Driver Air Bag Module: Removal

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 trim cover 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 trim cover 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: 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 carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

All vehicles

Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Remove the two steering wheel back cover plugs (one shown).

Fig 1: Removing Steering Wheel Back Cover Plugs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the two driver air bag module bolts (one shown).

Fig 2: Removing Driver Air Bag Module Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Expedition vehicles

Remove the driver air bag module.
1. Release the two retaining tabs and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
2. Release the two retaining tabs and disconnect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
3. Disconnect the horn switch electrical connector.
4. Remove the driver air bag module.
Fig 3: Removing Driver Air Bag Module
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Navigator vehicles

Disconnect the driver air bag module.
- Release the two tabs on each driver air bag module electrical connector and disconnect them.
Fig 4: Disconnecting Driver Air Bag Module
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the tab and disconnect the steering wheel controls electrical connector at the top of the clockspring and remove the driver air bag module.

Fig 5: Releasing Tab And Disconnecting Steering Wheel Controls Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.