Passenger's Airbag Module: Removal

CAUTION: Refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" before handling the airbag module. <Ref. to CAUTION , General Description.>

Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
Disconnect the ground cable from battery and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. <Ref. to BATTERY , NOTE, Note.>
NOTE:
- For models other than STI model, disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor.
- On CVT models, shift the select lever into "D" before disconnecting the battery ground cable.
- For the power seat, remove the console box before removing the battery ground terminal.
Remove the console box assembly, the cover - shift lever and the panel center LWR on the RH and LH sides. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Console Box.>
Remove the cover assembly - instrument panel LWR driver. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Instrument Panel Lower Cover.>
Remove the cover switch - starter.
1. Release the claws and remove the cover switch - starter.
2. Disconnect the connector and aspirator hose.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Cover Switch Claws - Starter
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the panel - switch. (Only model with keyless access)
1. Release the claw of the switch - push button start, and disconnect the connector.
2. Release the claws, and then remove the panel - switch.
3. Disconnect the connector and aspirator hose.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Aspirator Hose Connector
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the knee airbag module. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Knee Airbag Module.>
Release the clips and claws, then detach the left and right grille speaker side.

Fig 3: Identifying Knee Airbag Module Clips And Claws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Remove the grille speaker side by using a plastic remover.
Remove the trim panel - front pillar UPR on the left and right sides. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Upper Inner Trim.>
Remove the glove box assembly. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Glove Box.>
Remove the panel center assembly. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Center Console.>
Remove the audio assembly or navigation assembly. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Audio.>
Remove the multi-function display assembly. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Multi-function Display (MFD).>
Remove the combination meter assembly. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Combination Meter.>
Disconnect the passenger's airbag module connector. <Ref. to PASSENGER'S AIRBAG MODULE , PROCEDURE, Airbag Connector.>

Fig 4: Identifying Passenger Airbag Module Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the column assembly - steering. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Steering Column.>
Remove the cover side sill - front INN and cover side sill - front on the RH and LH side. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Lower Inner Trim.>
Remove the body side weather strip - flange front.
Remove the instrument panel assembly and the beam COMPL - steering as a unit. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Instrument Panel Assembly.>
Remove the screws and remove the front (A) and side vent duct (B) LH, RH.

Fig 5: Locating Front And Side Vent Duct Screws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Separate the panel COMPL - instrument and the beam COMPL - steering.
1. Remove the clamps and bolts of the passenger's airbag module harness.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Passenger Airbag Module Harness Clamp And Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Disconnect the connectors of the left and right speakers and the sensor - sunload.
  NOTE: Detach the harness clamp together.
3. Disconnect the front accessory socket connector.
4. Remove the nut (a) and screws (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h).
5. While being careful with the harness, separate the panel COMPL - instrument and the beam COMPL - steering.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Passenger Airbag Module Claws
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the claws, and remove the passenger's airbag module.

Fig 8: Locating Passenger Airbag Module Claws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
For handling of the removed airbag module, refer to "CAUTION". <Ref. to CAUTION , General Description.>