AIR BAG, Knee Blocker: Removal: Removal

WARNING:

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.

WARNING:

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.

NOTE:

The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged Inflatable Knee Blocker (IKB) airbag. 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 IKB airbag has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT .

Fig 1: Panels, Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement & Knee AirBag (KAB) Cover

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
Remove the close out panels (2) from under the driver side of the instrument panel lower reinforcement (3) and surrounding the Knee AirBag (KAB) cover (1) and housing.
Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to COVER, Instrument Panel, Removal .

Fig 2: Four Nuts, Studs, Wire Harness Connection & Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Remove the four nuts (2) that secure the studs of the KAB (4) to the instrument panel lower reinforcement (1).
Rotate the outboard end of the KAB downward so that the instrument panel wire harness connection (3) to the KAB inflator faces upward.
Disconnect the electrical connection that is secured by integral latches to the KAB inflator initiator connector receptacle on the inboard end of the KAB housing. Depress the latches on each side of the connector insulator and pull the insulator straight out from the inflator initiator to disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
Remove the KAB from the vehicle.