Airbag Deployment when Seatbelt not Latched? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

h018871 · 07-09-2016, 04:32 PM

Does anyone know if the SIR System functions any differently if the seat belts are connected or not?

The reason for the question is: when at the track, I run the harnesses with the OEM belts unlatched. If in a wreck, I'd still like the bags to function as designed. I realize that the belt retractor would be ineffective, but that's not a concern because the harness already have you all the way back.
I'm debating whether to install a switch to fool the SDM to think they are connected while at the track.......although I'm not real keen modifying the factory safety items in place.

Apologies if already discussed, I didn't see it in my search

shibbs · 07-09-2016, 05:16 PM

From my understanding, it will deploy the airbags in a slightly different manner and timing, to try to compensate for the driver being unrestrained. It knows you're there in the seat, due to the occupancy sensor.

h018871 · 07-09-2016, 08:29 PM

I've looked at the wiring diagram and read the system description in the service manual. Everything is controlled by the SDM, the manual treats it as a black box. There's no mention of the logic used outside of the impact severity and the driver's seat position.
Thx and I agree with your logic captain, I'd like to think that it is not made inactive if the belt is not latched

td195f · 07-09-2016, 09:13 PM

Instead of a switch, get the insert end of a seatbelt from a junkyard that will fit the Camaro buckle. With it inserted in the buckle the system will think you have the belt on. You can also do a search on-line. There are companies that make an insert you can buy.

Nick S · 07-10-2016, 08:15 AM

When I was reading on Schroths website about their 3 and 4 point connection harnesses for use with factory restraint receptacles they mentioned that an advantage to using their system is since they use the factory receptacles the air bags will deploy at normal rates. If the vehicle doesn't think you are belted in they said the air bags will deploy faster/harder. So it sounds like it would be best to have something to plug into the OEM female receptacle to retain normal air bag deployment functionality.

motorhead · 07-10-2016, 09:04 AM

Why not just latch the seat bealt and then get in? I never tried that with the camaro, but have with others.

Just a thought.

summit1le · 07-10-2016, 09:24 AM

although I can't verify the speed and rate of the air bag deployment while running aftermarket seats and 6 points. I hit head on while slightly offset towards the drivers side, and the drivers air bag and curtains deployed . I am not sure why the passenger air bag did not deploy, I can guess that has more to do with the seat weight sensor not being installed, therefore the system thought there was no occupant.

h018871 · 07-10-2016, 11:36 AM

My understanding is that the front bags are 2 stage, basically 2 gas generators in each bag. The SDM determines the severity and direction of the impact & decides the timing, which bag to activate & for the fronts, how many generators to fire.
I tried buckling the OEM belts, even went behind the seat. The male portion digs into my side & it is in the way of harness. It might be different if just the buckle and not the webbing. I'll search salvage yards and try that first. Failing that I'll add a switch.

summit1le, correct(my understanding), the pass bag won't deploy if the occupancy sensor is not triggered. I.E.: Activate the light above the mirror.

Og Neon · 07-10-2016, 10:44 PM

For like $5 bucks on Ebay or Amazon you can guy a seatbelt dummy plug. It is what I am using in my z/28 and and what I have used in previous cars where I have installed a harness for the track. Much easier then trying to rewire things.

MRBZ28 · 07-11-2016, 01:10 PM

If you go to your chevy dealership parts department and tell them you need a seatbelt extender and give them your vin number they will order you one, thats what i did.
when I got it i cut the end off. I plug it in when Im using my 6 point harness. there was no cost from the dealership for the extender.

h018871 · 07-12-2016, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRBZ28

If you go to your chevy dealership parts department and tell them you need a seatbelt extender and give them your vin number they will order you one, thats what i did.
when I got it i cut the end off. I plug it in when Im using my 6 point harness. there was no cost from the dealership for the extender.

I like free! I'll try this first, thx for the tip

EDIT: called the dealer, got two on order.........free / perfect!

07-09-2016, 04:32 PM	#1
h018871 Geoff Drives: 2022 SS 1LE Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,768	Airbag Deployment when Seatbelt not Latched? Does anyone know if the SIR System functions any differently if the seat belts are connected or not? The reason for the question is: when at the track, I run the harnesses with the OEM belts unlatched. If in a wreck, I'd still like the bags to function as designed. I realize that the belt retractor would be ineffective, but that's not a concern because the harness already have you all the way back. I'm debating whether to install a switch to fool the SDM to think they are connected while at the track.......although I'm not real keen modifying the factory safety items in place. Apologies if already discussed, I didn't see it in my search __________________ Having a Blast https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10741733

07-09-2016, 08:29 PM	#3
h018871 Geoff Drives: 2022 SS 1LE Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,768	I've looked at the wiring diagram and read the system description in the service manual. Everything is controlled by the SDM, the manual treats it as a black box. There's no mention of the logic used outside of the impact severity and the driver's seat position. Thx and I agree with your logic captain, I'd like to think that it is not made inactive if the belt is not latched __________________ Having a Blast https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10741733

07-09-2016, 09:13 PM	#4
td195f Drives: 2015 Z/28 #786 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hastings, NY Posts: 475	Instead of a switch, get the insert end of a seatbelt from a junkyard that will fit the Camaro buckle. With it inserted in the buckle the system will think you have the belt on. You can also do a search on-line. There are companies that make an insert you can buy. __________________ 2015 Z/28 #786 - Black 2004 Silverado 3500 Dually - D'Max - Suncoast - Banks - Edge - Custom Tune by D'Max Tuner / Spitzer '32 Bantam Altered Drag Car - Blown Alcohol 380 CI Small Block Chevy

07-10-2016, 08:15 AM	#5
Nick S Drives: 2013 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Verona, WI Posts: 1,932	When I was reading on Schroths website about their 3 and 4 point connection harnesses for use with factory restraint receptacles they mentioned that an advantage to using their system is since they use the factory receptacles the air bags will deploy at normal rates. If the vehicle doesn't think you are belted in they said the air bags will deploy faster/harder. So it sounds like it would be best to have something to plug into the OEM female receptacle to retain normal air bag deployment functionality. __________________

07-10-2016, 09:24 AM	#7
summit1le Drives: 15 Lexus RCF, 17 Vette Grand Sport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Florida Posts: 549	although I can't verify the speed and rate of the air bag deployment while running aftermarket seats and 6 points. I hit head on while slightly offset towards the drivers side, and the drivers air bag and curtains deployed . I am not sure why the passenger air bag did not deploy, I can guess that has more to do with the seat weight sensor not being installed, therefore the system thought there was no occupant. __________________ 2013 Summit 1SS 1LE w/NPP, SW 1 7/8" Long Tube Headers, CAI Intake, Ported TB, Cammotion 224/232 113 LSA, BTR Valvetrain, Melling Oil Pump, 468 HP 423, Apex Catch Can, Tank Plates, RPM 4 Point Roll Bar with SCCA/NASA Cross Brace, Schroth 6 Point Han's Harness, OMP WRC Front Seats, F.M.T Trailing Arms, F.M.T Solid Aluminum Subframe Bushings, Moreno Motorsports Camber Plates, BMR Bushings Front and Rear, Essex/AP Racing Radi-Cal Endurance Front Brakes, Quantum Brake Cooling Ducts, ZL1 Rockers, ZL1 Air Deflectors, Heritage Grill, Pfadt Springs.

07-10-2016, 09:04 AM	#6
motorhead Drives: Love the one you're with Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Downtown Charlie Brown Posts: 11,849	Why not just latch the seat bealt and then get in? I never tried that with the camaro, but have with others. Just a thought.

07-10-2016, 11:36 AM	#8
h018871 Geoff Drives: 2022 SS 1LE Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,768	My understanding is that the front bags are 2 stage, basically 2 gas generators in each bag. The SDM determines the severity and direction of the impact & decides the timing, which bag to activate & for the fronts, how many generators to fire. I tried buckling the OEM belts, even went behind the seat. The male portion digs into my side & it is in the way of harness. It might be different if just the buckle and not the webbing. I'll search salvage yards and try that first. Failing that I'll add a switch. summit1le, correct(my understanding), the pass bag won't deploy if the occupancy sensor is not triggered. I.E.: Activate the light above the mirror. __________________ Having a Blast https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10741733

07-10-2016, 10:44 PM	#9
Og Neon Lover of Speed Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Phoenix Posts: 274	For like $5 bucks on Ebay or Amazon you can guy a seatbelt dummy plug. It is what I am using in my z/28 and and what I have used in previous cars where I have installed a harness for the track. Much easier then trying to rewire things.

07-11-2016, 01:10 PM	#10
MRBZ28 Drives: 2014 Z28 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: San Bernardino, Ca Posts: 187	If you go to your chevy dealership parts department and tell them you need a seatbelt extender and give them your vin number they will order you one, thats what i did. when I got it i cut the end off. I plug it in when Im using my 6 point harness. there was no cost from the dealership for the extender.