2010 Sierra - Remove Side Curtain Airbags?

[cbgrant74]

Can the side curtain airbags - the ones mounted over the door in the headliner - be removed from a 2010 Sierra without making the computer go haywire? Will removing them disable the other airbags?

 

My folks just ordered a 2010 Sierra SLT yesterday. They couldn't get the factory to build one without side curtain airbags (I guess they're standard on all of the trucks now). Here is the problem: My dad had a stroke about 10 years ago that paralyzed him on the right side. In order to get into the passenger's seat, he has to lift himself up and in to the truck using the grab handle over the door. The grab handle was moved to the A-pillar in the new trucks, where it does him no good. The plan is to have an aftermarket handle welded to the frame over the door, but that involves removing the airbag that's in the way.

 

I've got to think that all of the airbags are connected to the computer, and that the computer checks every so often to make sure they're connected and functional. Will removing an airbag make the Check Engine light come on or flash some other type of trouble code? Will it affect the operation of the other air bags?

 

Any insight or experience with these airbags would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I would try talking to a company that specializes in handicapped vehicle conversions (usually vans with wheelchair ramps or that sort of thing) as they may be able to assist you the best with this. Those sort of companies have probably had to confront these sort of issues before and might know of a way around it.

 

If I had to guess, you might have to have some sort of airbag module simulator plugged in where that unit would usually be, so the system "thinks" the bag is there and working even though it isn't.

[nickvrebel]

You don't want to mess with the air bags. No need to reinvent the wheel. Gm can help. Call them & be sure & get the handicapped modification credit and free Onstar extension when you buy.

 

http://www.ehow.com/list_5896853_gmc-handi...ed-options.html

 

^ THIS. There is some info on handicapped / special equipment program in the back of the owner's manual also.

[jrrod2004]

Yup, GM Mobility can help out real well with this

[lcarlisle]

Hi Charlie,

My name is Lauren and I do some web work for GM. I don't know if you are still looking for information on mobilty equpment, but to wanted to let you know that you can find informaiton on eligible equimpment and outfiters at http://www.gm.com/vehicles/services/gm_mobility/ I hope it helps.

 

Best,

 

Lauren