The Honda Accord passenger airbag can be disabled through a few different methods, though caution should be exercised. This article provides steps on how to Turn Off Honda Accord Passenger Airbag.
The Honda Accord passenger airbag is designed to protect passengers in the event of an accident. However, there are some situations where you may need to temporarily disable it, such as when a child is seated in the front passenger seat.
Disabling an airbag should only be done when absolutely necessary, and proper precautions should be taken. Airbags play a vital role in protecting vehicle occupants, so disabling them potentially removes a key safety feature.
Locating The Passenger Airbag Disabling Switch
Most Honda Accord models have a clearly marked airbag disabling switch located on the dashboard.
To locate this switch:
- Check near the glove compartment on the passenger side of the dashboard.
- Look for a switch labeled “PASS AIRBAG OFF.”
- The switch may be recessed into the dashboard.
Consult your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding the airbag disabling switch in your Honda Accord.
Disabling The Passenger Airbag
Once you’ve located the switch, disabling the passenger airbag is straightforward:
- Insert the ignition key and switch on the electrical system. The car does not need to be started.
- Flip the airbag switch into the “OFF” position. An indicator light on the dashboard should illuminate, confirming the airbag is disabled.
- The passenger airbag will remain disabled until the switch is flipped back to “ON.”
Switching off the passenger airbag using the provided switch is the proper way to disable it in a Honda Accord.
Disconnecting The Airbag Manually
In rare cases, the airbag switch may fail or wiring issues may prevent the disable function from working properly.
If this occurs, it is possible to manually disconnect the airbag:
- Locate the car battery and disconnect the negative terminal. This will deactivate the electrical system.
- Find the connector cable that leads to the passenger airbag unit. It will be located under the dashboard on the passenger side.
- Unplug the connector cable from the airbag unit. This physically disconnects the airbag.
- Reconnect the battery terminal to restore electrical power after disconnecting the airbag connector.
Manually unplugging the airbag connector disables the airbag but also sets off warning lights on the dashboard. This method should only be used if the standard switch does not work.
Re-Enabling The Passenger Airbag
Once the passenger airbag has been disabled, either through the switch or manual disconnection, make sure to re-enable it once it is no longer needed.
To reactivate a disabled airbag:
- Flip the airbag switch back to the “ON” position if it was used to disable the airbag initially.
- If the connector was unplugged, simply plug it back into the airbag unit.
- The indicator light on the dash should go off, signalling the airbag is active again.
Re-enabling the passenger airbag restores the vital supplemental protection it provides in a crash.
When Is It Necessary To Turn Off The Passenger Airbag?
There are a few situations when you may need to manually disable the Honda Accord’s passenger frontal airbag:
Transporting Infants In Rear-Facing Car Seats
It is unsafe for infants in rear-facing car seats to ride in the front seat with an enabled airbag due to the risk of injury from airbag deployment. The back of the car seat can be too close to the dashboard. In this case, the passenger airbag must be turned off.
Transporting Small Children In Forward-Facing Car Seats
Although less of a risk than with infants, the passenger airbag can still deploy too forcefully and cause injury to small children in front-facing car seats. It is recommended to disable the airbag if possible.
Medical Reasons
Those with certain medical conditions that make them susceptible to injury from airbag deployment may need the passenger airbag disabled. Consult a doctor first in this situation.
Temporary Disabling
There may be other circumstances where you need to temporarily deactivate the passenger airbag, such as when transporting pets on the front seat.
Locating The Passenger Airbag Disabling Switch
The passenger airbag on/off switch in Honda Accord models is typically located on the dashboard near the glove box. Here are the general locations to check:
- On the passenger side of the dashboard near the top of the glove box.
- On the lower section of the dashboard near the glove box release handle.
- Next to the open glove box on the inside panel.
Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location in your specific Accord model and year. The switch may be labeled “PASS AIRBAG OFF” and have an “ON/OFF” position.
Dangers Of Disabling An Airbag
While there are a handful of reasonable cases for disabling the passenger frontal airbag, it also comes with safety trade-offs:
- Greatly reduces supplemental occupant protection in a front-end collision
- Can result in serious injury or death in an accident without the airbag
- Sets off constant warning lights on the dashboard
- Persistent disablement is illegal in some jurisdictions
- Voids any manufacturer warranty on the airbag system
So aside from very specific temporary needs, proactively disabling an airbag permanently removes a vital safety system.
How to Turn Off the Passenger Airbag?
Once you have located the airbag on/off switch, use the following steps to disable the passenger frontal airbag:
Turn the Ignition to On or Run Position
- The car does not need to be started, but the ignition must be turned to the “On” or “Run” position.
- This provides power to the airbag system.
Insert the Key and Switch to “OFF”
- Insert your ignition key into the passenger airbag on/off switch.
- Turn the switch to the “OFF” position.
Confirm the Airbag is Disabled
- The “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” warning light on your instrument panel should illuminate.
- This confirms the passenger frontal airbag is disabled.
Turn Ignition Off When Finished
- Once disabled, return the ignition to the “Off” position and remove the key.
- The airbag will remain deactivated.
Indicators That The Airbag Is Turned Off
When the Honda Accord’s passenger airbag is manually switched off, you will see the following indicators:
- The “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” warning light will illuminate on the dash.
- A message may display on the driver information interface.
- The words “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” will be visible on a switch indicator.
These alerts indicate the airbag is disabled and warn against riding in the front seat.
Turning The Passenger Airbag Back On
When you need to reactivate the passenger airbag, follow the same procedure using the on/off switch:
- Turn ignition to On or Run position.
- Insert key and turn switch to “ON” position.
- Confirm the “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” light turns off.
- Return ignition to Off and remove the key.
The airbag system will run a self-check and be operational again.
Why You Should Not Turn Off the Airbag Permanently?
While it is possible to disable the passenger airbag indefinitely, this is not recommended. Here’s why:
- Airbags save lives in crashes. Deactivating permanently puts passengers at greater risk of injury if an accident occurs.
- The airbag is designed to work with seat belts to provide optimal protection.
- Certain Honda models give a warning chime when the airbag is off. Permanently disabling will cause constant chiming.
- Resale value may decrease if the airbag is permanently deactivated.
Only turn the airbag off when necessary for safety reasons. Reactivate it immediately when it is no longer needed.
Professional Assistance Disabling Airbags
Due to the risks involved, Honda recommends most owners have airbag disabling performed by an authorized dealer.
Technicians have specialized tools and software to properly disable airbags when required:
- Diagnose any electrical issues preventing normal airbag disablement
- Reset error codes or warning lights set off by improper disabling
- Ensure the airbag is completely deactivated to avoid accidental deployment
- Provide documentation certifying the airbag is turned off
Bringing the vehicle to a certified Honda service center can provide peace of mind that the airbag is safely and reliably disabled, if necessary.
Cost To Replace Honda Accord Airbags
If an airbag has deployed or needs replacement for any reason, installing a new one can be expensive:
- Front driver/passenger airbags cost $800-$1500+ each
- Side airbags are $1000-$2000 apiece
- Expect added labor fees of $150-300 for installation
- Non-OEM or used airbags may malfunction and should be avoided
Replacing airbags in a Honda Accord requires removing the steering wheel or dashboard components in many cases. This adds to repair costs.
Using only new, factory-approved airbag modules from Honda ensures proper fitment and function. Never attempt to install used, aftermarket, or salvaged airbag parts.
Also Read: Why Is Honda Accord Fan Making Noise?
Conclusion
Disabling the passenger frontal airbag in a Honda Accord should only be done when absolutely necessary, and proper precautions taken.
Locate the airbag switch, flip to “OFF,” and re-enable once no longer needed. Seek professional help for any electrical issues or if the standard process does not work.
Replacing deployed airbags is expensive – $1000+ in most cases. Only use new OEM Honda parts.
While it is possible to Turn Off Honda Accord Passenger Airbag, understand the risks and only disable it when temporary special circumstances make it essential. Keeping the airbag active provides vital crash protection.
