Where can I find instructions on how too remove the passengerside airbag cover? I want to have it painted because there is 2 spots on it where the paint is peeling. Thanks in advance
Ken

 

Hi,

I don't know about removing the unit, but I gotta say....


BE CAREFUL!! Like you are playing with a live grenade!

before you get anywhere near removing it be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable..... and then WAIT A FEW MINUTES!! the air bag system has a reserve power supply that lasts for a few minutes after the battery is disconnected.

It used to be that interior colors came in spray cans. can you cover the rest of the interior with an old sheet or a drop cloth and do it while it's in the truck?

 

DO NOT REMOVE THIS!

This is a somewhat complicated task. I recommend getting some Fusion Paint, whatever color your dash is, and masking off the truck and just hitting it with paint yourself. This is what I did when I blacked out the interior of my truck. I removed every bit of the dash EXCEPT the front pad and top pad of the Passenger air bag. You can slip newspaper in between the gap of this area and the grey plastic that houses your AC vents. Mask off your window for over spray and just go at it. Fusion Paint allows you to paint without sanding or primering. Just spray and go! Good luck!

 

I'd treat it with respect, but don't be scared of it, tons of people replace their stearing wheels in airbag equipped vehicles. Here's the FSM Procedure:

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
• Air bag modules with discolored or damaged deployment doors must be replaced, not repainted.
• To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use memory saver devices.

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

1. Depower the system

1. While pushing in on the 2 glove compartment door tabs, position the glove compartment downward.
2. Remove the passenger air bag module bolts.
3. Remove the RH defrost grille.
4. Remove the 2 push pins retaining the passenger air bag module deployment door to the instrument panel (if equipped).
5. CAUTION: Do not handle the passenger air bag module by grabbing the edges of the deployment door. Reaching one hand into the glove box opening, push out on the front of the passenger air bag module, releasing the clips at the front of the bag and partially remove the passenger air bag module from the instrument panel.
6. Disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connectors.

Installation

1. Connect the passenger air bag module electrical connectors.
2. NOTE: Make sure the J-clips are in place before positioning the passenger air bag module to the instrument panel. Position the passenger air bag module into the instrument panel.

1 Angle the rear of the passenger air bag module deployment door so the tabs engage to the instrument panel. 2 Position the passenger air bag module into place and push down on the deployment door, engaging the remaining tabs.

1. Install the RH defrost grille.
2. Install the 2 pushpins retaining the passenger air bag module deployment door to the instrument panel (if equipped).
3. Install the passenger air bag module bolts.

1. Close the glove compartment.
2. Repower the system.

 

Note that the FSM specifically says not to repaint. I would recommend replacing the unit with a ebay/junkyard piece instead for liability reasons.

 

The reason for this is because the manufacturer will not be held liable for paint particulates interferring with deployment, or during deployment. There are lots of us that have done this though. Take whichever route you feel safest with. Good luck!

 

Thanks alot for all the info. I was able to remove it with no problem and it is at the paint and body shop now