Removal And Installation: Removal
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbags, airbag curtains, knee blocker, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS)/negative battery cable assembly from the negative battery post, 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 take the proper precautions could 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 STANDARD PROCEDURE . 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 STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- 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 further service.
- Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
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- From below the instrument panel, remove the four nuts (3) that secure the driver Knee AirBag (KAB) unit (2) to the lower instrument panel support structure.
- Pull the driver KAB down (2) and back from the instrument panel far enough to access the electrical connection (1) to the driver KAB inflator initiator connector receptacle on the inboard end of the driver KAB housing.
- Pull the connector insulator straight out from the inflator initiator to disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
- Remove the driver KAB (2) from the vehicle.