Passenger Airbag Deactivation switch (PAD) change out. Looking for info.

[gossipninja]

I have this dumb idea to use a Focus defrost/PAD switch in my 2014 connect as it is the same size/plug type (focus has more pins). I hate the navigation style one and with my aftermarket dash kit has a lame one that is far too wide which will affect my big screen radio install (I'm modifying a focus dash kit, it's a whole other thing)

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I'm not even worried about HOW I am going to pin this ( in theory splice wires off existing front control interface module plug and add pins to the defrost button harness)

The defrost switch/indicator pins are the same on both switches and I don't have a heated front windshield which normally occupies the location of the focus PAD (boy i wish i did tho)

 

But the PAD pinout of the switch (for the focus) has 2 extra pins: fuse 86 and a deactivate+(meaning airbag-off) whereas the transit connect uses 3 pins on its PAD :fuse 86, deactivate + ( airbag off), and deactive - (airbag on)

I've attached a focus vs transit wiring diagram, and a more full transit wiring diagram.

It appears power comes in on fuse 86 pin, and then through either "deactivate +" or "deactivate -" on the transit and then go to the restraint module.

On the focus PAD I ran 12v to act as fuse 86 to its respective pin and connected "deactivate +"  to ground and the PAD lit up as expected. 

Since this switch only has a "deactivate +" what are the ramifications of not having "deactivate -" connected?

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

What types of switch are the airbag switches? Is the TC switch an SPDT toggle? Is the Focus switch SPST toggle or momentary?

 

Assuming TC is SPDT, you could have the Focus switch control either a standard 5-pin or a latching relay, depending on which type of switch it is.

 

If the TC switch is doing something more complicated, you need someone more familiar with it than me.

[gossipninja]

the PAD isn't a switch, just an indicator. In USA their isn't a manual switch to disable the passenger airbag as it is handled via an occupancy/weight sensor in the seat.

 

Curious what happens if the system doesn't "see" one of them. 
I'd imagine it might throw an airbag error, I will likely have to do some testing with leads

[lowspeedpursuit]

Ah, I apologize, I assumed it was a carseat/heavy backpack defeat switch. So the TC indicator has both ON and OFF lights, and the Focus indicator just has OFF illuminated or dark? I wouldn't assume the Restraint Module will care if one of the lights is missing. If common is power, the module is just grounding the deactivate+/- lines, right?

 

Run it, and if it throws an airbag code, clear it with Forscan and plug the old indicator back into deactivate- and power and hide it up inside the dash.