Air Bag, Knee Blocker: Removal: Driver
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.
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.
The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged Knee AirBag (KAB). 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 KAB 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.
- Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL .
- Remove the nuts (1) that secure the KAB (2) to the lower reinforcement (3) of the instrument panel structural support.
- Rotate the outboard end of the KAB downward so that the KAB is vertical and the instrument panel wire harness connector to the KAB faces upward.
- The KAB connector insulator (1) is secured by integral latches (3) and a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock (2) to the airbag inflator connector receptacle. Pull the lock straight out from the connector insulator, then pull the insulator straight out from the connector receptacle to disengage and disconnect it.
- Remove the KAB from the vehicle.