Passenger Airbag: Removal

The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the recommended procedures for handling non-deployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS) . If the passenger airbag has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for service after a supplemental restraint deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT) .

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental restraint system 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 supplemental restraint system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.

Remove the instrument panel top cover tray from over the passenger airbag. See Fig 1. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER - TRAY - REMOVAL) .

Fig 1: Passenger Airbag Remove/Install

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - TRAY

2 - SCREW (2)

3 - UPPER CLIP (2)

4 - LOWER CLIP (2)

5 - CONNECTOR

6 - PASSENGER AIRBAG

7 - SCREW (3)

Remove the two screws that secure the passenger airbag door upper clips to the instrument panel base trim.
Remove the three screws that secure the flange of the passenger airbag housing to the bracket on the instrument panel structural support.
Pull the passenger airbag unit rearward to disengage the airbag door from the lower clips and far enough to access the electrical connection on the right end of the unit.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the wires to disengage the connector from the passenger airbag inflator connector receptacle. Improper removal of the connector insulator can result in damage to the airbag circuits or the connector insulator.
The vehicle wire harness connector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag inflator connector receptacle, which is located on the right end of the passenger airbag housing. Firmly grasp and pull or gently pry on the connector insulator and pull the connector straight out from the inflator to disconnect it from the receptacle.
Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door from the instrument panel as a unit.