Driver Air Bag Module
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULEPart 1:
Part 2:
Removal
WARNING:
- Always carry or place a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door/trim cover/tear seam pointed away from the body. Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door/trim cover/tear seam face down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, safety canopy or side air curtain modules. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.
- Do not repaint air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers or deployment doors; new air bag modules must be installed. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the air bag deploying incorrectly, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
- To reduce the risk of accidental deployment, do not use any memory saver devices. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death.
NOTE:
- The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) system 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.
- Taurus/Sable shown, Taurus X similar.
1. Depower the SRS.
CAUTION: Do not service the driver air bag module using prior model year driver air bag module service procedures. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage.
2. Remove the 3 screws and steering column cover.
3. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
- Remove the 3 screws.
- Unclip the lower steering column shroud from the upper steering column shroud and remove the shroud.
4. Remove the 2 screws from the instrument cluster finish panel.
5. Pry the instrument cluster finish panel forward.
- If equipped, disconnect the in-vehicle temperature sensor assembly from the instrument cluster finish panel
6. Remove the instrument cluster finish panel and upper steering column shroud as an assembly.
- Adjust the steering column to the full tilt-down position.
- Remove the instrument cluster finish panel and upper steering column shroud.
7. Position the steering wheel in the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position to access the driver air bag module wire clips.
8. NOTE: The steering wheel is shown removed for clarity. Back of steering wheel shown.
Remove the driver air bag module.
- From the back of the steering wheel through the upper access hole, use a suitable tool to pry the upper wire clips away from the air bag module attachment pins.
- From the back of the steering wheel through the lower access hole, use a suitable tool to pry the lower wire clips away from the driver air bag module attachment pins.
9. Lift the driver air bag module from the steering wheel.
10. Release the 2 retaining tabs on each driver air bag module and disconnect the electrical connectors.
11. Remove the driver air bag module.
Installation
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 increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
CAUTION: Steering wheel components are not serviceable. Make sure that the wire clips are positioned and attached correctly to the steering wheel. If any components are damaged, a new steering wheel must be installed.
1. NOTE: The illustration shows correctly positioned wire clips.
Make sure the wire clips are correctly positioned to the steering wheel.
2. NOTE: The illustration shows incorrectly positioned wire clips.
If the wire clips are not correctly positioned in any of the 10 attachment points, reposition the wire clips as necessary.
3. CAUTION: Make sure the steering wheel controls wiring is routed clear of the driver air bag module attachment points on the steering wheel so that the wiring is not pinched during driver air bag module installation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in component damage and/or system failure.
Route the steering wheel controls wire harness into the clips as shown.
4. CAUTION: The driver air bag module 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. Damage to the connector or component may occur.
Connect the 2 driver air bag module connectors.
5. CAUTION: If inspection shows that the driver air bag wire clips are in the incorrect position, remove the driver air bag from the steering wheel in order to install the wire clips correctly. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component failure.
NOTE: The steering wheel cover is omitted for clarity.
Install the driver air bag module to the steering wheel.
- Push the driver air bag module until the wire clips are fully engaged to the driver air bag module attachment pins.
- Verify that the driver air bag module wire clips are fully engaged to steering wheel.
- Using a mirror viewing from the back of the steering wheel, verify that the wire clips are in the correct position as shown in the illustration.
6. Pull firmly on each corner of the driver air bag module to make sure that the wire clips are fully engaged to the driver air bag module attachment pins.
7. Position the instrument cluster finish panel and upper steering column shroud.
8. NOTE: If equipped, make sure that the in-vehicle temperature sensor assembly is connected to the instrument cluster finish panel to ensure that dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) operates correctly.
Connect the in-vehicle temperature sensor assembly.
9. Install the 2 instrument cluster finish panel screws.
10. Install the lower steering column shroud.
- Clip the lower steering column shroud to the upper steering column shroud.
- Install the 3 screws.
11. Install the steering column cover.
- Install the 3 screws.
12. Repower the SRS.
13. Verify that the horn operates by pushing each corner of the driver air bag module.
If the horn does not operate, remove the driver air bag module following the steps in this procedure and check the following:
1 that each horn contact is in the correct position in the steering wheel armature.
2 that the steering wheel switches connector is connected to the clockspring assembly.
3 that the horn wire connectors in the upper RH of the steering wheel armature are connected.
- If the 3 items are OK, check the horn for faults. Refer to Horn.
