Side Curtain Air Bag - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with air bags, 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 unit and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury, use extreme care to prevent any foreign material from entering the side curtain airbag, or becoming entrapped between the side curtain airbag cushion and the headliner. Failure to observe this warning could result in occupant injuries upon airbag deployment.

NOTE: The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged side curtain airbag. 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 side curtain airbag 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.

NOTE: If a side curtain airbag is being removed, but has not been deployed, the headliner does not have to be removed from the passenger compartment. Lowering the headliner and resting it on the seat backs will allow enough clearance to remove the side curtain airbag from the vehicle. However, if either side curtain airbag has been deployed, the headliner must be removed from the passenger compartment and replaced with a new unit.

2. Lower or remove the headliner from the vehicle, as required. Headliner - Removal.
3. Remove the 2 (standard cab), 4 (quad or crew cab) or 5 (mega cab) screws (8) that secure the side curtain airbag (6) to the inner roof rail.
4. Disengage the 2 plastic push-in retainers (9) that secure the side curtain airbag front tether to the assist handle bracket (1) on the inner A-pillar (2).
5. Disengage the 1 plastic push-in retainer (7) that secures the side curtain airbag to the inner roof rail.
6. The body wire harness connector (5) insulator is secured by integral latches to the connector receptacle at the rear of the inflator (4). Pinch both latches firmly, then pull the insulator straight out from the airbag inflator to disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
7. Slide the inflator rearward far enough to disengage the T-tab at the front of the inflator bracket from the keyed slot (3) in the inner roof rail over the front door opening (standard cab) or rear door opening (quad or crew cab and mega cab).
8. Remove the side curtain airbag from the vehicle as a unit.