Passenger Air Bag Module: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged deployment doors must be installed new, not repainted.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

Position the shifter lever in the 1st gear position.
Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Position the steering column to the full down position.
Remove the 2 instrument cluster finish panel screws.

Fig 1: Removing Instrument Cluster Finish Panel Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the retainers on the instrument cluster finish panel LH side.

Fig 2: Releasing Retainers On Instrument Cluster Finish Panel LH Side
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the RH side retainers and position aside the instrument cluster finish panel.

Fig 3: Releasing RH Side Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Open the glove compartment. Disconnect the glove compartment isolator.
While pushing in on the two glove compartment door tabs, position the glove compartment downward.

Fig 4: Positioning Glove Compartment Downward
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Through the glove compartment opening, locate the passenger air bag module electrical connector.

Fig 5: Locating Passenger Air Bag Module Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Looking up into the glove compartment opening, disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector.
1. Push the passenger air bag module electrical connector together.
2. Push down, pivoting the electrical connector retainer and release the electrical connector retainer.
3. Pull out, disconnecting the vehicle harness end of the connector from the component end.
Fig 6: Disconnecting Passenger Air Bag Module Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Through the glove compartment opening, remove the passenger air bag module bolts.

Fig 7: Removing Passenger Air Bag Module Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not handle the passenger air bag module by grabbing the edges of the deployment doors.

Fig 8: Releasing Retaining Clips

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Placing one hand in the glove compartment opening, push the passenger air bag module out from the instrument panel.
- Release the retaining clips and alignment pins from the instrument panel. The retaining clips are located at the upper LH and RH corners, and the alignment pins at the lower LH and RH corners of the passenger air bag module deployment door.