Thank you for your input. I appreciate the frank scoop. I don't personally consider using a GPS mapping program to be an "office" function when I'm driving but do understand what you mean about the vehicle not being specifically designed as a computer center. Unfortunately EMI filters on power cables do not apply in my case since I am not using "ANY" power cables connecting to the automobile's electrical system. I run the computer solely on its internal battery supply and my GPS receiver is powered directly from the laptop.

I haven't inspected the system inside the passenger seat but the service bulletin shows an OPDS unit cover. Is this cover metallic? Ah, plastic. I thought so. Any chance that if this is replaced with a metalic cover and grounded to the chassis the problem would vanish; or would a metallic shield add too much additional stray capacitance and screw up the SRS?

Obviously what you say is true: The SRS system is very picky. I'm wondering what will happen when I try to install my 2 meter (VHF) amateur radio transceiver in the vehicle. That's designed to radiate 40 watts at 145 mHz.....