Is there an airbag guru among us who can tell me how to temporarily disable
them?

My wife's TD passat has a faulty ignition switch. VW overloaded this switch
with daylights, preglow, etc. To get at the switch, which is the same as in
Golfs, Jettas etc., I was told I need to disassemble the steering column.
Now there is the airbag which scares me. I hate it when people put things
into cars that deny access. Despite the fact that airbags certainly have
their application I hate the idea of an explosive oversized condom which can
overwhelm me at any time. I do use seatbelts consistently though. Back to
the point - I don't think vanagons ever had them and I can actually take
things apart without things blowing up in my face - how can I safely
disassemble and reassemble my steering column with the airbag? VW charges
Can$195 for the job ahead. Can I save the money without risking my life?

Bj�rn Ratjen

Mill Bay, B.C. 

1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD
(1982 Vanagon Diesel)
1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)