, Aug 5, 2019
    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
     
    DaisyCutter likes this.
  4. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 10, 2007
    6,757
    Lake Villa IL
    #4 INTMD8, Aug 5, 2019
    Are you trying to permanently remove/delete the passenger airbag or just temporarily remove it for recovering?
     
  5. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Dec 7, 2003
    16,448
    Winston Salem, NC
    #5 Ricambi America, Aug 5, 2019
    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.
     
    WATSON likes this.
  6. watkinsgt

    watkinsgt Karting

    Feb 4, 2008
    215
    #6 watkinsgt, Aug 6, 2019
    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.
     
    Qavion likes this.
  7. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 10, 2007
    6,757
    Lake Villa IL
    #7 INTMD8, Aug 6, 2019
  8. ruey220

    ruey220 Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 24, 2019
    315
    Sf bay area
    Full Name:
    RM
    #8 ruey220, Sep 24, 2021
  9. A348W

    A348W Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2017
    1,846
    North Wiltshire, UK
    #9 A348W, Sep 24, 2021
    I’ve also done it to straighten the corners and get it recovered.

    As above; easy job.

    Good luck.
     

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