Removing passenger seat - any warning lights?

m1tch · June 29, 2017, 21:07

Hi all,

I will be looking to remove the passenger seat in the car at some point for weight reduction, I am just wondering if there are any sensors or anything I should be aware of when removing the seat. I know that some cars have connectors that you need to fit a resistor to otherwise it flags up an airbag warning which is an MOT fail. Before I take the seat out I just need to know if there is anything I need to do to avoid any issues with the MOT around warning lights or are the seats just a standard 4 bolt and remove job?

Topdownman · June 29, 2017, 21:12

It is certainly just 4 bolts and then unplug the sensor connector underneath to remove.

I havent driven with it out but cant see there would be a problem?

m1tch · June 29, 2017, 21:16

Quote from: "Topdownman"It is certainly just 4 bolts and then unplug the sensor connector underneath to remove.

I havent driven with it out but cant see there would be a problem?

If the sensor is there to check for a passenger and the ECU doesn't detect enough resistance it might think the sensor has gone bad and won't arm the airbag system and throw a code and light on the dash - usually these can't be reset by the normal OBD2 readers. I have a feeling that I need to get a 3.3 Ohm resistor fitted to fool the ECU - can anyone confirm?

mikek · June 29, 2017, 21:29

No problems unplugging the sensor, I've driven with no seat on quite a few occasions.

m1tch · June 29, 2017, 21:38

Quote from: "mikek"No problems unplugging the sensor, I've driven with no seat on quite a few occasions.

Would I need to go to a dealer to reset the airbag light if it does come on? Just concerned its going to cause issues with MOTs etc.

mikek · June 29, 2017, 21:48

Never had an airbag light come on. Driven hundreds of miles with the seat out when picking parts up etc. Never had any issues.

Call the midlife! · June 29, 2017, 22:24

Doesn't the wire to the seat just work the passenger seatbelt warning light?

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The Other Stu · June 29, 2017, 22:26

Both my seats are disconnected - I have S2000 seats.
Isn't causing me any problems.

I believe the sensor is there to make sure if someone is in the seat, the seatbelt is clipped in. Certainly that's the case with every other car I've had.

MR TWO · June 29, 2017, 22:39

Quote from: "The Other Stu"Both my seats are disconnected - I have S2000 seats.
Isn't causing me any problems.

I believe the sensor is there to make sure if someone is in the seat, the seatbelt is clipped in. Certainly that's the case with every other car I've had.

Same with my car, unplug and forget about it.

m1tch · June 30, 2017, 07:41

Thanks guys, will just disconnect it and see what happens, I know some systems ensure that everything is working correctly and if its not 100% perfect it throws a code.

onion86 · June 30, 2017, 13:56

Quote from: "MR TWO"
Quote from: "The Other Stu"Both my seats are disconnected - I have S2000 seats.
Isn't causing me any problems.

I believe the sensor is there to make sure if someone is in the seat, the seatbelt is clipped in. Certainly that's the case with every other car I've had.
Same with my car, unplug and forget about it.

Unplugged mine too as kept flashing at me when I had a bag or something on passenger seat without seatbelt attached, no issues.

The Other Stu · June 30, 2017, 15:41

Wait until you get one like my old Mokka or current car which screams at you if it thinks there's someone in the passenger seat!

ad_car_08 · June 30, 2017, 16:40

Removed my seats and now got an airbag light constantly flashing at me and I can't turn off, so be aware!
Tried the resistor trick, to no avail. I think there must be a certain process you have to follow

Call the midlife! · June 30, 2017, 16:53

Quote from: "ad_car_08"Removed my seats and now got an airbag light constantly flashing at me and I can't turn off, so be aware!
Tried the resistor trick, to no avail. I think there must be a certain process you have to follow

I know I disconnected the battery before I took mine out to swap the seat backs, wether that's relevant or just coincidence?

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m1tch · June 30, 2017, 17:09

Quote from: "ad_car_08"Removed my seats and now got an airbag light constantly flashing at me and I can't turn off, so be aware!
Tried the resistor trick, to no avail. I think there must be a certain process you have to follow

This is what I am concerned about, its usually impossible to turn off unless you have dealer software, its an MOT fail if it doesn't come on then go off afterwards (showing the system is ok) - really don't want to trip the airbag light.

ad_car_08 · June 30, 2017, 23:43

Quote from: "Call the midlife!"
Quote from: "ad_car_08"Removed my seats and now got an airbag light constantly flashing at me and I can't turn off, so be aware!
Tried the resistor trick, to no avail. I think there must be a certain process you have to follow
I know I disconnected the battery before I took mine out to swap the seat backs, wether that's relevant or just coincidence?

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Ignore me, taking my seats out was fine, it was when I disconnected the airbag to change the steering wheel when I got the airbag light s:lol: :lol: s:lol: sorry!

m1tch · July 1, 2017, 14:02

Quote from: "ad_car_08"
Quote from: "Call the midlife!"
Quote from: "ad_car_08"Removed my seats and now got an airbag light constantly flashing at me and I can't turn off, so be aware!
Tried the resistor trick, to no avail. I think there must be a certain process you have to follow
I know I disconnected the battery before I took mine out to swap the seat backs, wether that's relevant or just coincidence?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ignore me, taking my seats out was fine, it was when I disconnected the airbag to change the steering wheel when I got the airbag light s:lol: :lol: s:lol: sorry!

Phew, will try it a bit later then and see what happens!