The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty or damaged driver side airbag module. If the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring and the steering column assembly must also be replaced. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the additional service procedures for the clockspring. Refer to Steering Column in the Removal and Installation section of Group 19 - Steering for the additional service procedures for the steering column.
WARNING:
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel, remove the two screws that secure the driver side airbag module to the steering wheel (Fig. 4).
(3) Pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel far enough to access the two wire harness connectors on the back of the airbag module.
(4) Disconnect the clockspring horn switch wire harness connector from the horn switch feed wire connector, which is located on the back of the airbag module.
(5) The clockspring airbag wire harness connector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag module connector receptacle, which is located on the airbag inflator on the back of the airbag module. Firmly grasp and pull or gently pry on the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to disconnect it from the airbag module.
Do not pull on the clockspring wire harness to disengage the connector from the airbag module connector receptacle.
(6) Remove the driver side airbag module from the steering wheel.
(7) If the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring and the steering column must be replaced. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the clockspring service procedures. Refer to Steering Column in the Removal and Installation section of Group 19 - Steering for the additional service procedures for the steering column.
Fig. 4 Driver Side Airbag Module Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG MODULE
2 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR
3 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
4 - STEERING WHEEL
5 - SCREW
INSTALLATION
WARNING:
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) When installing the driver side airbag module, reconnect the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to the airbag module connector receptacle by pressing straight in on the connector. You can be certain that the connector is fully engaged by listening carefully for a distinct audible click as the connector snaps into place.
(2) Reconnect the clockspring horn switch wire harness connector to the horn switch feed wire connector, which is located on the back of the airbag module.
(3) Carefully position the driver side airbag module in the steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring wire harnesses in the steering wheel hub area are not pinched between the airbag module and the steering wheel.
(4) From the underside of the steering wheel, install and tighten the two driver side airbag module mounting screws. Tighten the screws to 10.2 N*m (90 in. lbs.).
(5) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. Refer to Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group for the proper procedures.