Driver-Side Air Bag Module Removal [Two-Step Deployment Control System]

WARNING:

• Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the driver-side air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)
• Due to the adoption of 2-step deployment control in the driver-side air bag module, depending on the impact force, it is possible that inflator No. 2 might not deploy. In such cases, before disposing of the air bag module, make sure to follow the inflator deployment procedures and verify complete deployment of inflators No. 1 and 2.

NOTE:

• The driver-side air bag module engages with the pins of the driver-side air bag module and the snap springs of the steering wheel.

Fig 1: Removing Driver-Side Air Bag Module (Two-Step Deployment Control System)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1. Switch the ignition off.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
3. Verify the service hole on the back side of the steering wheel shown in the figure.
   Fig 2: Steering Wheel Service Hole Location

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
4. Insert the tool into the service hole.
   CAUTION:

   • Be careful not to damage the wiring harness inside the steering wheel when inserting the tool. Otherwise, the wiring harness inside the steering wheel could be damaged by the inserted tool.

     Recommended tool 

   • HEX driver (diam. 6)
   Fig 3: Inserting Tool Into Steering Wheel Service Hole

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
5. Press the snap springs to disengage them from the pins using the inserted tool.
   Fig 4: Pressing Snap Springs

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   CAUTION:

   • Hold the driver-side air bag module when releasing its securement. Otherwise, it may fall off and be damaged.
   Fig 5: Holding Driver-Side Air Bag Module

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
6. Using a flathead screwdriver, lift the locking device carefully, however do not remove it.
   Fig 6: Lifting Locking Device Using Flathead Screwdriver

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
7. Disconnect the driver-side air bag module connectors.
8. Disconnect the horn switch connector.
9. Remove the driver-side air bag module.