Airbag - Passenger

Removal and replacement of the passenger-side airbag module, including safe disarming of the supplemental restraint system and proper installation to factory specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Airbag module mounting hardware (if corroded or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the parking brake engaged and transmission in park
2. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key completely from the ignition
3. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable, then disconnect the positive battery cable and secure both away from the battery terminals
4. Wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the SRS system capacitor to fully discharge before proceeding with any airbag work
5. Verify that no one is sitting in the passenger seat and that the area around the dashboard is clear of tools or objects

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove compartment door
   Open the glove compartment door fully. Locate the hinge pins or stops on both sides of the compartment that limit the door's travel. Compress or release the stops (typically by squeezing the sides of the glove box liner inward) to allow the door to drop past its normal open position. Carefully lower the door completely and remove it from the hinge points to provide clear access to the upper dashboard area behind the glove compartment.
2. 2

   Identify and disconnect passenger airbag electrical connector
   With the glove compartment door removed, look upward into the cavity behind where the glove box was mounted. Locate the large yellow SRS connector attached to the back of the passenger airbag module. The connector is typically secured with a sliding lock or spring clip. Carefully slide the connector lock to the unlock position, then gently pull the connector straight off the airbag module terminals. Mark the connector orientation with masking tape if desired for easier reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove dashboard upper trim panel
   Locate the dashboard upper trim panel above the passenger airbag deployment area. This panel may have several Torx fasteners securing it. Check the ends near the A-pillar trim and along the top edge for fastener locations. Remove all fasteners securing the trim panel, then gently pry the panel away from the dashboard structure using plastic trim tools to release any remaining clips. Lift the panel clear of the dashboard and set aside.
4. 4

   Access airbag module mounting fasteners
   With the upper trim removed, the passenger airbag module should now be visible from above. Inspect the module mounting area to identify all fasteners. The airbag module on the 2005 Viper is typically secured with 4 Torx bolts located at the corners of the module frame. Verify the fastener type and count before proceeding with removal.
5. 5

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   Using the appropriate Torx bit, carefully remove all 4 mounting bolts securing the passenger airbag module to the dashboard structure. Keep these bolts organized and inspect them for any damage or corrosion. If the bolts show thread damage or excessive corrosion, replace them with new OEM hardware.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove passenger airbag module
   With all mounting bolts removed and the electrical connector disconnected, carefully lift the passenger airbag module straight up and out of the dashboard cavity. Handle the module with care, keeping it oriented with the deployment side (the side that faces the passenger) pointed UP at all times. Never place the module deployment-side down on any surface. Set the module on a clean, flat surface in a secure location away from the work area.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and prepare for installation
   Inspect the dashboard mounting surface where the airbag module was installed. Check for any damage, debris, or corrosion on the mounting points. Clean the mounting surface if necessary using a clean, dry cloth. Verify that the mounting bolt holes are clean and threads are undamaged. Inspect the new airbag module to ensure it matches the OEM part number and configuration of the removed unit.
8. 8

   Install new passenger airbag module
   Carefully position the new passenger airbag module into the dashboard cavity, aligning all mounting bolt holes with the threaded inserts in the dashboard structure. Ensure the module is fully seated and flush with the surrounding dashboard surface before proceeding. The deployment door seam should be aligned consistently with the dashboard trim lines.
9. 9

   Install and torque airbag module mounting bolts
   Install all 4 mounting bolts by hand, threading them carefully to avoid cross-threading. Once all bolts are hand-tight and the module is confirmed to be properly seated, torque each bolt to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even clamping force. Verify that the module does not rock or move after torquing.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect passenger airbag electrical connector
    Reach up behind the glove compartment area and locate the yellow SRS connector. Align the connector carefully with the terminals on the back of the airbag module, ensuring correct orientation. Push the connector straight onto the terminals until it seats fully, then slide the connector lock to the locked position. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is securely locked.
11. 11

    Reinstall dashboard upper trim panel
    Position the dashboard upper trim panel back into place, aligning any clips with their receptacles in the dashboard structure. Press firmly on clip locations to seat them fully. Reinstall all Torx fasteners that were removed during disassembly, torquing them to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft) if using a torque wrench, or snug by hand without over-tightening.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall glove compartment door
    Position the glove compartment door at the hinge points and lift it into place. Snap or insert the hinge pins back into their mounting points, then allow the door to rotate to its normal closed position. Verify that the door opens and closes smoothly and that the stops engage properly to limit travel.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and clear SRS codes
    Reconnect the positive battery cable first, then reconnect the negative battery cable last. Tighten the battery terminal connections securely. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine). Observe the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. The light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during the bulb check, then extinguish. If the light remains illuminated or flashes a code, there may be a connection issue or system fault that requires professional diagnosis with an SRS scan tool.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed in the main procedure steps above, following the reverse order of disassembly
2. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked before reconnecting the battery
3. Verify proper torque on all airbag mounting bolts—this is critical for proper deployment performance
4. Do not overtighten dashboard trim fasteners, as this can crack the plastic mounting tabs

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON and verify the airbag warning light performs the normal bulb check (illuminates for ~6 seconds, then extinguishes)
• If the airbag light remains on or flashes a code, the system has detected a fault and requires professional diagnosis with an SRS-capable scan tool
• Verify that all dashboard trim panels are securely fastened with no gaps or rattles
• Confirm the glove compartment door opens and closes properly without interference
• Before driving the vehicle, consider having the SRS system professionally scanned to verify no stored fault codes remain

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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