Air Bag Deactivation Switch: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. if the airbag has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators/Instrument Panel/Cluster Bezel Replacement for the procedures.
3. Remove the glove box from the instrument panel. Refer to Body and Frame/Glove Compartment/Glove Box Replacement for the procedures.

Switch Mounting Plate Remove/Install:

4. Remove the three screws that secure the switch mounting plate to the instrument panel.
5. If the vehicle is equipped with fog lamps, pull the switch mounting plate away from the instrument panel far enough to access and unplug the wire harness connector from the back of the fog lamp switch.

Passenger Airbag Disarm Switch Connectors:

6. Reach through the glove box opening to access and unplug the two passenger airbag disarm switch wire harness connectors, located on a bracket on the inboard glove box opening reinforcement.
7. Remove the switch mounting plate and passenger airbag disarm switch from the instrument panel as a unit.

Passenger Airbag Disarm Switch Remove/Install:

8. Remove the three screws that secure the passenger airbag disarm switch to the switch mounting plate.
9. Remove the passenger airbag disarm switch from the switch mounting plate.
10. Reverse the removal procedures to install. Tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
11. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.