L400 series 1 steering wheel airbag

[April_ethereal]

So I've noticed that some 1996 series 1 L400's have steering wheel air bags and some don't. I've heard that this was decided by the trim details, etc...What I'm wondering, is if the airbag bumper sensor was still included in all models regardless of steering wheel option? To change a non airbag model over to an airbag, would it be as simple as buying a used stock airbag steering wheel and replacing the old one?

[Big-Bird]

It depends on the year of delica you bought....not necessarily the trim level.

Older delicas had a steering wheel air bag but had no passenger side dash airbag, just a junk tray. I own a base model 1996 L400 and it has both airbags.

It's possible that early Delica models had nothing for sensors or wiring as the air bag thing didn't hit mainstream automotive requirements until 1994 and became mandatory in the US/Canada in 1998 which is when nearly everyone was doing it anyway.

Its more likely your Delica has an after market steering wheel and the wiring for an air bag is already there. FYI: Most air bags must be tested for function (resistance test) every 10 years.....might not be worth installing one in your Delica now.

[April_ethereal]

The old one's must still work though, no?

I've actually been looking at quite a few different L400's through Japanese auction listings. Some 96's have airbags, but some don't. From what I understand, you can tell if it has one by the words "SRS Airbag" underneath the Mitsubishi logo, and the steering wheel will have two buttons on each side for the horn. I'm looking at a 96 right now that has a normal steering wheel.

I had heard somewhere that all 1996+ L400's had the capability of airbags. This is why I'm wondering if they came equipped with the sensor, but left out air bags to cater to people who didn't want the new technology. I've found an airbag equipped s1 L400 steering wheel online, and am hoping that it can be installed into this particular L400.

Oh also, how do you know that your passenger side has an airbag? Will it not have that compartmental dealy thing on top of the passenger dash?