Airbag - Passenger

Remove and replace the passenger-side airbag module on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including proper disarming and reactivation of the airbag system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open driver's door (to prevent lockout)
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm socket
5. Isolate negative battery cable away from battery post to prevent reconnection
6. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system backup capacitor to fully discharge before proceeding
7. Ensure no metal objects or tools are near airbag deployment path during service

Procedure

1. 1

   Access passenger airbag door
   From the passenger seat position, inspect the dashboard top surface for the passenger airbag door molding. The airbag door is integrated into the upper dashboard panel above the glove box. Note the perimeter seam of the airbag door for reference during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box door fully. Locate the glove box stop arms on each side of the box (these limit the door travel). Compress or release the stop arms inward to allow the glove box to swing down past its normal stop position. Once past the stops, locate the mounting fasteners securing the glove box to the dashboard structure. Remove the fasteners (typically 4 fasteners securing the glove box frame) and carefully lower the glove box assembly down and away from the dashboard. Disconnect any glove box lighting harness if equipped.
3. 3

   Access airbag module mounting area
   With glove box removed, you now have access to the rear of the passenger airbag module. Use a flashlight to inspect the area behind the dashboard panel where the airbag module is mounted. Identify the airbag module housing (a large rectangular metal assembly) and locate its electrical connector and mounting fasteners.
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag module electrical connector
   Locate the yellow airbag connector (SRS connectors are typically yellow for identification) attached to the back of the passenger airbag module. Note the connector locking mechanism (usually a sliding lock or tab). Release the connector lock by sliding or pressing the release tab, then carefully pull the connector straight away from the airbag module. Do not pull on wires. Verify the connector is fully disconnected and secured away from the work area.
5. 5

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting fasteners securing the passenger airbag module to the dashboard structure. These are typically 4 mounting fasteners accessible from behind the dashboard. The fasteners may be bolts or nuts depending on the mounting design. Using the appropriate socket (likely 10mm or Torx), remove all mounting fasteners while supporting the airbag module from the front to prevent it from falling. Keep track of all fastener locations and hardware for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove passenger airbag module
   With all mounting fasteners removed and electrical connector disconnected, carefully guide the passenger airbag module out from the dashboard opening. The module removes toward the passenger compartment through the airbag door opening in the dashboard. Support the module with both hands and ensure no wiring is snagged. Once removed, immediately place the airbag module face-up (deployment side facing up) on a clean, flat, padded surface in a safe location away from the work area. Never place airbag face-down or in a location where it could be struck or dropped.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and prepare new airbag
   Inspect the dashboard mounting structure for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surface if necessary. Verify all mounting hardware is in good condition (replace if corroded or damaged). Remove the new passenger airbag module from its protective packaging. Keep the airbag deployment side facing up at all times. Compare the new module to the old one to verify correct part number and connector configuration. Do not unwrap the new airbag until ready to install.
8. 8

   Install new passenger airbag module
   Carefully position the new passenger airbag module into the dashboard opening from the passenger compartment side. Align the module with the mounting holes in the dashboard structure. Ensure the airbag door portion is properly oriented and seated flush with the surrounding dashboard surface. Support the module in position while preparing to install mounting fasteners.
9. 9

   Install airbag module mounting fasteners
   Install all mounting fasteners through the rear access area (where glove box was removed). Start all fasteners by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening. Tighten fasteners in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating of the module against the dashboard structure. Tighten fasteners to the factory-specified torque for the passenger airbag module retaining fasteners (verify exact value in the 2008 Viper factory service manual). Do not guess — airbag mounting torque is safety-critical. Verify the airbag module is securely mounted with no movement or gaps.
10. 10

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Locate the yellow airbag electrical connector. Inspect both the module-side and vehicle-side connectors for any damage, corrosion, or contamination. Clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry. Align the connectors and press together firmly until you hear or feel a positive click. Verify the connector locking mechanism is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is securely locked together.
11. 11

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Reconnect the glove box lighting harness if equipped. Position the glove box assembly back into the dashboard opening, aligning the mounting points. Install all glove box mounting fasteners and tighten securely. Verify the glove box opens and closes smoothly and that the stop arms function correctly to limit travel.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Return to the engine compartment and reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post. Tighten the terminal clamp securely using a 10mm socket. Close the hood. Enter the vehicle and 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 6-8 seconds as the system performs a self-test, then extinguish. If the light remains on, flashes, or does not illuminate at all, there is a system fault that must be diagnosed.
13. 13

    Scan for diagnostic trouble codes
    Connect a Chrysler-capable diagnostic scan tool able to access the SRS/airbag module (a generic OBD-II code reader is typically insufficient) to the vehicle's OBD-II port (located under the driver's side dashboard). Access the airbag/SRS system menu and scan for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). If any codes are present, diagnose and repair the faults. Once all faults are corrected, clear the codes using the scan tool. Perform another system scan to verify no codes return. Verify the airbag warning light extinguishes after clearing codes and cycling the ignition.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Ensure airbag electrical connector is fully locked and secure
3. Verify airbag door is flush with dashboard surface with no gaps or misalignment
4. Confirm glove box is securely fastened and operates normally

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates for 6-8 seconds then extinguishes
• Scan airbag system with diagnostic tool and verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present
• Visually inspect passenger airbag door alignment - it should be flush with dashboard surface with even gaps around perimeter
• Gently press on airbag door area to verify module is securely mounted with no movement or rattles
• Verify glove box opens and closes properly and all interior trim is secure
• Perform a final walk-around inspection to ensure all panels are secure and no tools were left in vehicle
• Test drive vehicle and verify no airbag warning light illumination during normal driving

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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