Passenger Air Bag Module: Removal

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.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged deployment doors must be replaced, not repainted.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

WARNING: A new instrument panel must be installed following a passenger air bag deployment. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.

NOTE: If a new passenger air bag module is being installed as a result of the existing passenger air bag module being unserviceable, do not install a new instrument panel.

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.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: 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.

Depower the system. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING in the General Procedures portion of this article.
Open the glove compartment door fully.
Remove the ventilation pipe.
- Detach the pin-type retainer.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Ventilation Pipe
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Detach the defroster pipe from the heater housing and defroster vent.
- Detach the pin-type retainer.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Defroster Pipe
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the passenger air bag module trim cover retaining bolts.

Fig 3: Locating Passenger Air Bag Module Trim Cover Retaining Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Use a protective covering (shop towel, etc.) between the instrument panel, passenger air bag trim cover and the trim tool to prevent damage to the instrument panel when removing the passenger air bag trim cover.
Detach the passenger air bag module trim cover from the instrument panel.
- Use a trim tool to carefully release the retaining clips, starting at the front outer edge.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Retaining Clips
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the passenger air bag module trim cover.
1. Lift the outer edge.
2. Lift the cover moving it towards the windshield to disengage the retaining clips.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Passenger Air Bag Module Trim Cover
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 bolts and detach the passenger air bag module and reinforcement bracket from the instrument panel.
Disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connectors and remove the passenger air bag module.