Driver Airbag Trim Cover: Removal

Fig 1: Trim Cover Wall

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag system or component service. Failure to do so may result in accidental airbag deployment, personal injury or death.

CAUTION: Do not pull on the horn switch feed pigtail wire to disengage the connector from the driver airbag or to disconnect the horn switch to steering wheel wire harness connection. Improper pulling on this pigtail wire or connection can result in damage to the horn switch membrane or feed circuit.
Remove the driver airbag (2) (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL) .
With driver airbag removed, pick a corner and push down on the inflator (1) or latch hook mounting plate until the latch hooks (2) push out of the driver airbag cover (3).
Remove driver airbag from driver airbag cover.
The membrane type horn switch is integral to the driver airbag trim cover. If inoperative, the entire trim cover must be replaced.