DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

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Warning

•  Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag system vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury if the air bag accidentally operates (deploys).

•  After operation (deployment), the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generating combustion. Since it irritates the skin, wash your hands with soap and water after servicing.

•  Never probe the connectors with a tester on the air bag module. If it is probed directly, the operation (deployment) of the air bag could result in personal injury.

•  The air bag sensor is important for proper air bag system operation (deployment). If a vehicle equipped with an air bag system is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring harness connector for deformation. Replace damaged sensors or structural components whether or not the air bag has operated (deployed), and install new parts properly.

•  To avoid accidental operation (deployment) of the air bag and possible personal injury, always deplete the back-up power supply before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag structural component, and before servicing, replacing, adjusting, or causing impact to components near the air bag sensors, such as doors, dashboard, console, door latches, strikers, seats and bonnet latches.

•  Before servicing, refer to this workshop manual to determine the location of the crash zone sensor.

•  The side air bag sensors are located at the base of the B pillar.

•  To deplete the backup power supply, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait for 1 min or more. Make sure to disconnect the auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

•  The SST (diagnostic simulator) is for air bag system servicing only. Before using the vehicle, you must always remove it. Failure to remove it could result in personal injury and loss of the vehicle safety standards.

•  Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read “AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS and CAUTIONS” before handling the air bag module. (See SERVICE WARNINGS.) (See SERVICE CAUTIONS.)

Note

•  If a seat equipped with a side air bag equipped seat or a pre-tensioner front buckle (if equipped) is being serviced, the air bag system must be deactivated.

•  The SST (diagnostic simulator) must be installed under the seats in the side air bag and pre-tensioner front buckle (if equipped) to floor connectors.

•  Diagnostics or repairing are not to be performed on a side air bag system or a pre-tensioner front buckle (if equipped) with the seats in the vehicle. Prior to attempting to diagnose/repair the side air bag system or a pre-tensioner front buckle (if equipped) the seats must be removed from the vehicle and the SST (diagnostic simulator) must be installed in the side air bag and the pre-tensioner front buckle (if equipped) connectors at the floor connectors. The SST (diagnostic simulator) must be removed before operating the vehicle on the road.

•  Diagnostics may be performed on seat systems other than the side air bag or the pre-tensioner front buckle (if equipped) (lumbar, climate control, heat, power seat track) with the seat installed in the vehicle as long as the SSTs (diagnostic simulator) are installed under the seats in the side air bag and pre-tensioner front buckle to the floor connectors.

•  After diagnosing/repairing the seat system, always remove the SST (diagnostic simulator) before operating the vehicle on the road.

•  Replace only with new parts. If the new part does not correct the malfunction, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

1.  Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

2.  Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait 1 min or more.

3.  Remove in the order indicated in the table.

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1	Cover
2	Bolt
3	Driver-side air bag module
4	Connector (See Connector Removal Note.)

4.  Install in the reverse order of removal.

5.  Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

6.  Verify that the air bag system warning light illuminates for approx. 6 s and then goes out.

•  If the air bag system warning light does not operate (deploy), refer to the on-board diagnostic system (air bag system) and perform inspection of the system.

Connector Removal Note

1.  Using a flathead screwdriver, pry out the connector stopper plate.

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2.  Disconnect the connector.