Driver Air Bag - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag cushion and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

NOTE: The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged Driver AirBag (DAB). If the airbag is ineffective or damaged, but not deployed, review the recommended procedures for Handling Non-Deployed Supplemental Restraints. Service and Repair . If the DAB has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. Service and Repair .





1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. Working through the access holes in each side of the steering wheel rear trim cover, remove the two screws (3) that secure the floating horn switch (1) and Driver AirBag (DAB) (2) unit to the steering wheel armature.
3. Pull the DAB and floating horn switch unit away from the steering wheel far enough to access the electrical connections (3 and 4) at the back of the airbag housing and switch unit.
4. Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness connector (4) from the floating horn switch connector on the back of the switch.

CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail wires or pry on the connector insulators to disengage them from the Driver AirBag (DAB) inflator or the tether cutter initiator connector receptacles. Improper removal of these pigtail wires and their connector insulators can result in damage to the airbag circuits or the connector insulators.





5. The clockspring DAB pigtail wire connector insulators (1) are secured by integral latches (2) to the airbag inflator connector receptacles, which are located on the back of the DAB housing. Pinch both latches firmly, then pull the insulators straight out from the airbag inflator to disconnect them from the connector receptacles.
6. Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel.
7. If the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced and the steering column must be inspected. Steering Column Module - Removal and Testing and Inspection.