Driver Side Airbag Module Replacement

UNDEPLOYED
At no time should any source of electricity be permitted near the inflator on the back of an airbag module. when carrying a non-deployed airbag module, the trim cover or airbag side of the module should be pointed away from the body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental deployment. If the module is placed on a bench or any other surface, the trim cover or airbag side of the module should be face up to minimize movement in the event of an accidental deployment.

In addition, the airbag system should be disarmed whenever any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel components require diagnosis or service. Failure to observe this warning could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

DEPLOYED
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use after an airbag deployment, must have both airbag modules, and the clockspring replaced. These components will be damaged or weakened as a result of an airbag deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection, and are not intended for reuse.

Other vehicle components should be closely inspected. but are to be replaced only as required by the extent of the visible damage incurred.

Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves - Typical:

CLEANUP PROCEDURE

WARNING: If you experience skin irritation during cleanup, run cool water over the affected area. also, if you experience irritation of the nose or throat, exit the vehicle for fresh air until the irritation ceases. If irritation continues, see a physician.

Following an airbag system deployment, the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue. This residue is primarily sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), used as an airbag cushion lubricant. However, there will also be traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical by-product of the generant used for airbag deployment. Since this powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup.

Fig 3 Airbag Exhaust Vent Sealing:

Begin the cleanup by applying tape over the airbag exhaust vent so no more powder will be released into the vehicle.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on an uncleaned area.

Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical:

Be sure to vacuum the heater and air conditioning outlets as well. Run the heater and air conditioning blower on the lowest speed setting and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets. You may need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.

Place the deployed airbag modules in your vehicular scrap pile.

Fig 5 Speed Control Switch Remove/Install:

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

WARNING:
This system is a sensitive, complex electro-mechanical unit. Before attempting to diagnose, remove or install the airbag system or related steering wheel and steering column 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 system 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.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag module is undeployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. From the underside of the steering wheel remove the speed control switch or trim bar mounting screws.

Fig 6 Speed Control Switch Connector Remove/Install:

3. Pull the switches or trim bar from the steering wheel. If equipped with speed control, unplug the wiring connector from the switch.

Right Rear Steering Wheel Cover Remove/Install:

4. Using a small screwdriver remove right rear steering wheel cover.

Fig 7 Airbag Module Remove/Install:

5. Remove the four nuts attaching the airbag module to the steering wheel.
6. Remove the airbag module from the steering wheel.
7. Unplug the electrical connector from the airbag module.
8. When installing, connect the clockspring wiring connector to the module by pressing straight in on the connector. The connector should latch securely beneath the module connector locking clip arms to assure positive connection.
9. Install the four airbag module mounting nuts and tighten to 9 to 11 Nm (80 to 100 in lb).
10. Install the speed control switch or trim bar as equipped.
11. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System Arming for proper procedure. Service and Repair