Driver-Side Air Bag Module Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda CX-3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. Refer to AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS .) Refer to AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS .)
Due to the adoption of 2-step deployment control in the driver-side air bag module, depending on the impact force, it is possible that inflator No. 2 might not deploy. In such cases, before disposing of the air bag module, make sure to follow the inflator deployment procedures and verify complete deployment of inflators No. 1 and 2.

NOTE:

The driver-side air bag module is installed to the steering wheel by the following connections.
- Driver-side air bag module tab A and steering wheel hook A
- Driver-side air bag module tab B and steering wheel hook B
- Driver-side air bag module tab C and steering wheel hook C
- Spring and steering wheel hook D
- Spring and steering wheel hook E

Fig 1: Locating Driver-Side Air Bag Module Tabs, Steering Wheel Hooks And Spring

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1 min or more. Refer to NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Lower the steering wheel to the bottommost position.
Pull the steering wheel to furthest position rearward.
Rotate the steering wheel until the service hole can be seen from behind the steering wheel.

Fig 2: Rotating Steering Wheel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the tool from the service hole.

Fig 3: Inserting Tool Into Service Hole
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Recommended tool
- TORX driver (T30 - diam. 6 )
Insert the tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and disengage driver-side air bag module tab B from steering wheel hook B.
NOTE:
- By moving the tool, the spring is pressed at the same time allowing the spring to be removed from steering wheel hook D.
Fig 4: Disengaging Driver-Side Air Bag Module Tab B From Steering Wheel Hook B
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Rotate the steering wheel until the service hole can be seen from behind the steering wheel.

Fig 5: Rotating Steering Wheel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the tool from the service hole.

Fig 6: Inserting Tool Into Service Hole
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and disengage driver-side air bag module tab C from steering wheel hook C.
NOTE:
- By moving the tool, the spring is pressed at the same time allowing the spring to be removed from steering wheel hook E.
Fig 7: Disengaging Driver-Side Air Bag Module Tab C From Steering Wheel Hook C
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify the service hole on the back side of the steering wheel.

Fig 8: Checking Service Hole On Back Side Of Steering Wheel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the tool from the service hole.

Fig 9: Inserting Tool Into Service Hole
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and disengage driver-side air bag module tab A from steering wheel hook A.
CAUTION:
- The driver-side air bag module could be damaged if it is dropped while it is completely disengaged from the steering wheel. Hold the driver-side air bag module securely with a hand while it is completely disengaged.
Fig 10: Disengaging Driver-Side Air Bag Module Tab A From Steering Wheel Hook A
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the driver-side air bag module from the steering wheel.
Using a flathead screwdriver, lift the locking device carefully, however do not remove it.

Fig 11: Lifting Locking Device Using Flathead Screwdriver
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the driver-side air bag module connectors.
Disconnect the horn switch connector.
Remove the driver-side air bag module.