Airbag - Passenger

This procedure replaces the passenger-side airbag module in the dashboard, requiring battery disconnect, dashboard component removal, and proper torque specifications for airbag mounting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification or Acura part 77820-TX6-A81ZB
• Panel clips (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from terminal
4. Wait at least 3 minutes for SRS system capacitor discharge (do not skip or shorten this wait time)
5. Ensure work area has adequate lighting for dashboard interior work
6. Prepare a clean, padded surface to place removed airbag module face-up

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box fully. Locate the damper arm on the right side and push inward to detach from the glove box. Squeeze both sides of the glove box inward to release the stop tabs from the dashboard frame, then lower and remove the glove box completely. Set aside in safe location.
2. 2

   Remove lower dashboard trim panel (passenger side)
   With glove box removed, locate the lower dashboard trim panel below the passenger airbag area. Remove the fasteners securing the panel (verify exact count and fastener type against the service manual; the lower trim may use a combination of screws and push clips). Gently pull the panel away from dashboard to release any remaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors if present (cabin light or harness pass-throughs).
3. 3

   Access airbag module mounting area
   Through the glove box opening, locate the passenger airbag module housing in the upper dashboard. Identify the SRS connector (yellow connector) attached to the back of the airbag module. You may need to remove an additional access panel or trim piece secured with Torx screws if present to fully expose the airbag mounting bolts.
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the yellow SRS connector on the rear of the airbag module. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the airbag module. Do not pull on wires. If connector has a secondary lock (red slide clip), release that first before pressing main locking tab. Secure the connector away from work area to prevent accidental reconnection.
   ⚠️Verify battery has been disconnected for at least 3 minutes before touching this connector. Ensure you are grounded to prevent static discharge.
5. 5

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   Locate the airbag module mounting fasteners. Verify exact count, location, and fastener size against factory service manual for the 2017 ILX before removal (Honda/Acura passenger airbags are commonly retained by 2 rear bolts/nuts that hook into the dashboard reinforcement, not necessarily 4 corner Torx bolts). Remove all mounting bolts and retain for reinstallation if new module does not include replacement hardware. Note the bolt locations and any washers or grommets present. Note: Fastener type, size, and count must be verified against service documentation for this vehicle before removal. Remove all mounting fasteners; do NOT reuse airbag mounting hardware if the manufacturer specifies single-use fasteners — replace with new OEM hardware.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove airbag module from dashboard
   Carefully pull the airbag module out through the dashboard opening (module releases from front face of dashboard). Support the module with both hands. The module is moderately heavy. Once clear, immediately place the module face-UP on the prepared clean, padded surface away from work area. Do not place face-down, do not stack items on it, and keep away from heat sources.
   ⚠️Airbag deployment surface must face UP during storage. Face-down placement can cause injury if accidental deployment occurs.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and dashboard structure
   With airbag removed, inspect the dashboard mounting frame for cracks, deformation, or damage. Check all mounting bolt threads in the dashboard frame for damage. Verify no wiring harnesses are pinched or damaged in the mounting area. Clean any debris from mounting surfaces.
8. 8

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging only when ready to install. Inspect new module for any shipping damage. Verify the module part number matches vehicle application. Do not remove any protective covers or connectors until immediately before installation. Keep face-up at all times.
   ⚠New airbag modules are live pyrotechnic devices. Handle with same care as removed module.
9. 9

   Install new airbag module into dashboard
   Carefully position the new airbag module into the dashboard opening, aligning mounting holes with dashboard frame mounting points. Ensure no wiring is pinched between module and dashboard frame. The module should sit flush against the dashboard opening.
10. 10

    Install and torque airbag mounting bolts
    Install all airbag mounting bolts with any washers or grommets in their original positions. Hand-tighten all bolts first to ensure proper alignment. Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque the mounting fasteners to the factory-specified value for the 2017 ILX passenger airbag module (verify in service manual; do not assume), tightening in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the module. Verify all bolts are secure and module does not move. Note: Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque all mounting bolts to the manufacturer-specified value (verify in factory service documentation) in a cross pattern (diagonal sequence) to ensure even seating of the module.
    ⚠️Correct torque is critical for airbag deployment geometry. Over-torquing can crack mounting points; under-torquing can allow movement during deployment. Use calibrated torque wrench only.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Route the SRS connector to the airbag module terminal. Align the connector and press firmly until you hear/feel a positive click. If equipped with a secondary lock (red slide), engage it fully. Gently tug on connector to verify it is locked. Ensure wiring has adequate slack and is not stretched or pinched.
12. 12

    Reinstall dashboard trim panels
    Reinstall the lower dashboard trim panel, reconnecting any electrical connectors first. Align panel clips with dashboard receptacles and press firmly until all clips engage. Install and snug the trim panel fasteners securely by hand (verify fastener type and any specified torque against the service manual; do not over-tighten plastic trim). Verify panel is secure and flush with surrounding dashboard surfaces. Note: Install and snug the Torx fasteners securely by hand until seated (no published trim torque spec; do not overtighten to avoid stripping).
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position glove box assembly into dashboard opening. Compress sides and insert past stop tabs, allowing box to expand and engage stops. Reattach damper arm to glove box right side. Open and close glove box several times to verify smooth operation and proper damper function.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear SRS codes
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to the manufacturer-specified value (verify in service documentation; typically around 9 Nm / 7 lb-ft for this platform). Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). The SRS warning light on instrument cluster will illuminate and should remain on, indicating the system requires diagnostic reset. Connect an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Honda/Acura SRS codes. Clear all SRS fault codes and perform SRS system verification test per scanner instructions.
    ⚠Do not drive vehicle until SRS system has been properly scanned and verified. SRS light remaining on indicates system fault or incomplete reset.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Installation is reverse of removal with special attention to airbag module orientation (face toward passenger compartment)
2. All dashboard trim panels must be fully seated with clips engaged before driving to prevent rattle and ensure proper airbag deployment clearance
3. Verify glove box damper is properly reattached to prevent sudden glove box drop which can indicate improper installation

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify SRS warning light illuminates briefly (bulb check) then extinguishes after scanner reset. If light remains on, system fault exists and must be diagnosed
• Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly with proper damper function
• Visually inspect dashboard for proper panel alignment and secure fitment of all trim pieces
• Gently press on passenger airbag cover (from interior) to verify it is secure but not distorted - should have slight give but not feel loose
• Professional scan tool verification: Confirm no active or pending SRS codes present and communication with airbag module is successful

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →