Airbag - Passenger

Replacement of the passenger-side airbag module, including proper disarming of the supplemental restraint system and dashboard trim removal to access the airbag mounting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - deployment mandates replacement
• Airbag module retaining hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface. Turn ignition OFF and remove key.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal. Secure terminals away from battery posts.
3. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge. Set a timer - do not estimate.
4. Verify airbag has not been previously deployed (cover intact, no visible damage). If deployed, note that caustic residue may be present.
5. Ensure replacement airbag module is correct part number for 1992 Viper and has not been stored improperly (no exposure to heat >150°F, moisture, or physical damage).
6. Review wiring diagrams if available - early 1992 production may have minor harness variations.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box door
   Open glove box door fully. Locate hinge pins or fasteners securing door to glove box frame. On this platform, check for Torx fasteners at the hinge pivot points. Remove fasteners and lift door away. Set aside safely.
2. 2

   Remove glove box assembly
   With glove box door removed, access the glove box housing. Locate fasteners securing the glove box to the dashboard structure (typically Torx fasteners along the top edge and sides). Remove these fasteners. Disconnect any lighting connectors if equipped. Carefully pull glove box assembly forward and remove from dashboard.
3. 3

   Locate passenger airbag module
   With glove box removed, you now have access to the rear of the dashboard on the passenger side. The airbag module is mounted behind the dashboard upper panel, typically secured to a metal bracket. Identify the airbag module - a rectangular metal housing with a single large connector on the back. Note the orientation and connector routing before proceeding.
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the airbag module connector - typically a yellow two-stage connector with a sliding lock or rotating collar. First, slide or rotate the secondary lock mechanism (usually yellow or orange) to the unlock position. Then depress the primary lock tab and carefully pull the connector straight away from the airbag module. Do not twist or force. If resistance is felt, verify both lock stages are fully released. Secure the harness connector away from work area.
5. 5

   Remove dashboard upper trim panel (if required)
   Depending on access clearance, the upper dashboard trim panel above the airbag location may need removal for clearance to extract the airbag module. Check for Torx fasteners along the front edge of the panel and at the ends near the A-pillars. Remove fasteners, then carefully release any retaining clips by pulling trim panel upward and rearward. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips. If adequate access exists without removal, skip this step.
6. 6

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate the airbag module mounting bolts securing the module to the metal bracket structure behind the dashboard. Verify exact fastener count and Torx/hex size against factory service documentation before removal. Using appropriate Torx driver, remove all mounting bolts. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation (inspect threads and replace if corroded).
7. 7

   Extract airbag module
   With all mounting bolts removed and connector disconnected, carefully support the airbag module weight and pull it rearward (toward cabin) out of the dashboard opening. Work slowly - clearances may be tight around HVAC ducting and bracket edges. Once clear, place airbag module on clean surface with airbag cover facing UP - never face down. Handle only by metal housing edges, not the airbag cover.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting bracket and hardware
   With module removed, inspect the metal mounting bracket for cracks, deformation, or corrosion. Check mounting bolt threads in bracket for damage. If bracket shows any structural damage, replacement is mandatory - this structure must hold the airbag during deployment. Verify HVAC ducting behind the bracket was not damaged during removal.
9. 9

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Verify part number matches old module and is confirmed correct for this specific vehicle against factory parts documentation. Inspect connector pins for any shipping damage or corrosion. Do not remove any protective covers or connector locks until ready to install. Ground yourself to vehicle chassis to discharge static before handling.
10. 10

    Install new airbag module
    Carefully guide new airbag module into dashboard opening, routing toward the mounting bracket. Align module with bracket holes. Work slowly to avoid snagging connector or scratching airbag cover on surrounding structure. Once positioned, verify all mounting holes align properly before inserting bolts.
11. 11

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Thread all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are hand-tight, use calibrated torque wrench to tighten each bolt to the factory-specified torque value in a cross-pattern sequence (opposite corners first, then remaining bolts). Do not exceed this torque value. Verify all bolts are secure with no gaps between module and bracket.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Align airbag module connector with harness connector. Push together firmly until the primary lock clicks into place. You should feel a distinct click and no gap should be visible between connector halves. Then slide or rotate the secondary lock mechanism back to the locked position. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked - it should not pull apart.
13. 13

    Reinstall dashboard upper trim panel (if removed)
    If the upper dashboard trim panel was removed in step 5, reinstall it now. Position panel over dashboard structure, aligning any locating pins or clips. Press firmly to engage retaining clips, then install Torx fasteners and tighten to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft). Verify panel sits flush with no gaps or misalignment.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position glove box assembly into dashboard opening. Reconnect any lighting connectors if equipped. Align glove box with mounting points and install Torx fasteners, tightening to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft). Verify glove box is secure and properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall glove box door
    Position glove box door onto hinges or mounting points. Install hinge fasteners and tighten securely. Open and close door several times to verify smooth operation and proper alignment with dashboard.
16. 16

    Reconnect battery and verify system
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Tighten terminal bolts to 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). If equipped, the airbag warning light should complete its factory-specified self-test duration, then extinguish. If light stays on, flashes, or does not illuminate, airbag system has a fault - do not drive vehicle. Professional diagnosis required. If light functions correctly, start engine and verify light remains off.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all airbag module mounting bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm - this is critical for proper deployment geometry.
2. Ensure airbag connector secondary lock is fully engaged - incomplete locking causes intermittent system faults.
3. Verify all dashboard trim panels and glove box are fully seated with no rattles before final verification.
4. Battery terminal reconnection sequence is positive first, then negative - reverse of removal.

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON (engine off). Airbag warning light should illuminate briefly (6-8 seconds) then extinguish completely. Light remaining on indicates system fault requiring professional diagnosis.
• Start engine. Airbag warning light should remain OFF during normal operation.
• Visually inspect dashboard for proper trim alignment, no gaps around airbag cover area, and secure glove box operation.
• If available, use professional scan tool to verify no airbag system diagnostic trouble codes are stored. Early 1992 Vipers may have limited OBD-I diagnostics for airbag system.
• Test drive vehicle briefly in safe area - airbag light should remain off. Any illumination during driving requires immediate professional service.
• If airbag warning light behavior is abnormal (does not illuminate on key-on, stays on continuously, or flashes), DO NOT drive vehicle. Airbag system may not deploy in a crash. Seek professional diagnosis immediately.

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