This procedure replaces the driver's side airbag module in the steering wheel, including proper disconnection of the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and safe handling of pyrotechnic components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar part recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and turn ignition to OFF position
2. Turn steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and remove key from ignition
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait MANDATORY 2 full minutes for SRS capacitor discharge
4. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight ahead
5. Set up work area with clean surface to place removed airbag face-up

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module fasteners
   Looking at the back of the steering wheel, locate the two Torx T-50 access holes on either side of the steering wheel (approximately 3 and 9 o'clock positions). These holes provide access to the airbag module mounting bolts.
2. 2

   Remove airbag mounting bolts
   Insert a Torx T-50 bit through each access hole and remove both airbag module mounting bolts. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Support the airbag module as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support the airbag module with your hand as the second bolt is removed to prevent it from dropping onto the steering column or your lap.
3. 3

   Pull airbag module away from wheel
   Carefully pull the airbag module straight away from the steering wheel hub. Pull evenly to avoid binding. You will see the electrical connectors on the back of the module.
   ⚠️Never carry the airbag module by its wiring harness or connector. Always support the module housing itself.
4. 4

   Disconnect horn connector
   Locate the horn connector on the back of the airbag module (typically a single wire with push-on connector). Press the locking tab and pull straight off to disconnect.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag connector
   Locate the main airbag connector (yellow 2-pin connector with red safety clip). Slide the red safety clip out to the side to unlock it, then press the connector release tab and pull straight apart to disconnect. Do not pull on wires.
   ⚠The red safety clip must be fully removed before the connector can be separated. Do not force the connector.
6. 6

   Remove old airbag module
   Remove the old airbag module from the vehicle and immediately place it face-up on a clean, flat surface in a secure location away from work area. Keep the airbag face-up at all times.
   ⚠️Always store airbag modules face-up. Never place face-down or on an unstable surface. Keep away from heat sources, electrical sources, and high-traffic areas.
7. 7

   Inspect steering wheel and connectors
   Inspect the steering wheel mounting surface for damage or debris. Inspect both the horn and airbag connectors on the clockspring for damage, corrosion, or bent pins. Clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
8. 8

   Connect new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging. Connect the yellow 2-pin airbag connector first, ensuring it clicks fully into place, then slide the red safety clip back into locked position. Connect the horn connector until it clicks into place.
   ⚠Ensure the red safety clip on the airbag connector is fully seated in the locked position. An improperly locked connector can cause system faults or deployment issues.
9. 9

   Position airbag module on steering wheel
   Carefully guide the airbag module onto the steering wheel hub, ensuring wiring is not pinched or binding. Align the module mounting holes with the threaded holes in the steering wheel. The module should sit flush against the wheel.
10. 10

    Install airbag mounting bolts
    Insert both Torx T-50 mounting bolts through the access holes and thread them into the airbag module by hand first. Once both bolts are started, tighten them in an alternating pattern. Use a torque wrench to tighten to proper specification if available (typically 8-10 Nm, though not listed in database - tighten firmly by hand if torque wrench unavailable).
    ℹ️Specific torque specification for airbag mounting bolts not provided in database. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten - these thread into plastic components of the airbag module.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post and tighten the terminal bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify airbag system operation
    Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). The airbag warning light on the instrument cluster should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds, then turn off. If the light stays on continuously or flashes, there is a system fault that requires professional diagnosis.
    ⚠️If the airbag warning light does not function as described, DO NOT operate the vehicle. The SRS system may not function properly in a crash. Professional diagnostic scanning is required.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all connectors are fully seated with locking tabs and safety clips engaged
2. Verify airbag module sits flush against steering wheel with no gaps
3. Confirm both mounting bolts are tight and secure
4. Check that no wiring is pinched between airbag module and steering wheel

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON - airbag warning light should illuminate for 6-8 seconds then turn off
• Test horn operation by pressing center of airbag module - should function normally
• Gently press around edges of airbag module to ensure it is securely mounted with no movement
• If airbag light remains on or flashes, vehicle requires professional OBD-II scanning to clear codes and verify system integrity
• Before returning vehicle to service, verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster

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