The driver air bag module requires a specific service approach that includes always holding or placing it with the air bag and deployment door/trim cover/tear seam pointed toward a safe direction away from the body. This precaution prevents serious injuries in case of accidental deployment. Probing electrical connectors on air bag and Safety Canopy(R) and side air curtain modules will cause accidental deployment that increases the danger of fatal injuries. Unplug the three driver air bag module wire clips fully from their respective hooks on the steering wheel before extraction to defend against damaging the module. An air bag warning indicator will turn on when replacing the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse while the ignition is ON and a fully operational Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with no faults must exist for releasing the vehicle to customers. The first step should include disabling the SRS system while facing the wheels straight forward plus centering the tilted steering wheel when present. A left turn of the wheel to the 9 o'clock position allows access to the driver air bag module geometric clips without damaging the
Steering Column multifunction switch. Proceed by taking out the screw and tilt lever (if present) and then the three screws to access the steering column shroud before removing both shrouds. A mirror will help you locate the three driver air bag module wire clips situated at the rear of the steering wheel and you can effortlessly detach them using a screwdriver or similar tool by pushing each clip toward the center of the wheel. The technician should disconnect the driver air bag module together with the horn switch electrical connections before extracting the driver air bag module from the steering wheel. The installation process requires connecting the electrical connectors for the horn switch and driver air bag module and setting the driver air bag module onto the steering wheel to align locator pins before using firm pressure to attach the three wire clips. Secure the steering column lower and upper shrouds by tightening their three lower screws and install the tilt lever component followed by its screw while applying 6 Nm (53 lb-in) torque. Finally, repower the SRS.