56 Plate Passenger Air Bag Off Switch?

[chrisstyles]

Hi all.

On page 104 of the owners Manual it says "Toyota Provides a front passenger airbag manual on-off switch, ask any authorized toyota dealer or repairer for details"

Well I have and my dealer hasn't ever had this request and havn't a clue.

Anyone asked for this option to be fitted? I'm trying to find out the cost so I can fit a rear facing child seat in the front, just like I can in the wifes 03 Megane.

[Beagh1958]

I have the exact same problem, have spoke to local Toyota Dealer & the answer is "YOU CANNOT & TOYOTA IN KNOW WAY WHAT SO EVER WILL CONDONE SUCH ACTIVITY" that is straight from the horses mouth. Offcourse for repairs within the workshop environment toyota can do it under such conditions, for airbag repairs. It is just a legal point that such information will never be given to the general public, they take the stance that child seats go into the rear of the vehicle only. I had wanted to put child seat in front to return to London for Christmas with family. And this is confirmed by one of the GOOD GUYS who works for TOYOTA. If anybody else gives you way of doing this via this FORUM do not under any circumstances do it. If you fell upon some misfortune with your child in the front seat with airbag off, TOYOTA will accept no responsibility what so ever. That is the reason pure & simple, it is Toyota policy, FULL STOP. I know other manufacturers have different policies, but not TOYOTA.

[chrisstyles]

I have the exact same problem, have spoke to local Toyota Dealer & the answer is "YOU CANNOT & TOYOTA IN KNOW WAY WHAT SO EVER WILL CONDONE SUCH ACTIVITY" that is straight from the horses mouth. Offcourse for repairs within the workshop environment toyota can do it under such conditions, for airbag repairs. It is just a legal point that such information will never be given to the general public, they take the stance that child seats go into the rear of the vehicle only. I had wanted to put child seat in front to return to London for Christmas with family. And this is confirmed by one of the GOOD GUYS who works for TOYOTA. If anybody else gives you way of doing this via this FORUM do not under any circumstances do it. If you fell upon some misfortune with your child in the front seat with airbag off, TOYOTA will accept no responsibility what so ever. That is the reason pure & simple, it is Toyota policy, FULL STOP. I know other manufacturers have different policies, but not TOYOTA.

Except in the manual it says you can have an on / off switch fiitted as an option?? It even tells you what type of seat you can fit on the Passenger seat with the optional switch on and off. Straight from the Avensis Manual page 104.

[Beagh1958]

I don't doubt for a minute what you say. I work for another car manufacturer who have a different attitude all together even placing a key switch in the glove box for easy access to switch off airbag. I can only repeat what i am told & this fellow I can assure you is as straight as they come. Perhaps a phone call to customer services may clear matter, but they may well have to pass you on to a technical department for clarification.

[Beagh1958]

Should also point out following previous message, have just checked SRS system via Autodata disc. This gives complete overview of complete system & absolutely nowhere in system do Toyota give position a cut off switch. I know this conflicts with your data but this is being withheld from Autodata for a reason. Sorry i cannot be of more help to you, but i have a T3s & believe me I have searched. On my part i will accept Toyotas advice.

[chrisstyles]

Odd isn't it.

Have called Toyota and they are as mistified as I am. They were supposed to ring me back,but guess what...

The manual makes out that the dealer can fit a switch supplied by toyota as a dealer fit option.

Oh well, guess I'll just keep chasing them until they come back and say the whole page is a miss print or something.

Cheers for looking.

[Beagh1958]

I suspect you will be waiting along time for return call or possibly spending a bit of your money ringing them. I am aware this isn't really helpful, but Autodata have worked hand in hand with car manufacturers for decades & their information is very very rarely if ever wrong. So i wish you luck.

[chrisstyles]

£104 inc VAT for the parts, That is the Toyota switch and a new passenger Garnish? Whatever that is.

Problem is 2 - 2.5 hours labour at 75 + VAT which is a bit of a problem and really does not make it worth while. But can be done.

[Beagh1958]

Went into local Toyota dealer (decent people) made out i was interested in trading in late 03 model for new 08. Picked up brochure & options list with prices. Ability to switch off airbag not mentioned. Bit political now, would appear again even if Toyota is one of the biggest selling cars in Ireland, you cannot purchase complete model range as in the UK. Also had a look at Lexus 220d would appear same thing here again. Good luck to you, if you ever consider touring Ireland start saving now everything but everything is a complete rip-off.