How to replace driver's side airbags
Auto repair

How to replace driver's side airbags

08.11.2022 /

If you've ever seen an airbag deploy, you know it's not a particularly pleasant sight. The airbag is designed to deploy in a fraction of a second, so when you come into contact with it, the airbag deflates...

If you've ever seen an airbag deploy, you know it's not a particularly pleasant sight. The airbag inflates in a fraction of a second, so when you come into contact with it, the airbag deflates and slows you down.

Fortunately, the process of removing the airbag from the steering wheel is fairly painless. Loosen a couple of screws and it will slide out. Some manufacturers have begun using spring-loaded clips that are pushed in simply with a flathead screwdriver.

  • A warning: Explosives inside can be dangerous if mishandled, so always be careful when handling airbags.

Part 1 of 2: Removing the old airbag

Materials

  • Drill
  • flat screwdriver
  • crosshead screwdriver
  • ratchet
  • Power socket

  • Torx screwdriver

  • Attention: Different car manufacturers use different ways to attach the airbag to the steering wheel. Check which screws are used to attach the airbag. It will most likely be a Torx screw, but there are some that use a specific size drill to make it harder to tamper with the airbag. Some manufacturers do not use screws at all, but instead have spring-loaded lugs that must be pressed down to remove the handlebar. Check online or in a car repair manual to find out exactly what you need.

Step 1: Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.. You don't want any energy to pass through the car when you remove the airbag, as a small arc could cause it to deploy right in your face.

Move the cable away from the terminal on the battery so that they do not touch each other. Let the machine sit for about 15 minutes to allow the capacitors to fully discharge.

Step 2: Locate the screw holes on the back of the steering wheel.. You may need to remove some of the plastic panels on the steering column to access all the screws.

You can also rotate the wheel to free up more space.

As mentioned earlier, some cars have spring-loaded tabs that you have to press down. There will be holes with horizontal slots for a flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Remove all screws and remove the airbag.. Press down on all the tabs to pull out the airbag if you don't have screws.

Now we can access the plugs to completely remove the airbag.

Step 4: Detach the airbag. There will be two different cancel connectors.

Do not damage them, otherwise the airbag may fail.

  • Functions: Be sure to leave the airbag face up so that if it explodes, it won't fly into the air and damage anything.

Part 1 of 2: Installing a new airbag

Step 1: Plug in the new airbag. Make sure you connect it correctly otherwise the airbag won't work properly.

Pull lightly on the wires to make sure they don't loosen.

Step 2: Reinsert the airbag into the steering wheel.. Make sure the wires are not pinched between components when you install the airbag.

If you have spring tabs, the wheel will snap into place and is ready to go.

Step 3: Screw in the airbag. Tighten the screws with one hand.

Be careful not to rip them off or you'll have a hard time if you ever need to replace your airbag again.

Step 4: Connect the negative terminal to the battery.. Check the horn and any functions on the steering wheel to make sure everything is in order.

If everything works, reinstall any panels you removed earlier.

With an airbag replacement, you can be sure that you will have some protection in the event of a collision. If the airbag light comes on when restarting the vehicle, one of our certified AvtoTachki technicians will be happy to help identify any problems.

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