Airbags with non-factory seats?

[jjkirch]

Is there a way to activate the airbags without having the factory seats?
The airbags don't work without them normally. I just bought an 06 from a dealer which had been broken into and the seats were stolen. I'm considering buying racing seats, but don't want to run with disabled airbags. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! It's sitting in my garage waiting to be driven, but without seats... you get the picture. Got a great deal on the car though!

[Java Junky]

JJ;
'Afraid I don't have the info you need, but that "not workin' without the factory seats" thing . . you sure about that? It's the first that I heard of it.
But you're in the right arena. If it's true, somebody here will know.
Be well.
P.S. Even if there was somethin' that required the stock seats as part of what makes the bags happen, I'm sure there'd be a way around it ( but, know that this is comin' from someone who isn't riskin' eatin' the price of the seats if it isn't possible)

[jjkirch]

Java, yes it's true, but I've learned a little more... it's new to 2006 models. The sensor is IN THE TRACKS that the seats slide up or back on. If it senses at least 55 pounds in the passenger seat, then the passenger side airbag will deploy. The thing is, AT LEAST without the OEM seats/tracks in and wired up, it throws a code in the SRS system and NEITHER airbag will work, plus the airbag light is glowing in the dash. One idea would be to buy aftermarket seats IF they would fit in the OEM tracks (since this is where the sensor is), but I have no idea if aftermarket seats would match up. Another idea I had was to put in aftermarket seats on their own track hardwear and ADDITIONALLY buy the OEM tracks with the intention of tricking the system by using C-clamps (or something) to squeeze the sensor mimicking (sp?) a passenger's weight (and, of course, plugging in the OEM tracks to the system). The OEM tracks could then just be slid under the seats (since they wouldn't be bolted in as the aftermarket ones would be). I'm told this wouldn't work because there's a 7 step process to "learn" the passenger sensor to the system when it's plugged back in after being unplugged. (With everything OEM someone weighing at least 55 pounds sits in the passenger seat, then slides up or back stopping at each fore/aft position which sets the sensor to make it work. This of course is done at the dealer. Sooo, this is what I've been told, if you Java, or anybody else knows for sure if I've been mislead or knows how I can fool/bypass the system so the airbags will work with some kind of seats... I'm dying to drive my new S2000!! lol Thanks for your help!

[Java Junky]

Whew! You're in it deeper than I am J. In one fell swoop you made me appreciate that I own an '04.
From what you say it sounds like your source of info was a dealer, so I don't expect that you were misled.
And, for the record: I've much admiration for your will-power. I wouldn't be able to wait. I'd be out toolin' aroun' sittin' on an Ancra'd milk crate. (Hmmm-m-m . . maybe THEN I could rest my arm on the door)
Keep us posted because if you're dealin' with this new '06 problem, sooner r' later somebody else will be too.
I don't imagine that bein' a ground-breaker is givin' you much satisfaction though.
Good luck n' be well.

[jjkirch]

Java, you said it, but I already did it. Drive it without seats that is. I had to go for a spin today. Sat on 3 pillows and had a fourth behind my back. I'm 6'2", so reaching the pedals was a snap. With the top down (gorgeous out today) I felt a tad uneasy without a seatbelt on, no roof (this is a new sensation for a guy who's never own a drop-top), no air-bags to deploy, and, oh yeah, NO SEAT! But I had a blast and have a lead or two on what seats I might get (non-OEM). Thanks for the feedback!