I've got a 2021 F350 supercab that I've removed the rear seats from. This produced seatbelt and airbag errors, which means that the front airbags no longer work (I'd like hose to still work!), and the vehicle can't pass inspection in my state. I need to clear/bypass these errors, and I'm not at all worried about the legality, since there's no rear seats for any passengers to sit in. Can anyone provide instructions for how to do this?

There are two empty plugs now that I've removed the seats - one with two holes, and one with four holes (photos below). I see airbag/seatbelt "emulators" and bypass resistors online. Can anyone tell me how I would plug these devices into the four-hole plug? Would I need two resistors, one for each pair of holes?

Thanks!

 

What makes you believe removing the rear seat disables and renders inoperative the entire air bag/SRS?

FWIW I've read posts from another site where the emulators or resistors you mention were said to not be good ideas, that they would affect SRS operation. Buyer beware I say.

 

The Ford dealer confirmed that the airbag error generated by removing the rear seat disables the entire system, even the front airbags. So even if the emulators are not 100% guaranteed to work, they're better than what I've got - unless someone else has an alternative approach to suggest. My local mechanic (not the dealer) thinks that removing just the seat belt tensioner from the seat and plugging that in will work. I'm considering giving that a shot.

I never imagined this would be a problem - especially in a work truck! I grew up with vehicles, where you could pop the seats in and out, whenever you needed to. I certainly value the safety features of newer vehicles, but it seems silly that they didn't design this system to be easily turned off when the seats are removed.

 

I think your local mechanic may be correct. Having the seat belts hanging around wouldn't be too much of a problem would it? You are going to have to bolt the side pieces in correctly. I don't think plugging them in and then throwing them under the carpet is going to work. You said they were mounted to the seat, so I am not sure if you can mount them to work correctly or not.

 

Thanks for clarifying the SRS is in fact disabled with an air bag code---good info to know! I had that same thought about re-installing just the pre-tensioner in a safe spot they wouldn't be damaged by stowed cargo.

I'm sure the factory is simply trying to relieve itself of liability if its modified from its as-built as-delivered condition. In some instances its highly inconvenient.

 

We used to use air bag simulators for test purposes
You can use those which are just real good quality resistors
I'll find some in my toolbox and post a pic soon
The seat belt retractor wiring will need to be jumped

 

You can core out the buckle receptacle. Tuck em away

 

Nice! Can you confirm its working for you? What year/model?