Air Bag, Driver: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

WARNING:

On vehicles equipped with the high voltage system, disconnecting the 12-volt battery negative cable alone will not power down the 12-volt system. You must perform the 12-volt Power Down procedure before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

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, 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.

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.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

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 .

Perform the 12-Volt Power Down procedure. Refer to 12-VOLT POWER DOWN .
Locate the access holes (2) in the lower surface of the steering wheel (1) hub rear trim cover near each of the two horizontal spokes.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

NOTE:
The graphic for this procedure shows the Driver AirBag (DAB) mounting/horn switch plate (3) and the retainer spring (4) engaged under the hooks (2) of the armature within the steering wheel hub cavity (1) without the DAB trim cover, cushion, housing and inflator present. This was done to provide graphical clarity of the components involved in DAB retention. The DAB trim cover, cushion, housing and inflator can only be removed as a unit with the mounting/horn switch plate and retainer spring as outlined in the following procedure.
Insert the DAB removal tool (6) ((special tool #10296A, Remover, Driver's Air Bag)) through one of the steering wheel access holes. A guide and notch (5) integral to each side of the steering wheel hub rear trim cover (1) and the mounting/horn switch plate (3) will assist in directing the tool to the ends of the retainer spring (4).

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
When the insertion depth of the special tool (3) has reached the point where the groove (4) in the shaft of the tool is even with the outer surface of the trim cover, the tool should be near or in contact with the retainer spring (2). Push inward (toward the steering column) on the special tool far enough to disengage the retainer spring from under the hook (1) of the steering wheel armature.
Pull the released side of the DAB 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 opposite end of the retainer spring.
Pull the DAB away from the steering wheel far enough to access the clockspring pigtail wire harness connections to the horn switch and 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 each secured by an integral latch to the airbag inflator initiator connector receptacles, which are located on the back of the DAB housing. Squeeze the latch tab against the connector insulator, then pull the insulator straight out from the connector receptacle to disengage and disconnect it.
Remove the DAB from the steering wheel.
If the DAB has been deployed, the clockspring and the steering column must be replaced. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, REMOVAL and COLUMN, REMOVAL .