SL/R129 Can I switch seat bottoms? 1999 sl 500

Apr 29, 2008 | 09:37 PM

Rocco Vespe

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 91

Likes: 0

From: southern new jersey

2003 SL500

Can I switch seat bottoms? 1999 sl 500

I just tried to switch seat bottoms on my 1999 sl 500. I encountered an unexpected wire attached to the passengers side that was not on the drivers side. the wire runs into the bottom cushion. I thought about transferring it to the other cushion but before I do that which may mean removing the leather, I would like to know what the wire is for and if it is really needed.
Thanks,
Rocco
1999 sl 500
1988 xjs convert
1982 xjs coupe
2001 xj8

Apr 29, 2008 | 10:40 PM

pcviewer

Member

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 162

Likes: 0

2006 Aston Martin Vantage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocco Vespe

That wire probably leads to a sensor that would disable the passenger airbag. Something to do with children sitting in the front seat.

If you have small children sitting in the passenger seat, you should probably leave it alone.

It is possible that detaching this sensor permanently will throw an error code. I don't know for sure though. In fact, I don't know at all. I don't know if you want to start your car while the sensor is detached to test it out (I wouldn't. I would wait for someone with useful knowledge to chime in).

Some info from MBUSA that may relate to the wire you found:

Quote:

BabySmart™ system automatically deactivates the passenger's front air bag when a BabySmart™-compatible child seat is properly installed.1

Occupancy sensor prevents the passenger's front and side-impact air bags from deploying if seat is unoccupied. ETRs will not deploy if seat belt is unfastened.

http://www.mbusa.com/overview/1999/S...ccClassCode=SL

Last edited by pcviewer; Apr 29, 2008 at 10:50 PM.