AIRBAG MODULE
WARNING:
· THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
· WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG MODULE AND OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES, THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE SKIN AND EYES.
DRIVER SIDE
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag module has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
From the underside of the steering wheel, remove the two screws that secure the driver side airbag module to the steering wheel Driver Side Airbag Module Remove/Install
Pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel far enough to access the wire harness connectors on the back of the airbag module.
Unplug the airbag module and horn switch wire harness connectors from the back of the airbag module.
Remove the driver side airbag module from the vehicle.
If the airbag has been deployed, see the procedure for replacing the clockspring in this group.
When installing the airbag module, connect the clockspring wire harness connector to the module by pressing straight in on the connector. Be certain that the connector is fully engaged by observing the latching clip arms on the top of the connector.
Install the two airbag module mounting screws and tighten to 10.2 N·m (90 in. lbs.)
Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System in Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.
PASSENGER SIDE
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag module has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
Remove the instrument panel top cover. Refer to Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.
Unplug the passenger side airbag module wire harness connector located on the top of the instrument panel between the airbag module and the windshield Passenger Side Airbag Connector Remove/Install
Disengage the passenger side airbag module wire harness connector retainer from the hole on the top of the instrument panel.
Remove the four screws that secure the upper flange of the passenger side airbag door to the instrument panel Passenger Side Airbag Module Remove/Install
Remove the two screws that secure the upper airbag module mounting brackets to the top of the instrument panel.
Open the glove box door and remove the two glove box door stop bumpers by sliding them down towards the glove box bin and out of their slotted holes in the instrument panel. Roll the glove box door down to its fully opened position.
Remove the four screws that secure the lower flange of the passenger side airbag door to the instrument panel near the upper edge of the glove box opening.
Reach through the glove box opening and up to remove the two screws that secure the lower airbag module mounting brackets to the instrument panel.
Remove the passenger side airbag module and airbag door from the instrument panel as a unit.
Reverse the removal procedures to install. Tighten the hardware as follows:
Airbag module mounting bracket screws - 11.8 N·m (105 in. lbs.)
Airbag door mounting screws - 2.2 N·m (20 in. lbs.)
Before reinstalling the instrument panel top cover, be certain that the airbag module wire harness connector latches are fully engaged.
Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System in Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.