Driver Air Bag Module: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
- Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.
NOTE:
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.
- Follow each step of the procedure precisely to make sure of correct driver air bag module removal and installation.
- Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
- Remove the steering wheel access cover.
- Release one side of the driver air bag module wire clip.
- While actuating the horn at the lower part of the air bag cover, use a suitable tool (needle nose pliers, etc.) to release the wire clip until it touches the center post.
- Release the horn and using a suitable tool, lift the end of the wire clip over the post.
- Release the other side of the driver air bag module wire clip.
- While actuating the horn at the lower part of the air bag cover, use a suitable tool to release the other side of the wire clip until it touches the center post.
- Release the horn and with a suitable tool, lift the end of the wire clip over the post causing both ends of the wire clip to overlap.
- With the wire clip ends in the overlapped position, actuate the horn at the upper part of the air bag cover, then push on both ends of the wire clip inward (toward the center of the steering wheel) to release the driver air bag module from the steering wheel.
- Release the 2 retaining tabs on each driver air bag module electrical connector and disconnect both connectors.
- Disconnect the horn and accessories electrical connectors and remove the driver air bag module.
NOTE:
When the driver air bag module wire clip is released correctly, the wire clip will easily slide into place and the 2 wire clip hook ends will come to rest between the 2 inner posts.
NOTE:
Label the driver air bag module squib number on the driver air bag module electrical connectors before disconnecting.