Removing Head Airbag Unit

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, 2017 Porsche Cayenne, 2016 Porsche Cayenne, 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and 2014 Porsche Cayenne. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Incorrect handling of airbag units

Triggering of airbag unit.
System faults can occur.

→ Switch off ignition and remove ignition key or remote control (hand-held transmitter).

→ A power supply (e.g. battery charger) must not be connected to the external power supply/jump-lead starting terminals.

→ Disconnect the battery and insulate the ground strap so that all contact with a ground carrier is avoided.

→ Wait 1 minute after disconnecting the battery.

→ Only pull off connector on the triggering unit after the waiting time has elapsed.

→ Make sure that no foreign objects are located in front of the airbag unit during installation.

→ Replace damaged parts during removal.

→ Always position airbag units so that the blow-out opening is facing upwards, e.g. crest on driver's airbag.

→ Do not position anything on the airbag units.

→ If removed for an extended period, the airbag units must be stored in a safe place.

→ Airbag units must not come into contact with grease, oil, detergents, liquids, or similar substances.

→ Do not expose airbag units to temperatures above 90°.

→ Do not remove the short-circuit spring on the plug-in contacts.

→ Ignition and preparations may only be carried out by skilled staff, supervised by a second responsible person.

→ Before disposal, the airbag unit must be rendered harmless by electrical ignition performed in accordance with all precautionary measures, thereby preventing it from being used incorrectly.

Information

Some of the repair illustrations show only one side of the vehicle.
Naturally, some steps also have to be performed on the opposite side of the vehicle as well.

Loosen main wire harness for roof at the front of the body. → LOOSENING MAIN WIRE HARNESS IN ROOF - section on "Loosening"
Release electric plug connection -a- and disconnect it.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Connector
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unscrew two cap nuts -2- in the C-pillar area.

Fig 2: Identifying Cap Nuts
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Information
- Make sure not to damage the fixing clips when removing the head airbag.
Unclip eight fixing clips -3- on the head airbag unit -1- .

Fig 3: Identifying Fixing Clips
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Press fixing clips together at points -a- using a suitable tool (e.g. pointed-nose pliers) and unclip them.

Fig 4: Unclipping Fixing Clip
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the complete head airbag unit by pulling it inwards