Driver Air Bag Module

DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE







Removal

WARNING:
- 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.
- 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. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- 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.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE:
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.
- Follow each step of the procedure precisely to make sure of correct driver air bag module removal and installation.

1. Depower the system.







2. Remove the steering wheel access cover.







3. Release one side of the driver air bag module wire clip.
- While actuating the horn at the lower part of the air bag cover, use a suitable tool (needle nose pliers, etc.) to release the wire clip until it touches the center post.







4. Release the horn and using a suitable tool, lift the end of the wire clip over the post.







5. Release the other side of the driver air bag module wire clip.
- While actuating the horn at the lower part of the air bag cover, use a suitable tool to release the other side of the wire clip until it touches the center post.







6. Release the horn and with a suitable tool, lift the end of the wire clip over the post causing both ends of the wire clip to overlap.







7. NOTE: When the driver air bag module wire clip is released correctly, the wire clip will easily slide into place and the 2 wire clip hook ends will come to rest between the 2 inner posts.

With the wire clip ends in the overlapped position, actuate the horn at the upper part of the air bag cover, then push on both ends of the wire clip inward (toward the center of the steering wheel) to release the driver air bag module from the steering wheel.







8. NOTE: Label the driver air bag module squib number on the driver air bag module electrical connectors before disconnecting.

Release the two retaining tabs on each driver air bag module electrical connector and disconnect both connectors.







9. Disconnect the horn and accessories electrical connectors and remove the driver air bag module.

Installation

Vehicle repairs reusing the same driver air bag module







1. WARNING: Prior to reinstalling a previously removed driver air bag module, make sure to correctly position the wire clip that retains the driver air bag module to the steering wheel. Failure to follow this instruction will result in incorrect installation of the driver air bag module and may result in personal injury in the event of a driver air bag module deployment.

NOTE: Follow each step of the wire clip resetting procedure precisely to make sure of correct driver air bag module installation.

Push the driver air bag module wire clip fully back on the 6 tabs on the top of the module.







2. While making sure the wire clip stays fully seated on the 6 tabs on the top of the module, use a suitable tool to reset the end of the wire clip that is on the top.
1 Carefully lift the 1 end of the wire clip over the post.
2 Pull the wire clip outward to reset.







3. While still making sure the wire clip stays fully seated on the 6 tabs on the top of the module, use a suitable tool to reset the other end of the wire clip.
1 Carefully lift the other end of the wire clip over the post.
2 Pull the wire clip outward to reset.







4. When the wire clip is reset correctly, it should appear as shown.
- Make sure the wire clip hook ends are evenly spaced from the center post.







5. Make sure the driver air bag module wire clip is fully seated on all of the tabs and guides.

All vehicles
6. Connect the horn and accessories electrical connectors.

7. CAUTION:
- The clockspring electrical connectors are unique and cannot be reversed when connected to the driver air bag module. Match the electrical connector key to the keyway in the driver air bag module. Do not force the electrical connectors into the driver air bag module.
- Make sure the driver air bag module wiring is routed clear of the driver air bag mounting hooks on the steering wheel so that the wiring is not pinched during driver air bag module installation.

Connect the driver air bag module electrical connectors as noted in removal.







8. NOTE:
- Make sure that all 4 retaining points of the driver air bag module wire clip are fully engaged and seated correctly to the steering wheel.
- Audible clicks will be heard when the locking tabs are fully engaged.

Attach the driver air bag module to the steering wheel.
- Align the driver air bag module to the 4 hooks on the steering wheel and press in until the driver air bag module wire clip is fully engaged to the steering wheel.
- Check the driver air bag module and horn switch cover for clearance and correct movement.

9. Install the steering wheel access cover.
10. Repower the system.