Air Bag, Passenger: 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 unit 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 Passenger AirBag (PAB). 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 PAB 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 further service.
- Remove the Passenger AirBag (PAB) and instrument panel cover (1) as a unit from the instrument panel support structure or armature. Refer to COVER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, REMOVAL .
- Place the instrument panel cover and PAB unit on a suitable work surface with the top of the cover facing down. If the cover will be reused, be certain to take the proper precautions to prevent the cover from receiving cosmetic damage during the following procedures.
- Remove the nuts that secure the PAB mounting tabs to the studs (3) on each side of the PAB retainer or chute (2) on the underside of the instrument panel cover.
- Disengage the PAB housing mounting tabs (3) from the retainer studs.
- Roll the bottom of the PAB housing (1) forward to disengage the hooks of the housing from the window openings in the forward flange of the PAB retainer on the underside of the cover.
- With all of the hooks disengaged, lift the PAB housing, inflator (2), and cushion as a unit from the PAB retainer receptacle on the underside of the instrument panel cover.