Removal and Installation

WARNINGS:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.
- 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.
- Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down.
- 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.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
- Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
- 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. If damaged, install a new sensor whether or not the air bag is deployed.
- To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components. To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped)

REMOVAL

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.

1. Remove the driver air bag module.
2. Remove the steering wheel.

NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.






3. Remove screws and remove the upper and lower steering column shroud.







4. Tape the air bag sliding contact to prevent disturbing the air bag sliding contact alignment.







5. Disconnect the air bag sliding contact electrical connectors.







6. Remove the screws and the air bag sliding contact.

INSTALLATION





1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

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.
- Make sure the wheels are in a straight-ahead position to ensure alignment of the air bag sliding contact.
- If the air bag sliding contact becomes misaligned, check the colored instruction label on the sliding contact. If the colored instruction label on the sliding contact is yellow, turn clockwise to lock, then back off 3.5 turns to center and align the arrows before installing. If the colored instruction label on the sliding contact is orange, turn clockwise to lock, then back off 2.5 turns to center and align the arrows before installing.
- Verify that the air bag indicator is operative.