Replacing Steering Wheel

[CallowTop]

Hi - can anyone help?
I'm a relatively new bongo owner.
I've just had the steering wheel replaced on my 96 2.5 TD - the chap who did it said he had removed wheels with airbags and replaced with ones without before I therefore went along with having him do the exchange. It looks good and drives extremely well however the airbag warning light has started flashing and is now a constant feature!
Does anyone know if its a simple job to fix or will it need to be sorted by an electrical engineer? I'm ok at DIY around the house but cars are a different matter!
I could do with knowing in Layman's Terms if anyone can help
Many Thanks in anticipation
Tony

[g8dhe]

You will now fail the MOT as well ! The new MOT requires that safety features actually work if fitted.
See http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ca ... -2012.html

Supplementary restraints

The vehicle will fail the test if any airbag fitted as original equipment is obviously missing or defective.

[CallowTop]

Thanks for the info - that made my day!
Believe it or not the guy who did the job actually runs an MOT testing garage.

[daveblueozzie]

If there is no air bag now, why not just take the bulb out from behind the dials, that will stop it flashing.
Mine does not have an air bag so no need for a bulb

[CallowTop]

Hi
Thanks for the reply. Told you I knew nothing about cars - didn't realise it could be that simple.
I'll give it a go and let you know
Many Thanks

[David Edwards]

I have to ask, Why take out a very important safety feature in the first place.

[g8dhe]

Bongo' come with single (Driver only) bags or dual bags, if you have the latter it will still be obvious that one has been removed, also of course the Passenger may no longer be protected

[daveblueozzie]

Not all bongo's have airbags, mine never had them. but like its been said, why take out a safety device.

[helen&tony]

Hi
Whilst on this tack re: airbags....they are to be tested every 10 years to ensure correct function, or expiry. Does the MOT have a specific test, and if not, where do you have them tested, and how?...It's something I've wondered for quite a while, as I should like to ensure that such devices work when fitted. I'd hate to think of an accident where they just inflate like a weakly teenager trying to blow up a hot water bottle!
My Bongo never had them, and so I can't worry...(and , like Dave, I have an aftermarket wheel ).....but the other car has 4 and I'd like to be sure!
Cheers
Helen

[francophile1947]

I'd hate to think of an accident where they just inflate like a weakly teenager trying to blow up a hot water bottle!

Can't happen Helen, unless the explosive charge gets damaged. Anything that could do that damage would almost certainly set the airbag off anyway

[CallowTop]

The reason I changed was the existing wheel was damaged. Secondly I'd done a fair bit of research and the majority of advice was Mazda recommend the bags are replaced after 15 years . This in itself is extremely costly - other Bongo owners have gone down the same route which was why I asked for some help.

[g8dhe]

There isn't a lot of useful info on failure rates from a quick Google, although there is discussion by others looking for similar information and unable to locate anything useful !
However I did find this document http://ec.europa.eu/transport/roadsafet ... udy_1a.pdf
Pages 60-64 are the relevant ones but really only describe the start of the normal Bathtub curve in the first 5 years, no data available on failure rates for older equipment which could mean they stay reliable or that no one has ever investigated and published, I would have thought that if there was a significant risk then there might be studies and papers available - but lack of evidence isn't proof of safety in this situation !

[David Edwards]

Hmm unfortunately I have seen and dealt with far too many rta's where vehicles did not have airbags and the results were not pretty and sometimes unfortunately fatal, mine will stay for ever as far as I am concerned and I would never buy a vehicle now that hasn't got at least one airbag, preferably more. Also don't forget that is definitely going to be considered a major modification by any insurance company so remember to tell them and...expect a shock when the increase the premium.

[Velocette]

Bongo' come with single (Driver only) bags or dual bags, if you have the latter it will still be obvious that one has been removed, also of course the Passenger may no longer be protected

How do I know if my 95 Bongo has an airbag or air bags? I am thinking of getting a QD wheel and boss because we like to sit in the front to watch films etc (usually when we are parked up!)

There are no warning stickers and I have never noticed a panel light.

[g8dhe]

I should have included no Airbags as well! Normally the cover of the airbag has markings on it I thought, mines away in Lancashire at the moment so cant check!
See here for parts that make up the system http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html
Yes the passenger one has it stamped on the front and I think I can see the same on the drivers bag;