Knee Blocker 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 Inflatable Knee Blocker (IKB) 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 IKB 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.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Steering Column Opening Cover - Removal.
3. Disconnect the electrical connection that is secured by integral latches to the airbag inflator initiator connector receptacle on the inboard end of the IKB housing. Depress the latches on each side of the connector insulator and pull the insulator straight out from the inflator initiator to disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
4. Remove the three nuts that secure the Inflatable Knee Blocker (IKB) airbag to the mounting plate on the lower instrument panel reinforcement.
5. Remove the IKB airbag from the vehicle.