Air Bag Deactivation Switch: Service and Repair

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.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. Remove the accessory switch plate from the instrument panel.

Passenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/Install:

3. Remove the two screws that secure the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch to the back of the instrument panel accessory switch plate.
4. Remove the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch from the instrument panel accessory switch plate.

INSTALLATION
1. Position the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch to the back of the instrument panel accessory switch plate.
2. Install and tighten the two screws that secure the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch to the instrument panel accessory switch plate. Tighten the screws to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
3. Install the accessory switch plate onto the instrument panel.
4. Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time.