Driver Airbag - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, driver airbag, passenger airbag, front impact sensor, side impact sensor, side impact airbag, 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 supplemental restraint system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

1. Before attempting any service to the airbag system, refer to the warnings. Service Precautions.




2. Disconnect the negative battery cable (2). Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.




3. From the underside of the steering wheel, remove the two screws (1) that secure the driver airbag to the steering wheel.
4. Pull the driver airbag away from the steering wheel far enough to access the electrical connections to the steering wheel.
5. Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness connectors for the horn switch.
6. Disconnect the clockspring driver airbag pigtail harness connectors.

CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail wires or pry on the connector insulator to disengage the connector from the driver airbag inflator connector receptacle. Improper removal of these pigtail wires and their connector insulators can result in damage to the airbag circuits or connector insulators.

7. Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel.

WARNING: Do not place an intact undeployed airbag face down on a hard surface, the airbag will propel into the air if accidentally deployed.

NOTE: If the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. Removal.