Airbag - Passenger

This procedure removes and replaces the passenger-side front airbag module in the dashboard of a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM GM specification - verify part number matches VIN
• Airbag module fasteners (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure transmission is in Park with parking brake applied
2. Turn ignition completely OFF and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Open driver door and ensure it remains open throughout procedure to prevent lockout
4. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Wait a MINIMUM of 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge - set a timer to confirm
6. Disable automatic climate control to prevent blower activation during work
7. Place protective covering over steering wheel and instrument cluster to prevent damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box fully. Depress both sides of the glove box at the damper stops to release it from the instrument panel. Lower the glove box completely to access the rear area. Remove the screws securing the glove box hinge mechanism to the instrument panel using a Torx driver. Carefully disconnect any electrical connectors for glove box lighting. Remove the glove box assembly completely from the vehicle and set aside.
2. 2

   Access passenger airbag module area
   With the glove box removed, you now have access to the passenger airbag module from below. Use a flashlight to locate the airbag module connector on the back of the airbag housing. The module is mounted in the upper dashboard behind the passenger airbag door panel. Identify the yellow airbag connector (Connector Position Assurance lock visible).
3. 3

   Disconnect passenger airbag electrical connector
   Locate the yellow SRS connector at the rear of the airbag module. Pull the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock tab outward to the unlocked position - this is typically a yellow sliding lock. Once the CPA is released, depress the connector locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the airbag module terminals. Do not twist or bend the connector. Secure the connector away from the work area with tape to prevent accidental reconnection.
   ⚠️Verify that 2 minutes has elapsed since battery disconnection before touching any airbag connectors. Never bypass or probe airbag connectors with test equipment while connected.
4. 4

   Remove upper dashboard trim panel (if required)
   Depending on access, you may need to remove the upper dashboard defroster grille or trim panel above the airbag. Use panel removal tools to carefully pry up the defroster grille starting from one end. Work slowly to release the retaining clips without breaking them. If present, remove any screws securing the trim panel. Lift the trim panel away and set aside in a protected area.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate the airbag module mounting bolts - typically 2 to 4 Torx bolts accessible from the top or front of the dashboard opening. These may be accessed from above (with trim removed) or from below through the glove box opening. Use the appropriate Torx bit to remove all airbag module mounting bolts. Keep these bolts organized as they are specific torque-critical fasteners.
   ⚠Support the airbag module with your hand as you remove the final mounting bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove passenger airbag module from dashboard
   With all fasteners removed and connector disconnected, carefully maneuver the airbag module out through the dashboard opening. The module may need to be tilted or rotated slightly to clear the opening. Work slowly and avoid striking the module against the dashboard structure. Once removed, immediately place the airbag module on a flat, stable surface with the deployment side (trim cover/airbag door) facing UP. Never place the module face-down.
   ⚠️Always store airbag modules with deployment surface facing UP. If an accidental deployment occurs with the module face-down, it will become a projectile.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and prepare new airbag module
   Inspect the dashboard mounting bracket and airbag cavity for any damage, cracks, or debris. Clean the mounting surface if necessary. Verify that the new passenger airbag module part number matches the vehicle specification and original module. Remove any protective covers or shipping brackets from the new airbag module per manufacturer instructions. Do NOT connect the electrical connector yet.
8. 8

   Install new passenger airbag module
   Carefully position the new airbag module into the dashboard opening, aligning the mounting holes with the bracket. Ensure the module is oriented correctly with the trim panel flush with the dashboard surface. Thread in all airbag module mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque each bolt to specification in a cross-pattern sequence.
   ⚠️Airbag module bolts MUST be torqued to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Over-torquing can damage the module housing; under-torquing can allow movement during deployment, both of which compromise safety.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect airbag electrical connector
   Route the yellow SRS connector to the airbag module terminal. Ensure no wires are pinched or twisted. Align the connector with the module terminal and push firmly until you hear/feel a positive click. Slide the yellow Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock tab fully into the locked position. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector - it should not pull free.
   ⚠Ensure the CPA lock is fully seated. An improperly locked connector can vibrate loose, causing airbag system faults or preventing deployment.
10. 10

    Reinstall dashboard trim panels
    If removed, reinstall the upper dashboard trim panel or defroster grille. Align the retaining clips and press firmly until all clips engage. Install any screws that were removed and torque to specification. Ensure the trim panel sits flush with no gaps or misalignment around the airbag deployment door area.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Reconnect any glove box electrical connectors for lighting. Position the glove box assembly into the dashboard opening and align the hinge mounting points. Install the glove box mounting screws and tighten to specification. Test the glove box damper operation by opening and closing to verify proper function and alignment.
12. 12

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Torque the battery terminal bolt to specification. Ensure the connection is clean and tight. Do not start the vehicle yet.
    ℹ️The airbag warning light will illuminate when the ignition is first turned on. This is normal and should extinguish after system self-test if installation is correct.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Perform system verification and clear codes
    Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the vehicle). Observe the airbag warning light - it should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during bulb check, then extinguish. If the light remains on or flashes, there is a system fault. Connect a professional-grade GM-compatible scan tool capable of reading SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) codes. Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes. Clear codes if instructed by the scan tool and verify no codes return. Perform the airbag system self-test function if available in the scan tool.
    ⚠️Do NOT operate the vehicle if the airbag warning light remains illuminated after installation. This indicates a system fault that must be diagnosed and corrected immediately.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all dashboard trim panels and interior components in reverse order of removal
2. Verify all electrical connectors are properly secured with CPA locks engaged
3. Ensure no tools or parts have been left in the dashboard cavity
4. Verify glove box operates smoothly and all fasteners are torqued to specification
5. Check that passenger airbag deployment door panel is flush with surrounding dashboard with no visible gaps

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly (approximately 6 seconds) then extinguishes completely
• Use a professional scan tool to verify no airbag system diagnostic codes are present
• Verify passenger airbag OFF indicator (if equipped with occupant classification system) functions correctly when child seat is detected
• Physically inspect airbag deployment door panel to ensure it is flush and properly aligned with dashboard
• Verify all dashboard trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose components
• Test all affected vehicle functions including glove box operation and interior lighting
• Consider having a qualified GM technician perform a final airbag system verification if any uncertainty exists about proper installation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

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