Airbag - Passenger

This procedure replaces the passenger-side airbag module in the dashboard of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Honda airbag module only - do not use aftermarket
• Dashboard trim clips (if broken) × 1 — Honda OEM trim clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and turn ignition OFF
2. Ensure front wheels are straight and steering wheel is centered
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm wrench
4. Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge - do not skip this wait time
5. Verify ignition is OFF and keys are removed from vehicle
6. Place removed airbag module face-up on clean, flat surface away from work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box fully. Press inward on both sides of the glove box to release the stoppers and lower it past the normal stop point. Locate and remove the screws securing the glove box assembly (typically 4-6 screws). Carefully pull the glove box assembly straight out and disconnect any electrical connectors for the glove box light. Set glove box aside.
2. 2

   Access airbag module mounting area
   With glove box removed, you now have access to the back of the passenger airbag area. Use a flashlight to locate the airbag module behind the dashboard. Identify the yellow airbag electrical connector - it will have a locking tab and distinctive yellow color.
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Carefully unlock the yellow airbag connector by pressing or sliding the locking tab (design varies by year). Gently pull the connector apart - do not pull on wires. Verify the connector is fully separated. If equipped, disconnect the secondary passenger occupancy sensor connector in the same manner.
   ⚠️Ensure battery has been disconnected for at least 3 minutes before touching this connector. Never connect or disconnect with power present.
4. 4

   Remove dashboard passenger airbag cover fasteners
   From inside the glove box opening, locate the fasteners securing the dashboard upper panel or airbag cover. Remove the dashboard fasteners using appropriate tool. Some models have trim clips that must be carefully pried. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   Locate the airbag module mounting bolts - typically 4 bolts accessible from behind using a Torx T30 driver. Support the airbag module with one hand while removing the final bolts to prevent it from falling. Remove all airbag module mounting bolts completely.
   ⚠Support airbag module when removing final bolt to prevent dropping. Module must not be impacted or dropped.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old airbag module
   Carefully guide the old airbag module out through the dashboard opening. The module may need to be angled or rotated slightly. Once removed, place it face-up on a clean, flat surface away from the work area. Never place face-down or near sources of heat or electrical interference.
   ⚠Handle airbag module carefully - no impacts, drops, or placing face-down. Treat as live explosive device.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and connectors
   Inspect the dashboard mounting points for any damage or cracks. Check that all mounting bolt threads are clean and undamaged. Inspect the yellow electrical connector for corrosion, damage, or bent pins. Clean any dust or debris from mounting area.
   ℹ️If mounting structure is damaged or connectors are corroded, do not proceed. Seek professional repair.
8. 8

   Install new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Verify it matches the old unit and is correct for your vehicle. Carefully guide the new module into position in the dashboard opening, orienting it correctly with mounting holes aligned. Support module while preparing to install bolts.
   ⚠️Only use new, OEM Honda airbag modules. Never install used, salvaged, or aftermarket airbags.
9. 9

   Install airbag module mounting bolts
   Start all four airbag module mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, use inch-pound torque wrench and Torx T30 to tighten bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Do not overtighten - proper torque is critical for deployment performance.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Airbag bolts must be torqued to exact specification using calibrated torque wrench. Over or under-torquing affects deployment and can cause injury.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Carefully align the yellow airbag connector and push together until you hear and feel a positive click. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. If equipped, reconnect the passenger occupancy sensor connector. Gently tug on connectors to confirm they are locked - they should not pull apart.
    ⚠Ensure connectors are fully locked. Partial connection will cause airbag warning light and system malfunction.
11. 11

    Reinstall dashboard trim and glove box
    Reinstall any dashboard trim panels or airbag cover, ensuring all clips are properly seated. Install dashboard fasteners to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft) if applicable. Reconnect glove box light connector if equipped. Position glove box assembly and install mounting screws. Verify glove box opens and closes properly with stoppers functioning.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Ensure all occupants are clear of the vehicle. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). The airbag warning light should illuminate briefly then turn off. If light remains on, connect a Honda-compatible scan tool and clear airbag system codes. Verify no active faults remain.
    ⚠️If airbag warning light remains illuminated after clearing codes, do not drive vehicle. System fault must be diagnosed and corrected by qualified technician.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all dashboard trim panels are properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
2. Confirm glove box operates smoothly and all functions work correctly
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the dashboard or airbag area
4. Check that airbag warning light extinguishes within a few seconds of ignition ON

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON - airbag warning light should illuminate briefly (2-6 seconds) then turn off completely
• Start engine - airbag light should remain off during normal operation
• Use scan tool to verify no active or pending airbag system fault codes are present
• Verify passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator (if equipped) functions correctly when seat is occupied/unoccupied
• Confirm all dashboard trim and glove box are properly installed with no rattles or gaps
• If airbag light remains on or codes cannot be cleared, vehicle requires professional diagnosis before driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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