Restraint Systems - Air bag Activation/Deactivation

Restraint Systems - Air bag Activation/Deactivation

SI M 72 02 03

Safety Restraint Systems

December 2003

Service Engineering

SUBJECT

Deactivation/Reactivation of Airbags

MODEL

R50, R53

SITUATION

Temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags

NHTSA may authorize the temporary deactivation of FRONT airbags based on the justifications listed in Attachment 1 of this SI. Owner

responsibilities are also listed in that attachment. If a vehicle owner/operator presents an NHTSA letter authorizing deactivation of a FRONT airbag,

a MINI dealer may perform this service. If a temporary deactivation of any airbag is performed, customers should be advised to reconsider their

decision on a regular basis and evaluate if circumstances have changed, allowing airbag reactivation.

Deactivation of SIDE airbags and Head Protection System (HPS) is not permitted.

NOTE:

In the MINI, there is no ON/OFF switch available for airbags.

IN GENERAL, MINI BELIEVES THAT THE LIFE SAVING AND INJURY PREVENTING BENEFITS OF AIRBAGS, IN CONJUNCTION

WITH USAGE OF SAFETY BELTS, OUTWEIGH THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF INJURY CAUSED BY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AS

LONG AS GUIDELINES IN KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE AIRBAGS ARE FOLLOWED. THIS MEANS USAGE OF SAFETY

BELTS WHENEVER SEATED IN THE VEHICLE, PROPER, UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION AT ALL TIMES WHILE ENSURING A

DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 10 INCHES BETWEEN THE CHEST AND FRONT AIRBAG AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF REAR FACING

CHILD SEATS ON THE FRONT SEAT OF ANY VEHICLE. CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS RIDE IN THE REAR SEAT AND SHOULD

ALWAYS BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHENEVER IN THE VEHICLE.

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ACTION

Using DIS CD version 32.0 or later, MINI dealers can perform the deactivation of airbags on R50, R53 vehicles.

The deactivation process requires:

^ Coding of the airbag control module using a special code supplied by MINI, A DIVISION OF BMW NA, valid only for a specific VIN, for a

specific authorized MINI dealer, on a specific date.

^ For front airbags, replacement of safety belts.

^ Fulfilling customer information and vehicle labeling requirements. Reactivation is possible and requires reversing the above steps as applicable.

PARTS INFORMATION

Note:

To order the MD numbers please use the "Order Form" on the TIS web site

WARRANTY INFORMATION

No charges associated with the airbag deactivation or reactivation process are covered under the terms of the MINI New Car Warranty

ATTACHMENTS

view PDF attachment M7202O3NHTSARules.

view PDF attachment M72O2O3Brochure.

view PDF attachment M72O2O3Authorization.

view PDF attachment M720203Request.

Procedure

Summary of Content:

1. Logistical

1.1 Authorization from the Customer

1.2 Order Necessary Components

1.3 Get Labels

1.4 Customer Appointment

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1.5 Obtain Code

1.6 Code Notification

1.7 Deactivation/Reactivation Process

1.8 Documentation

2. Technical

2.1 Disconnect battery

2.2 Driver Front Airbag

2.2.1 Disconnect airbag electrical connector

2.3 Passenger Front Airbag

2.3.1 Disconnect airbag electrical connector

2.4 Install Safety Belt Components

2.5 Coding

2.6 Clear fault Codes

2.7 Affix Warning Labels

2.8 Troubleshooting

1. Logistical

For Driver Front and Passenger Front deactivations, before the process can begin, the customer must have the necessary:

^ NHTSA letter of authorization

^ NHTSA information brochure (www.nhtsa.com/airbags/rule/sO9_2)

^ NHTSA labels

1.1 Authorization from the Customer (only required for deactivation)

Obtain the necessary authorization from the customer for airbag deactivation by completing form "Authorization to Deactivate an Airbag".

1.2 Order Necessary Components

Refer to Parts Information section of this bulletin.

Note:

Replacement safety belts are necessary as MINIs have load-limiting safety belts which are designed to be used in conjunction with an active

airbag. In a severe impact, load-limiting belts allow slightly more stretch to minimize the force on the occupant's body. When deactivating the

respective airbag, these load limiting belts must be replaced by non load-limiting belts.

Safety belts WITH load-limitation are identified by a white self-adhesive label affixed to the safety belt retractor. The label reads "This seat belt

assembly may be installed in a vehicle only in conjunction with an airbag".

Safety belts without load limitation have no label.

IMPORTANT!:

IF THE AIRBAG IS REACTIVATED, LOAD LIMITING SAFETY BELTS MUST BE REINSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE.

1.3 Get Labels

For Driver Front and Passenger Front airbag deactivations, confirm the availability of the label provided to the customer by NHTSA. If not

available, this label may be obtained from MINI. Refer to Parts Information in this SI.

Other required labels are available in the parts packages described in Parts Information.

1.4 Customer Appointment

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Once the above components are in dealer stock, contact the customer and arrange an appointment.

Be aware that a code has to be obtained from the Technical Hotline in order to Deactivate/Reactivate an airbag. This code is specific to the date of

coding, the VIN, and the dealer number programmed in the DIS tester. Deactivation/Reactivation will not proceed unless all these criteria are met.

1.5 Obtain Code

Complete "Deactivation/ Reactivation Request" form:

a. The customer's NHTSA letter of authorization (only required for front airbag deactivation requests).

b. Form "Authorization to Deactivate an Airbag" (see paragraph 1.1 above).

1.6 Code Notification

A deactivation/reactivation "Code" will be faxed back to the dealer within 24 hours.

Note:

The "Code" is specific to the dealer number programmed in the DISplus/GT1, the date on which the deactivation/reactivation is to be carried out

and the VIN. Deactivation will not proceed unless all these criteria are met.

1.7 Deactivation/Reactivation Process

On receipt of the "Code", and on the predetermined day for Deactivation /Reactivation, proceed with the Technical procedure detailed in paragraph

2.

1.8 Documentation

It is important that all documentation be completed and copies provided as follows:

Forms must be faxed to Technical Hotline or mailed to MINI, A DIVISION OF BMW NA.

2. Technical

Caution!:

Comply with airbag safety precautions! Incorrect handling can activate airbag and result in injury (refer to repair instruction 32 34...).

2.1 Disconnect battery and cover negative pole or terminal.

2.2. Driver front airbag deactivation/reactivation only.

2.2.1 Disconnect (reconnect) the two connectors to the driver front airbag (refer to repair instruction 32 34 020) and secure the wires with cable ties.

2.3 Passenger front airbag deactivation/reactivation only.

2.3.1 Disconnect (reconnect) the main connector to the passenger front airbag (refer to repair instruction 72 12 000) and secure the wires with cable

ties.

2.4 Install safety belt components (see paragraph 1.2)

IMPORTANT!:

IF THE AIRBAG IS REACTIVATED, THE PROPER SAFETY BELT COMPONENTS MUST BE REINSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE.

2.5 Coding: After the airbag has been disconnected (reconnected if activating) and the specified safety belt components have been installed, the

airbag module must be recoded using the 5 digit Airbag Code obtained from the Technical Hotline - see paragraphs 1.6-1.7.

^ Reconnect the battery.

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^ Connect DISplus/GT1 to the vehicle and turn the ignition ON.

^ Select "ZCS/FA Coding" (Version C 32.0 or higher).

^ Identify vehicle.

^ Select "Conversion"

^ Select "Airbag"

^ Select "Airbag components"

^ Select action to be performed (Activation or Deactivation):

^ Passenger airbag

^ Driver's airbag

^ Side airbag, front left

^ Side airbag, front right

^ Enter the "Airbag Code"

^ Select "Yes" to start automatic coding.

^ If coding is completed successfully, the message "Coding complete" is displayed.

2.6 After coding has been completed turn the ignition OFF for at least 10 seconds.

^ Turn the ignition ON

^ Go to "Diagnosis."

^ Select "Mini_R50"

^ Select "Quick Delete"

2.7 Affix Warning Labels

Important!:

The warning labels must be removed if the airbag is being reactivated. Any damage caused during label removal is the responsibility of the

customer.

2.7.1 Driver Front and Passenger Front Airbag only

Affix the warning label, as supplied by NHTSA, to the sun visor above the deactivated airbag.

2.7.2 Driver Front Airbag Only

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Yellow warning label, "Warning, The driver front airbag of this vehicle has been deactivated" Complete dealer details, date label, and affix on

driver door jamb.

2.7.3 Passenger Front Airbag only

2.7.4 Owner's Handbook Label

Yellow warning label "Supplement to Owner's Manual, Warning: Airbag(s) in this vehicle have been deactivated".

Affix in Owner's Handbook on inside cover.

2.8 Troubleshooting: If coding cannot be completed and the message "Entered code defective, coding cannot be carried out," appears, the

following causes are possible:

^ Dealer number stored in DIS does not match the dealer number submitted on the Airbag Code request form.

^ The current date in the DIS does not match the date submitted on the Airbag Code request form or the conversion is not being performed

on the date submitted on the Airbag Code request form.

^ The vehicle identification number does not match the vehicle identification number submitted on the Airbag Code request form.

Attachment 1 and NHTSA Rules

Overview of NHTSA Rules

Airbag Deactivation (addressed in this bulletin)

For vehicles where an on-off switch is not available, NHTSA will authorize deactivation based on the following justifications:

- A rear-facing infant restraint must be placed in the front seat.

- A child 12 or under must ride in the front seat because of the medical condition that requires frequent monitoring.

- Drivers who are extremely short-statured (i.e., 4"6' or less).

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- The driver or passenger has a medical condition that, in combination with an airbag, poses a special risk, and that risk outweighs the increased

risk of injury if the airbag is turned off.

An owner who wants deactivation, should read NHTSA information brochure and request form. Both can be obtained from NHTSA. This

information is also available on the NHTSA homepage

The owner should also submit a written request to NHTSA, containing the following:

- Name and address of owner.

- Justification for request (see above).

- Description of the facts creating the need for deactivation.

- Each request based on medical condition, or on a child whose medical condition needs to be monitored, must be accompanied by a physician's

statement.

NHTSA will respond in writing, enclosing a copy of the information brochure, labels for the vehicle interior and a form to be filled out and mailed

back to NHTSA regarding the deactivation. The customer must take the NHTSA letter to dealer or repair business to have deactivation performed.

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Air Bag On-Off Switches - Section IX

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Authorization to Deactivate An Air Bag Form

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