Removal And Installation: Removal
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor 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 SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
To avoid serious or fatal injury when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag cushion and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged Driver AirBag (DAB). If the airbag is ineffective or damaged, but not deployed, review the recommended procedures for Handling Non-Deployed Supplemental Restraints. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . If the DAB has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
- Locate the access hole (1a) in the lower surface of the steering wheel hub rear trim cover between the two lower vertical spokes.
- Insert an appropriately sized flat-blade screwdriver through the steering wheel access hole far enough to engage the blade of the screwdriver with the spring wire (1b) of the DAB.NOTE:
When the spring wire retainer is released, the DAB is spring loaded to pop out from the steering wheel slightly.
- Push the spring wire (1b) to the end stop, and hold it in this position while slightly pulling out the airbag module (1c), if necessary, from the steering wheel.NOTE:
Do not use excessive force while removing the DAB. Damage to the DBA wiring or connector may result.
- Pull the DAB (2) away from the steering wheel far enough to access the steering wheel wire harness connectors (1) to the horn switch and the DAB inflator initiators.
- Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness connectors (1) for the horn switch and the DAB inflator initiators.CAUTION:
Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail wires or pry on the connector insulators to disengage them from the Driver AirBag (DAB) inflator initiator connector receptacles. Improper removal of these pigtail wires and their connector insulators can result in damage to the airbag circuits or the connector insulators.
- Each DAB pigtail wire connector insulator (1) is secured by integral latches (3) and a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock (2) to the airbag inflator connector receptacle, which is located on the back of the floating horn switch plate and the DAB housing. Pull the lock straight out from the connector insulator, then pull the insulator straight out from the connector receptacle to disengage and disconnect it.
- Remove the DAB and floating horn switch plate from the steering wheel as a unit.
- If the DAB has been deployed, the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) as well as the steering column must be replaced and. Refer to MODULE, STEERING COLUMN CONTROL (SCCM), REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION . Refer to COLUMN, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
