Driver Airbag Module Replacement

After deployment, a powdery residue may be on the surface of the airbag. The powder consists primarily of cornstarch (used to lubricate the bag as it inflates) and by-products of the chemical reaction. Sodium hydroxide dust (similar to lye soap) is produced as a by-product of the deployment reaction. The sodium hydroxide then quickly reacts with atmospheric moisture and is converted to sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda). Therefore, it is unlikely that sodium hydroxide will be present after deployment. Wear gloves and safety glasses during the disposal procedure. Refer to "Deployed Airbag Module Disposal Procedure".

Removal Procedure

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION: The SDM can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags for 10 minutes after the ignition is OFF and the AIRBAG fuse has been removed. If the airbags are not disconnected, service cannot begin until 10 minutes have passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. If the airbags are disconnected, service can begin immediately without waiting for the 10 minutes time period to expire. Failure to temporarily disable the SIR system during servicing can result in unexpected deployment, personal injury, and otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

2. If the airbag has not been deployed, remove the knee bolster and disconnect the yellow clock spring connector on the lower steering column. Refer to "Disabling the SIR System".
3. Position the steering wheel straight ahead.
4. Remove the driver airbag module mounting bolts.





CAUTION: When handling an airbag module, always keep the top of the unit facing upward. This leaves room for the airbag to expand if the module unexpectedly deploys. Without room for expansion, a module suddenly propelled toward a person or object can cause injury or vehicle damage.

5. Remove the connectors from the horn terminal and the driver airbag module.
6. Remove the driver airbag module.

Installation Procedure





CAUTION: When removing an airbag module or handling a new airbag module, always keep the top of the unit facing upward. This leaves room for the air - bag to expand if the module unexpectedly deploys. Without room for expansion, a module suddenly propelled toward a person or object can cause injury or vehicle damage.

1. Install the connectors to the horn terminal and the driver airbag module.
2. Install the driver airbag module.
3. Install the driver airbag module mounting bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the driver airbag module mounting bolts to 8 Nm (71 lb.in).

4. If the yellow clock spring connector was previously disconnected, connect the clock spring connector on the lower steering column and replace the knee bolster.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.