Turn off Airbag Golf

[camioneur]

Hi, my daughter is expecting and VW have asked for �68.00 to turn off the passenger airbag in her 52 plate Golf. I have a new Golf and that is turned off with the ignition key in the glove box. Hers hasn't got one. My question is..are VW ripping her off and is there an alternative way to turn her airbag off without using the VW garage? It has to be turned off for the baby seat! thanks

[furrycheeky]

Airbags are very sensitive systems, I would not let anyone but VW mess with it. �68 is not a lot to pay for peace of mind,.

[AllYourBase]

For that price I would hope they would install the switch to enable it to be put back on if you want to sell it, or transport an adult, otherwise you may find it harms the resale value. If you don't tell a buyer, I imagine there could be some form of legal responsibility on you if the worst were to happen.
Many manufacturers seem to make this switch a low cost option (I think it's �38 on a new mini) but some such as Peugeot supply it as standard.
Incidently, if you have a Mercedes, you must use a child seat with a brain and radio transmitter that communicates it's presence to the car and switched off the airbags depending upon where and when in the car the seat is installed. Snag is, only the dealer can sell you the seat and it waaaay more than any standard halfords/mothercare etc.

[camioneur]

well you've hit the nail on the head AYB, should the seat come out to carry a passenger normally, that passenger is then travelling without an airbag so it should be compulsory to have a switch fitted. However, they certainly are not fitting one as �68 is nowhere near enough as they just quoted me �170 to supply a new ignition key. Thanks for the answer anyway

[markja]

if the electrics are the same for a keyed system and unkeyed system (apart from the key obviously! ) get a key switch fitted by an independent,insured garage then you don't have to pay mr vw rip off man. maplins sell some high quality keyed switches or buy the vw one and get independant garage to fit it.
what area are you in? i know a good place in wembley area.

[camioneur]

thanks markja, I'm in North Lincolnshire