Need to remove or replace your vehicle's airbag? Though this system does inflate rapidly when activate there is no danger when working with airbag systems once the car battery is disconnected. Let's jump right in!
An automotive airbag safety system is designed to help keep passengers safe in the event of an accident by inflating itself when a car strikes an object at speeds above 8 to 14 MPH. It also automatically deflates at temperatures of above 200°F in case of fire to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle.
An airbag inflation module is located at the center of the steering wheel which contains the nylon style airbag and inflation capsule. The steering wheel airbag is contained within a trim cover which is designed with a molded seam which tears open as the airbag deploys.
There are four or more impact sensors around the vehicle which send a signal to the main SRS (safety restraint system) computer in case of an accident. An electrical signal is then sent to discharge rapidly expanding gases through an orifice located at the rear of the airbag which immediately fills to instantly cushion the impact of the head and torso to prevent injury.
The frontal passenger side airbag operates in much of the same manner as the drivers side with the exception of a weight sensor located in the passenger seat which detects the presents of a person or infant sitting in the seat. The technology behind this infant or toddler detection has been advanced throughout the automotive industry with the use of weight sensors informing the system if someone is sitting in the seat weighing 75 pounds or less which automatically disables the passenger side bag.
Even with the technological advancements passengers should set back away from the airbag and not lean forward when they drive or ride to avoid any adverse effects of the airbag deployment in the event of an accident. Some cars and trucks are equipped with a manual control switch that will disable the system for small children and infant seats.
Side door air impact bags were introduced to aid further safety measures which is located inside the seat, door panel or side molding. Some side airbags can be located in along the roofline, back seat or the inboard edge of the door sill. The initial airbag system was enhanced and replaced with the supplemental restraint system or SRS which was introduced in the S-Class Mercedes-Benz in 1980, Porsche was the first to introduce the passenger side airbag.
If an airbag warning light is on while driving the airbag safety system has been disabled and will not activate in the event of an accident which is dangerous. Your vehicle goes through a diagnostic check when the ignition key is turned on to ensure the system is operational. If the computer detects a problem it will shut down the system while illuminating the airbag warning light. This warning light will illuminate when:
There are primarily two reasons an airbag needs to be removed or replaced. The first and most obvious is that the car has been in an accident and the airbag has deployed in which case replacement is required because they cannot be reused. The next is a repair that requires the removal of an airbag that needs to be done such as a turn signal switch which is located behind the steering wheel. Other repairs include the removal of a side air bag such as a window regulator replacement job. As you can see by the image below the side airbag stands in the way of the window regulator.
Begin with the vehicle on level ground with the transmission in park, set the emergency brake.
Performing a removal and replacement is not too difficult and can be done using everyday tools. This job will take about an hour. Disconnect the battery's negative cable to disable the system for about 5 minuets before work begins and leave it disconnected until the repair job is completed. This will help prevent electrical short circuits and accidentally deploying the unit while the job is being done. Though appearances may vary the process is similar for most vehicles.
We will give you a list of tools and supplies including specific parts and manuals at the end of this guide.
While the battery is disconnected turn the ignition switch to the on position. This will unlock the wheel and allow you to move it in either direction and help you access the mounting bolts or release clips (On Gm vehicles) which are located on the backside of the steering wheel cover.
Now grasp the steering wheel and turn it 90° locating the first mounting bolt or clip upward.
Look behind the steering wheel to find the access holes where the bolts are located. Some manufacturer's have slots which give access to a retainer clip or ring which requires a screwdriver to release.
After locating the access hole loosen the mounting bolts or clips which will release one side of the airbag. For some applications the bolts will be retained in the wheel and will not come out which is normal.
Once one side has been removed or released turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction 180°. Then locate and loosen or remove the opposing mounting bolt or retainer clip.
Gently grasp the assembly while pulling it away from the steering wheel. Be careful to not pull it out quickly because the wiring harness connector for the horn and deployment controls will still be attached to the backside which you don't want to damage.
On the backside of the airbag will be the wiring connectors. These connectors are for the first and second stage deployment and are color coded one green and one yellow, the horn connector is black.
Using a small pick or screwdriver carefully release the horn pad connector and pull it away from the airbag. This safety clip is made of plastic so be gently as not to break it.
Please watch this video of the job being done, then continue down the guide to glean additional helpful information.
Wiring connectors can have one or more safety clips or operations to remove the connector. This connector has two separate devices one orange and one grey on each connector.
Use a small pick or screwdriver to release the primary safety clip by pushing it downward. Each manufacturer has a different method of release so push in all directions until it unlocks.
Once the primary safety clip has been released gently pull up on the secondary clip. This will help you remove the clip from the connector.
After the clip has been released grasp it and remove it from the connector.
Now the connector is ready to be removed. While pulling up slightly use a small pick to release the tang (barb) on each side of the connector while gently pulling upward. You may need to gently rock the connector back and fourth a little to aid in its disconnection.
The connector will now be removed, inspect it for damage or corrosion.
After removing the electrical connectors inspect the control switches and horn pad for damage. If replacing the unit because of deployment inspect and match the electrical connectors, they should be identical. Once repairs are completed such as removing the steering wheel to replace the turn signal switch, cruise control or ignition switch simply reinstall the airbag by reversing these steps. Most electrical connectors produce an audible click to confirm their proper installation.
After the repair is complete turn the ignition key to the on position and start the engine to straighten the steering wheel, the airbag warning light should be off. If when the repair is complete and the light is on disassemble to check the connections.
In the following video we will show you how to remove an airbag and disconnect the electrical connectors which can be tricky if you don't know how. Please watch the video below and follow information in this guide for tips and information.
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