Driver Side Airbag Module Replacement

Fig. 6 Driver Airbag Module:

WARNING: Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable before beginning any airbag system component removal or installation procedure. This will disable the airbag system. Failure to disconnect battery could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury. Allow system capacitor to discharge for 2 minutes before removing any airbag components.

WARNING: When vehicle is involved in an impact great enough to deploy the airbag modules, the steering coupler will have to be replaced.

WARNING: Replace airbag system components with Chrysler Mopar (R) specified replacement parts. Substitute parts may visually appear interchangeable, but internal differences may result in inferior occupant protection.

WARNING: When removing a deployed module, rubber gloves, eye protection and long sleeve shirt should be worn, as there may be deposits on the surface which could irritate the skin and eyes.

DEPLOYED MODULE
The vehicle interior may contain a very small amount of sodium hydroxide powder, a by-product of airbag deployment. Since this powder can irritate the skin, eyes, nose or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long sleeves during cleanup.

If you find that the cleanup is irritating your skin, run cool water over the affected area. Also, if you experience nasal or throat irritation, exit the vehicle for fresh air until the irritation ceases. If irritation continues, see a physician.

SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE
After a DRIVER airbag has been deployed, the airbag module and clockspring assembly must be replaced because they cannot be reused. Other driver airbag system components are replaced if damaged.

Fig. 4 Wear Safety Glasses And Gloves:

CLEAN UP
Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, particle dust mask and protective clothing with long sleeves. Place tape over exhaust vents in air bag so that no additional powder will escape into vehicle. Roll or fold passenger's air bag toward instrument panel surface and close cover over folded air bag. Tape cover closed. Remove driver's air bag module from vehicle then passenger's air bag module.

Fig. 5 Vacuum Heater And A/C Outlets:

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual powder from vehicle interior working from outside to center of vehicle. Be sure to vacuum heater and A/C ducts as well. Run blower motor on low speed and vacuum any powder expelled from plenum. It may be necessary to vacuum interior of vehicle a second time to ensure all powder is recovered.

REPLACEMENT
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove speed control switches or covers from steering wheel back shroud and disconnect the wires.
3. Remove two bolts attaching airbag module from the sides of steering wheel.
4. Lift module and disconnect airbag squib wire connector.
5. Remove driver airbag module.
6. When replacing a deployed driver airbag module, the clockspring must also be replaced. Refer to Clockspring Removal and Installation for proper procedure.
7. For installation, reverse above procedures.
a. Connect the squib wire to the module. Make airbag connection by pressing straight in on the connector. The connector should be fully seated feel for positive snap to assure positive connection.
b. Install two bolts and tighten to 10 to 11 Nm (90 to 100 in lb) torque.
c. Install covers to the steering wheel back shroud or connect the wire connectors to the speed control switches and install switches. Tighten fastener to 2 Nm (20 in lb).
d. Do not connect battery negative cable. Refer to Airbag System Check for proper procedure.