This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the driver airbag module on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L engine, including proper battery disconnect procedures and airbag system reset.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification for your specific model year and steering wheel type
• Airbag module connector locking clip (if damaged) × 1 — Typically included with airbag module

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position
4. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment
5. Photograph steering wheel and airbag module orientation for reference during reassembly
6. Clear work area around steering wheel and remove any items from driver's seat area

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect and isolate battery
   Using 10mm socket, loosen and remove negative battery terminal bolt. Remove negative cable from battery post and isolate it away from terminal using a non-conductive cover or position it where it cannot contact the post. Wait a MINIMUM of 2 minutes (3 minutes recommended) to allow airbag system capacitors to fully discharge. Do not proceed until wait time is complete.
   Torque spec

   Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access airbag module mounting bolts
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the two Torx T30 airbag module mounting holes. On 2016-2024 Tucson models, these are positioned at approximately 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on the rear of the steering wheel hub. Some models have small access covers that must be pried out with a trim tool first.
3. 3

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   Using Torx T30 driver, carefully loosen and remove both airbag module mounting bolts by turning counterclockwise. Support the airbag module with your other hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Place bolts in a safe location for reinstallation.
   ⚠️Use HAND TOOLS ONLY. Never use impact tools or power drivers on airbag bolts.
4. 4

   Carefully pull airbag module from steering wheel
   Gently pull the airbag module straight toward you away from the steering wheel hub approximately 2-3 inches. Do not pull aggressively or twist the module. You will see the wiring harness connector and possibly the horn connector on the back of the module.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the yellow airbag connector on the back of the module. Press down or slide the red/orange locking tab (depending on model year) to unlock the connector. While holding the lock tab in the unlocked position, firmly pull the connector straight out from the airbag module. If equipped, disconnect the horn connector by pressing the release tab and pulling apart.
   ⚠Do not force connectors. Locking tabs must be fully released before connector will separate.
6. 6

   Remove old airbag module
   Once all electrical connections are disconnected, remove the airbag module completely from the vehicle. Immediately place it face-up (padded side up) on a clean, flat surface away from the work area. Never set the module face-down or place any objects on top of it.
   ⚠️Always store airbag module face-up. Face-down storage can cause injury if accidental deployment occurs.
7. 7

   Inspect clock spring and wiring
   With airbag removed, visually inspect the clock spring (spiral cable) housing behind the steering wheel for any cracks, damage, or signs of wear. Check the yellow airbag wiring harness for fraying, cuts, or damage. If clock spring is damaged or if airbag deployed due to collision, clock spring MUST be replaced. Verify steering wheel is still centered and clock spring alignment mark is visible if accessible.
8. 8

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging carefully. Verify part number matches original module and is correct for your specific vehicle model year. Inspect new module for any shipping damage. Keep module face-up at all times during handling.
9. 9

   Connect electrical connectors to new airbag
   Position the new airbag module near the steering wheel. Connect the yellow airbag electrical connector first by aligning the connector and pushing firmly until you hear/feel a click. Ensure the locking tab engages fully (you should see or feel it lock into place). If equipped, connect horn connector. Gently tug on connectors to verify they are fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Position airbag module on steering wheel
    Carefully guide the airbag module onto the steering wheel hub, ensuring wiring is not pinched or trapped between module and steering wheel. Align the mounting holes on the airbag module with the threaded inserts in the steering wheel. The module should sit flush against the steering wheel with no gaps.
11. 11

    Install and torque airbag mounting bolts
    Insert both Torx T30 mounting bolts by hand and thread them in several turns to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench with Torx T30 bit, tighten both bolts to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. This torque specification is CRITICAL for proper airbag function. Do not overtighten or undertighten.
    ⚠️Airbag bolt torque is CRITICAL. Use calibrated torque wrench and verify 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) specification. Improper torque can cause airbag malfunction.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery
    Return to battery and reposition negative battery cable onto negative battery post. Install terminal bolt and tighten to 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) using torque wrench and 10mm socket. Ensure connection is secure but do not overtighten.
    Torque spec

    Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Clear airbag system codes and verify operation
    With all doors closed and no one in the vehicle, turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Observe the airbag warning light on instrument cluster. It should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then turn off. If light remains on or flashes, connect OBD-II scanner and check for airbag system fault codes. Clear any stored codes related to the airbag replacement. Cycle ignition off and on again to verify airbag light operates normally (6 second bulb check then off).
    ⚠If airbag warning light stays illuminated or flashes after installation, do NOT return vehicle to service. Diagnose and repair fault before driving.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any trim pieces or access covers removed during disassembly
2. Verify steering wheel and airbag module are properly aligned and centered
3. Confirm all electrical connections are secure and locked
4. Ensure no tools or parts remain in steering column area

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates for 6 seconds then turns off completely
• Test horn function by pressing center of steering wheel (if horn was disconnected)
• With vehicle stationary and transmission in Park, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify no interference or unusual noises from airbag or clock spring
• Use OBD-II scanner to verify no active or pending airbag system fault codes are present
• Perform final visual inspection to confirm airbag module is flush-mounted with no gaps around perimeter
• If available, have airbag system professionally scanned to confirm all self-diagnostic tests pass before returning vehicle to service

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