Driver Air Bag Module
Removal and InstallationWARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be installed new, not repainted.
WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
Please refer to the appropriate vehicle to determine location of the front air bag sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
WARNING: The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system repair only. Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
NOTE: If a seat equipped with a seat-mounted side air bag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced the air bag system must be deactivated. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUCTIONS - AIR BAG AND SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS), in this section.
NOTE: Restraint system diagnostic tools MUST be installed under the seats in the side air bag and safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) to floor connectors.
NOTE: Diagnostics or repairs are not to be performed on a side air bag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system with the seats in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose/repair the side air bag system and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system the seats must be removed from the vehicle and the restraint system diagnostic tools must be installed in the side air bag and the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) connectors at the floor connectors. The restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed prior to operating the vehicle over the road.
NOTE: Diagnostics may be performed on seat systems other than the side air bag or the safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system (lumbar, climate controlled, heated, power seat track) with the seat installed in the vehicle as long as the restraint system diagnostic tools are installed under the seats in the side air bag and safety belt pretensioner to floor connectors.
NOTE: After diagnosing/repairing a seat system the restraint system diagnostic tools must be removed before operating the vehicle over the road.
NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.
NOTE: The driver air bag module and steering wheel must be serviced as an assembly. These components are not serviced separately
NOTE: Make sure to follow all steps and instructions in the removal of the steering wheel.
1. Remove the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING WHEEL.