Air Bag, Driver: Removal

multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, Occupant Classification System (OCS), seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag cushion and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

NOTE:

The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged Driver AirBag (DAB). If the airbag is ineffective or damaged, but not deployed, review the recommended procedures for Handling Non-Deployed Supplemental Restraints. Refer to HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS . If the DAB has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT .

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), disconnect the IBS connector first before disconnecting the negative battery cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before continuing service.
Locate the access holes (2) in the lower surface of the steering wheel (1) hub rear trim cover near each of the two horizontal spokes.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

NOTE:
The graphic for this procedure shows the DAB mounting/horn switch plate (3) and the retainer spring (4) engaged under the hooks (2) of the armature within the steering wheel hub cavity (1) without the DAB trim cover, cushion, housing and inflator present. This was done to provide graphical clarity of the components involved in DAB retention. The DAB trim cover, cushion, housing and inflator can only be removed as a unit with the mounting/horn switch plate and retainer spring as outlined in the following procedure.
Insert an appropriately sized pin punch, Allen wrench or recommended (special tool #10296A, Remover, Driver's Air Bag) through one of the steering wheel access holes. A guide and notch (5) integral to each side of the steering wheel hub rear trim cover (1) and the mounting/horn switch plate (3) will assist in directing the tool to the ends of the retainer spring (4).

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
When the tool (3) makes contact with the retainer spring (2), push inward (toward the steering column) on the tool far enough to disengage the retainer spring from under the hook (1) of the steering wheel armature.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

NOTE:
It is not necessary, but may prove helpful to remove the screws (2) that secure the lower rear spoke cover (1) to the back of the steering wheel (3) and remove the cover. It will then be possible to observe the tool contacting and releasing the retainer spring.
Pull the released side of the DAB away from the steering wheel far enough to insert a trim stick or suitable tool between the released side of the DAB trim cover and the steering wheel hub cavity. This will help to prevent the released end of the retainer spring from becoming accidentally engaged again, while the opposite end of the retainer spring is being released.
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the opposite end of the retainer spring.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Pull the DAB away from the steering wheel far enough to access the clockspring pigtail wire connectors to the horn switch (1), the active vent (2 - domestic market vehicles only) and the DAB inflator initiators (3).
Disconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connector from the floating horn switch plate connector on the back of the switch plate.
On domestic market vehicles only, the clockspring DAB pigtail wire connector insulator is secured by an integral Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock to the active vent connector receptacle, which is located on the back of the DAB housing. Pull the lock straight back from the connector insulator, then pull the insulator straight out from the connector receptacle to disengage and disconnect it.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
The clockspring DAB pigtail wire connector insulators (1) are secured by integral latches (3) and a CPA lock (2) to the airbag inflator connector receptacles, which are located on the back of the floating horn switch plate and the DAB housing. Pull the lock straight out from the connector insulator, then pull the insulators straight out from the connector receptacles to disengage and disconnect them.
Remove the DAB and floating horn switch plate from the steering wheel as a unit.
If the DAB has been deployed, for a complete summary of items that need to be replaced or inspected. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT .