How to disable the passenger airbag on a grant?

How does an airbag deploy in an accident?

The airbag is deployed during a collision with another object or vehicle.

Depending on the location of the impact, the front or side airbags are activated. As soon as the impact force is above the limit level (set by software), the impact sensors send a command to the control unit.

The latter collects information, analyzes it and decides whether to deploy the airbags or not. The described actions occur in a fraction of a second.

Taking into account the analysis of the severity and type of accident, the whole or only part of the system works. Sometimes it is enough to activate only the seat belt tensioners or they work in conjunction with the airbags.

The control unit sends a command to turn on the gas generator of a specific airbag. In this case, the response time is 30-40 ms. During this period, the gas generator guarantees the expansion and filling of the pillow with gas.

As soon as the airbag touches the human body, it ruptures and deflates.

The front airbags are activated when a number of conditions are met:

Car fire;
Increasing the specified impact force in a frontal collision;
Vehicle crash;
A sharp collision with the wall of a hole, a curb or the edge of a sidewalk;
Impact to the end of the car (oblique frontal collision);
A hard fall on the wheels after a “jump”.

It is worth knowing that the front airbags do not deploy in the following cases - when the car rolls over, a side impact or contact from the rear.

It is built into the car program that before opening the airbag, the speed of deceleration of the car and movement at the moment of collision, the presence of connected seat belts, and so on are analyzed.

Removing the driver's airbag Grants

The Lada Granta airbag is dismantled to remove the steering wheel from the car, also in case of replacing the airbag contact ring and the sound signal.

Tools needed: 2 rods with a diameter of about 5mm, a flat-head screwdriver.

The airbag module must be removed with the power supply turned off, otherwise the airbag may deploy unexpectedly. Moreover, dismantling must begin after the activator capacitor has completely discharged. To discharge the capacitor, you must wait at least one minute after turning off the power supply. Disassembling the airbag module is prohibited.

Do not allow the airbag module to fall or be exposed to water, grease or oil. Do not expose the airbag module to temperatures above 95°C. When installing the module in the vehicle's steering wheel, stay outside the airbag deployment area. When you turn on the ignition for the first time after installing the airbag module while the vehicle is outside the vehicle, turn on the ignition switch by reaching under the steering column.

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

Compress the spring clips that secure the airbag module while inserting the rods into the two special holes located on the sides of the steering wheel.
At this time, the assistant must pull the airbag module towards himself with his hands and move it with the horn switch away from the steering wheel to the length of the connected wiring harnesses.
The photo shows the location of the spring clamps for securing the airbag module.
Squeeze the latch.

Removing the steering wheel and airbags for a Lada Granta

Operating a Lada Granta car requires certain protection for the driver and passengers. Not so long ago, airbags began to be installed on cars of the domestic automobile industry. But there is one problem: they are disposable and will have to be replaced when triggered. This process is difficult and requires some experience and knowledge. Also, in rare cases, it is necessary to remove or replace the steering wheel, which can crack or become deformed when the driver hits it.

Lada Granta with airbag

Causes of airbag failure

The reason for the failure of the Lada Granta airbags is:

Triggered due to an accident.
Closure of the pillow package, which prevented it from opening, or a manufacturing defect.
Battery failure, which caused the airbags to deploy.
Wear of the pillow module.

Reasons for failure of the Lada Granta steering wheel:

Deformation of the structure due to the driver hitting the steering wheel.
Braid wear and cracks.
External factors that caused damage to the steering wheel.

All this becomes the reason for the forced replacement of the steering wheel and airbags.

Catalog numbers and steering wheel analogue options

It is generally accepted that only original spare parts for the steering wheel and airbags can be installed on the Lada Granta, but this is a misconception. There are several analogues of these parts, which are known only to tuning masters and some car enthusiasts.

Let's look at the catalog numbers and manufacturers of the Lada Granta steering wheel:

The original VAZ part has the manufacturer's catalog number - 21910-3402018-00.
It fits perfectly and does not require any improvements or modifications. Factory steering wheel
An analogue can be the steering wheel from article number DM-K65100.
This part, just like the original one, can be installed without modifications. Available in black with red or blue accents. One of the sports steering wheel options
Tuning steering wheel. There are many options, and essentially any type or model can be installed. It is worth remembering that you will have to install an adapter between the tuning part and the steering shaft.

Catalog numbers and airbag manufacturers

Let's look at the catalog numbers and manufacturers of Lada Granta airbags:

The original spare part is produced by the VAZ plant. It consists of several elements that include: a gas generator module (21910-8232010-00) and a safety control unit (21900-3824010-00).
Airbag module
Airbag control unit
Manufactures alternative airbags. They have the same catalog numbers as the original, but are highly reliable and accurate.

Thus, you can understand that in addition to standard parts for the steering wheel and airbags of the Lada Grant, there are also analogues that few people know about.

Airbag replacement technology

To dismantle the Lada Granta airbag, you will need a 5 mm rod and a flat-head screwdriver. So, let's get down to the process itself:

As with any repair, you need to disconnect the minus terminal.
Using the rods, you need to tighten the cushion clamps.
This is done through special holes, the marks of which are on the side of the steering wheel. In the places of the marks, press the rod on both sides to unclip the cushion latches
After the clamps are clamped, the assistant must pull the module towards him and remove it from the steering wheel mounting mount.
Removing the airbag module
Now we disconnect the “plus wire” of the sound signal.
Removing the plus terminal from the horn
In the same way, we perform the operation with the “negative wire” to turn off the sound signal.
Removing the negative terminal of the horn
Using a screwdriver, pry up the wire retainer and then unclip it.
Removing the wire clamp
Now you can completely dismantle the pillow.
We remove the wires from the seat
Installation is carried out in reverse order.

The nuances of replacement and what should be prevented

As with any car repair for the Lada Granta, when replacing the airbag and steering wheel, there are nuances that need to be taken into account. So, what is worth considering when performing dismantling work:

Before you begin removing the airbag, it is imperative to disable the control module. If this is not done, then the probability of the airbag triggering when turned off is 99%.
When the power is turned off, you need to wait until the activator capacitor discharges. The manufacturer recommends doing this after 1 minute, but as practice shows, it may take up to 3-4 minutes, so you should wait 5 minutes.
Never allow water, oil or other liquid materials to come into contact with the cushion module.
When installing the airbag, you should be outside the triggering area.
After installing the airbag, you should turn on the ignition by reaching under the steering column.

Compliance with all the listed nuances will protect against airbag deployment and harm to a person, since in practice there have been cases when neglect of safety precautions became fatal for car service workers.

Technological process for replacing a steering wheel

After the airbag is removed, you can begin to remove the steering wheel. So, let's consider the technological process:

Using a marker or other available means, we make marks on the steering shaft and wheel. This is necessary in order to return the steering wheel to its previous position.
General view of the steering wheel without an airbag
Use a marker or other method to mark the steering wheel position
To secure the slip ring, insert a stopper.
Fixing the steering wheel
Using a 24mm socket with an extension, unscrew the nut that holds the steering wheel.
Unscrew the nut
With light blows from the left and right on the rim of the steering wheel from the side of the instrument panel, we knock it out of the slots.
Hit the steering wheel to knock it off the splines
Now you can completely remove the steering wheel.
Removing the steering wheel

If you need to change the position of the steering wheel, then you should align the wheels straight and put the steering wheel on the splines. We drive a few meters and look, if everything is satisfactory, then we assemble it in the reverse order, if not, we remove the steering wheel and set it as needed.

Steering wheel and airbag tuning

Technical diagram for disassembling parts when installing a sports steering wheel

Another option for mounting the steering wheel is to install a sports steering wheel. It is worth noting that in this case the driver is deprived of an airbag, but this function will be performed by a safety adapter.

Safety adapter

Safety adapter and fastenings to it

So, let's look at the process of installing a sports steering wheel on a Lada Granta:

Since we have everything removed, the first thing we do is install the adapter. We attach it to the steering shaft, but do not fix it.
We connect the signal wiring to the steering adapter. We insulate the airbag unit wires and leave them inside the adapter.
We install an adapter on the slots. It will perform functions instead of airbags, since upon impact it is easily deformed and does not injure a person’s chest.
We screw the tuning steering wheel directly.
The last step is to check the steering wheel position. We drive forward and backward, if the steering wheel is not level, then remove the adapter and align it.

Thus, you can tune the steering wheel of the Lada Granta. It is worth noting that if a sports steering wheel is installed, then you should definitely use seat belts.

Installed sports steering wheel with adapter for Lada Granta

conclusions

It is worth remembering that all operations to replace the steering wheel and airbag should be performed strictly according to the instructions. Especially in terms of assembly. Because one awkward movement can cause the airbag to deploy, and all operations will have to be done again. In rare cases, it may be necessary to “reset” the codes of the on-board computer, which may not see the new security system.

Is it possible to drive without airbags?

Car enthusiasts often ask questions regarding the operation of the car if there are faulty (opened) airbags or a malfunction indicator has been activated.

If the icon lights up, it indicates that one of the sensors has failed. This means that the likelihood of the airbag not deploying in an accident is higher. The indicator also lights up when the device has already been activated and a “plug” is installed instead.

You are allowed to drive with such errors (the technical part of the car does not suffer). Another thing is that the level of security is falling. There remains a risk that the airbag will not fulfill its intended purpose.