Driver Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Fiesta. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always carry or place a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door/trim cover/tear seam pointed away from the body. Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door/trim cover/tear seam face down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, Safety Canopy® or side air curtain modules. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON.

NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Depower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering .
Insert a 3 mm (0.118 in) Allen wrench or a suitable tool into 1 of the access holes on the steering wheel back cover.

Fig 1: Positing Allen Wrench Through Access Hole On Backside Of Steering Wheel And Against Spring Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the driver air bag module from the steering wheel in the following sequence.
1. Position the tool against the wire clip.
2. Push the tool in, disengaging the wire clip from 1 of the driver air bag module locking pins.
  - It may be necessary to gently pull back on that side of the driver air bag module to release it from the steering wheel.
3. Turn the steering wheel for access and repeat this step at all 3 steering wheel back cover openings.
Remove the driver air bag module.
- Disconnect the 2 driver air bag module and the horn switch electrical connectors.