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 cluster bezel from the instrument panel. Refer to Cluster Bezel in the Removal and Installation for the procedures.
3. Remove the glove box from the instrument panel. Refer to Glove Box in the Removal and Installation for the procedures.

Passenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch Wire Harness Connectors:

4. Reach through the glove box opening to access and disconnect the two passenger side airbag on/off switch wire harness connectors from the instrument panel wire harness. These connectors are retained on a bracket located on the inboard glove box opening reinforcement.

Passenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch Bezel Remove/Install:

5. Remove the three screws that secure the passenger side airbag on/off switch bezel to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the passenger side airbag on/off switch and switch bezel from the instrument panel as a unit.

Passenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/Install:

7. Remove the three screws that secure the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch to the back of the switch bezel.
8. Remove the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch from the switch bezel.

INSTALLATION
1. Position the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch to the back of the switch bezel.
2. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the passenger side airbag on/off switch to the switch bezel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
3. Route the passenger side airbag on/off switch wire harness through the switch bezel opening of the instrument panel.
4. Reach through the glove box opening to access and reconnect the two passenger side airbag on/off switch wire harness connectors to the instrument panel wire harness. These connectors are retained on a bracket located on the inboard glove box opening reinforcement. Be certain that both connectors are fully engaged and latched.
5. Position the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch bezel to the opening in the instrument panel.
6. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the passenger side airbag on/off switch bezel to the instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
7. Install the glove box onto the instrument panel. Refer to Glove Box in the Removal and Installation for the procedures.
8. Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument panel. Refer to Cluster Bezel in the Removal and Installation for the procedures.
9. Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. Refer to Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.