Thanks to all who responded!!

I did not want to start an airbag war. I was simply expressing my opinions
and frustrations. I like technology that is accessible.

I do have all the Bentley manuals for the Passat (2 books each thicker than
the Vanagon manual). Note they restructured the books including exploded
views of the parts in columns which means that the same drawings are
repeated until the text runs out. While I like the exploded views, it is a
wasteful way of printing. The electrical diagrams are overhwelming.

I decided to go the safe route and have an appointment in town tomorrow to
get my ignition switch changed. Thanks for your suggestions and your
concerns about my health.

Airbags contain a capacitor which retains electricity after the battery has
been disconnected. That's why fire fighters are instructed to never put any
part of their body between the steering wheel and a crash victim.
Theoretically you just have to wait long enough and theoretically nothing
should happen if you do proper procedures. However, I looked at the warnings
in the manual and looked at the drawings of someone testing the car and
airbag circuitry with a remote control device and decided to look for other
adventures.

Some other time I will give my philosophical view of this. For preparatory
reading I recommend "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert
Pirsig.

Bj�rn

P.S. In Germany children under 10 are generally not allowed on front seats.
When you have passenger airbags children under 11 or under a certain height
(consult manual) are not recommended for front seats due to the potential of
serious injury. Safe driving (with seatbelts), don't have too many children
or drive a Vanagon. :)

Bj�rn Ratjen, Ph.D.

Mill Bay, B.C.
Canada
ph/fax (250) 743-7575