Airbag - Driver

Remove and replace the driver-side airbag module in the steering wheel, including proper system disarming and reconnection procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Airbag connector clockspring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open hood and locate battery in rear compartment (accessible from driver side rear wheel well area)
4. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position before beginning work
5. Allow airbag system capacitors to fully discharge (minimum 2 minutes after battery disconnect)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect Battery Negative Terminal
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using the appropriate socket (verify terminal bolt size, commonly 10mm). Verify the exact battery location for this vehicle against the factory service manual before proceeding. Wait the manufacturer-specified discharge period (verify in the factory service manual; Chrysler systems of this era commonly specify a minimum of 2 minutes) after disconnection to allow airbag system capacitors to fully discharge before proceeding to any airbag component work.
   ⚠️Do NOT proceed to airbag work until a full 2 minutes has elapsed after battery disconnect. This waiting period is MANDATORY for safety.
2. 2

   Access Airbag Module Fasteners
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the airbag module mounting fasteners. On the 1992 Viper, locate the airbag module retention fasteners (verify count and Torx size against the factory service manual; commonly rear-accessible Torx fasteners, but retention method must be confirmed). Inspect the area to identify the exact fastener locations on each side of the wheel hub.
3. 3

   Remove Airbag Module Mounting Fasteners
   Using the correct Torx bit (verify size against the factory service manual), remove the airbag module mounting fasteners (verify count) from the rear of the steering wheel. Support the airbag module with your other hand as you remove the second fastener to prevent it from falling forward.
   ⚠Support the airbag module as you remove the final fastener. Do not allow it to drop or hang by its wiring harness.
4. 4

   Separate Airbag Module from Steering Wheel
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel hub. Do not pull forcefully; the module should separate with gentle, even pressure once the fasteners are removed. The wiring harness and connector will still be attached at this point.
5. 5

   Disconnect Airbag Electrical Connector
   With the airbag module pulled forward, locate the yellow airbag connector on the back of the module. Press the connector locking tab or slide mechanism and carefully disconnect the airbag wiring harness from the module. Note the orientation and routing of the connector for reassembly.
   ⚠️Handle the connector gently. Never force or twist the connector. Yellow connectors indicate airbag circuit components.
6. 6

   Remove Airbag Module
   With the electrical connector disconnected, remove the airbag module completely from the vehicle. Immediately place the module on a clean, flat surface with the trim cover (deployment side) facing UP. Never place an airbag module face-down.
   ⚠️Always store airbag module face-up. If the module were to deploy while face-down, it would become a projectile.
7. 7

   Inspect Clockspring and Wiring
   With the airbag module removed, inspect the clockspring mechanism and wiring harness for any signs of damage, fraying, or wear. Check that the clockspring is properly centered (indicated by alignment marks or by ensuring the steering wheel has not been rotated with the airbag disconnected). Inspect the yellow connector for any damage or corrosion.
8. 8

   Install New Airbag Module Connector
   Take the airbag module (new if the original was deployed/damaged, otherwise the original) and connect the yellow airbag connector to the module. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click or positive engagement. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking mechanism is engaged.
   ⚠️Ensure connector is fully locked. A partially connected airbag can fail to deploy or deploy improperly.
9. 9

   Position Airbag Module on Steering Wheel
   Carefully position the new airbag module onto the steering wheel hub, ensuring the wiring harness is not pinched or kinked. Align the module mounting holes with the fastener locations on the steering wheel. The module should sit flush against the wheel with no gaps.
10. 10

    Install and Torque Airbag Module Fasteners
    Install the 2 Torx fasteners finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then torque each fastener to the manufacturer-specified value (verify in the factory service manual) using a calibrated torque wrench. This torque specification is CRITICAL for proper airbag function.
    ⚠️Airbag module torque specification is safety-critical. Use a calibrated torque wrench. Do not over-torque or under-torque these fasteners.
11. 11

    Reconnect Battery Negative Terminal
    Return to the battery location in the rear driver-side compartment and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Torque the battery terminal bolt to 7.0 Nm (approximately 5 lb-ft), or to the manufacturer-specified value.
12. 12

    Clear Airbag System Codes and Test
    Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Observe the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. The light should illuminate for approximately 4-8 seconds during bulb check, then extinguish. If the light remains on or flashes, there is a system fault that must be diagnosed before the vehicle is driven. If equipped with an era-appropriate Chrysler diagnostic tester (DRB/DRB-II) capable of reading airbag codes via the proprietary diagnostic connector, connect and verify no active or stored codes are present.
    ⚠️Do NOT drive the vehicle if the airbag warning light remains illuminated. An illuminated airbag light indicates a system fault and the airbag may not deploy in a crash.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully locked and secure
3. Confirm airbag warning light performs normal bulb check and extinguishes
4. Do not attempt to test airbag deployment function - system testing requires specialized equipment

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes within 4-8 seconds
• Visually confirm airbag module sits flush against steering wheel with no gaps or misalignment
• Gently press on airbag module trim cover to verify it is secure (do not strike or impact)
• If scan tool is available, verify no active or stored airbag system fault codes are present
• Perform a test drive in a safe area and confirm no airbag warning light illumination during operation

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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