Passenger side air bag switch question

[Modoc Guy]

So it seems my tj has the switch for the air bag in the console. I don't have a problem with it being there, but what I wonder about is the fact that whether I turn the switch on, or off, the display lights up "off" when I start up. How's that possible? Is there a way to defeat the switch/system, but still have it light up?

I've looked at the fuses for the system, and they're good, and in place. What am I missing?

Also, is it common for people to disable the air bag system for wheeling? Not that I want to, but I thought someone might do it thinking they could set the bags off from a large drop off or bump while rock crawling.

 

[CharlesHS]

The ECU senses the Airbag Restraint System thru a circuit board integrated into the key assembly.
When you bypass the key incorrectly there will be a red light illuminated at the bottom right of the instrument cluster.
IF the light bulb burns out for the OFF on the bypass key module the same red light will illuminate on the instrument cluster.
Not sure why you would want to defeat or remove the bypass switch.

 

[Modoc Guy]

Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear with my question. I'm not interested in removing the switch. Or bypassing it in any way.

But it doesn't seen to work correctly. At start up, the switch has a display that briefly says on or off. On my Jeep, it doesn't matter if I key the switch to on or off, it always lights up "off" at start up.

Since it is NOT supposed to work that way, I'm asking if it could have been modified by a previous owner, or is there some other problem making it act that way.

I also asked if people defeat the air bag system because they think heavy off roading/rock crawling might set the system off unnecessarily.

I've only owned this Jeep about 8 months, And I've read about people doing lots of things to Jeeps. I'm trying to understand if this is a repair issue, or some modification someone may have done.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I have no idea about what your light is, or isn't doing.

Back in 1996 I wanted to cancel the airbags when off roading in my wife's then new Grand Cherokee. It wasn't too long before I was told that if you hit something hard enough off road to set off an airbag, you probably want that airbag to do its job helping you survive because the Jeep will need major repairs after that wreck, airbag or not.

 

[Modoc Guy]

Thanks for the replies!

And no worries

I posted my question with the hope someone might have had a similar problem and knew what was causing it.

About 10 years ago, my GMC Sierra hydroplaned at freeway speeds and I hit the concrete center divider head on. That completely totaled my truck and the air bag and seat belt saved my life. I’m a firm believer in the SRS.

I’m just trying to fix my Jeeps problem because I know air bags work.

I’m gonna pull the center console and inspect the switch. I thinking maybe someone might have jumpered the resistors to defeat the system.

I’ll post what I find.

 

[CharlesHS]

You do not need to pull the center console; you can use a plastic knife to lift and remove the switch bezel to access the switch and circuit board.

 

[Modoc Guy]

Thanks Charles, that’ll save me some time. I didn’t know it popped out like that.

 

[kram]

Did you ever fix this? I have the same issue and want to be sure the passenger air bag is working.