Air Bag, Driver: Removal

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, 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.

WARNING:

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.

NOTE:

The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged Driver AirBag (DAB). 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 DAB 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. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Locate the access hole dimples (1) in the lower surface of the steering wheel hub rear trim cover near each of the two horizontal spokes.
Using the (special tool #2050200100, Remover, Driver Air Bag), pierce the trim cover at the dimple and insert it through the steering wheel access holes. Start with the right side.

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When the tool makes contact with the retainer spring (1), push inward (toward the steering column) on the tool far enough to disengage the retainer spring from under the right side and lower hooks of the steering wheel armature.
Pull the release the right side of the DAB (2) away from the steering wheel far enough to insert a trim stick or another long and thin obstacle between the released spoke of the DAB trim cover and the steering wheel spoke hub cavity. This will help to prevent the released end of the retainer spring from becoming accidentally engaged again while the opposite end of the retainer spring is being released.
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the left side retainer spring (3) to disengage the left side of the DAB from the steering wheel.

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Pull the DAB (2) away from the steering wheel far enough to access the steering wheel wire harness connector (1) to the DAB inflator initiators.
CAUTION:
Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail wires or pry on the connector insulators to disengage them from the Driver AirBag (DAB) inflator initiator connector receptacles. Improper removal of these pigtail wires and their connector insulators can result in damage to the airbag circuits or the connector insulators.
The clockspring DAB pigtail wire connector insulators are secured by integral latches and a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock to the airbag tether cutter and inflator connector receptacles, which are located on the back of the floating horn switch plate and the DAB housing. Pull the lock straight away from the connector insulator, then pull the insulators straight away from the connector receptacles to disengage and disconnect them.
Remove the DAB and floating horn switch plate from the steering wheel as a unit.
NOTE:
For a list of all components that must be inspected or replaced after an airbag deployment. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT .