Airbag - Passenger

Remove and replace the passenger airbag module from the dashboard, including proper deactivation of the supplemental restraint system and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Maserati specification only
• Dashboard trim clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and ensure ignition is OFF with key removed from vehicle
2. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight ahead
3. Wait for all vehicle systems to fully power down (approximately 5 minutes) before beginning work
4. Open driver and passenger doors to maintain access throughout procedure
5. Place fender covers and seat covers to protect vehicle interior from scratches
6. Prepare clean, padded workspace adjacent to vehicle for storing removed airbag module face-up
7. Review vehicle service manual for specific airbag connector locations for this model year

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery and wait for system discharge
   Open hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment. Using appropriate socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt and disconnect the negative cable first. Move cable away from terminal and secure so it cannot make contact. Disconnect positive terminal in same manner. Wait minimum 2 minutes (preferably 5 minutes) for all airbag system capacitors to fully discharge before proceeding. Set a timer to ensure full wait time.
   ⚠️Do not proceed until minimum 2 minutes has elapsed after battery disconnection. Premature contact with airbag system can cause deployment.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper dashboard trim panel
   From passenger side, carefully insert plastic trim removal tools at the edges of the upper dashboard trim panel above the glove box area. The panel is secured by multiple clips. Work slowly around perimeter to release each clip without breaking them. Once all clips are released, lift panel upward and away. Note the location of any wiring connectors attached to this panel and disconnect them by pressing release tabs.
3. 3

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box fully. Remove rubber stops on both sides if equipped. Locate and remove the screws securing the glove box hinge assembly using appropriate Torx driver. Disconnect any lighting or damper connectors. Carefully remove entire glove box assembly from dashboard to gain access to airbag mounting area behind it. Set aside in safe location.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access and document airbag electrical connections
   With glove box removed, you will see the rear of the passenger airbag module. Identify the yellow SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) connector and any secondary connectors. Use masking tape and marker to label connector orientation and position before disconnection. Take photo with phone for reference if available. This ensures correct reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Locate the yellow airbag connector's locking mechanism (typically a red or yellow sliding lock). Slide or press the lock to unlock position. Carefully pull connector apart using straight pulling motion - do not twist or bend connector pins. For secondary connectors including occupant detection sensor, press release tab and disconnect. Verify multimeter shows no voltage present at any connectors (should read 0V with battery disconnected).
   ⚠️Never pull on wires - only pull on connector housings to avoid damaging circuits.
6. 6

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate the airbag module mounting bolts or Torx screws securing the module to the dashboard frame. In the Levante, these are typically accessed from behind the dashboard through the glove box opening. There are usually 4 mounting points. Using appropriate Torx bit (typically T30), carefully remove all mounting fasteners. Keep fasteners organized as they must be reused if in good condition.
   ⚠Support airbag module weight while removing final fastener to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove airbag module from dashboard
   With all fasteners removed and electrical connections disconnected, carefully guide the passenger airbag module out through the glove box opening or from the front dashboard face (depending on model configuration). Support the module's weight throughout removal. The module may be large and awkward to maneuver. Work slowly and ensure all connectors and fasteners are truly disconnected before applying force.
   ⚠️Immediately place removed airbag module face-UP on clean, padded surface away from work area. Never place face down.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and wiring
   With old airbag removed, inspect the dashboard mounting bracket for any cracks, damage, or loose fasteners. Examine all wiring harnesses for signs of damage, chafing, or corrosion. Check that occupant detection sensor connectors (if accessible) are clean and undamaged. If any damage is found to structural mounting points, vehicle requires professional evaluation before proceeding.
9. 9

   Prepare and position new airbag module
   Unpack new OEM airbag module carefully, avoiding any impact or dropping. Verify part number matches old unit and is correct for 2017 Levante passenger side. Compare physical appearance and connector types to removed unit. Position new module in dashboard opening, aligning mounting holes with bracket. Ensure no wiring is pinched or trapped beneath module.
   ⚠Handle new airbag by edges only. Avoid touching deployment surface or electrical contacts.
10. 10

    Install airbag mounting fasteners
    Thread all airbag module mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment and prevent cross-threading. Once all fasteners are hand-started, use calibrated torque wrench to tighten each mounting bolt to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) in a cross-pattern sequence. This critical torque specification ensures proper airbag deployment geometry. Verify each fastener is secure and properly seated.
    ⚠️Airbag mounting torque is CRITICAL for proper deployment. Over-torquing or under-torquing can cause malfunction. Use calibrated torque wrench only.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect airbag electrical connections
    Refer to photos and labels created during disassembly. Connect yellow SRS connector first, ensuring connector pins align properly and connection is fully seated. You should hear/feel a positive click. Slide locking mechanism to locked position. Reconnect any secondary connectors including occupant detection sensor, again ensuring full seating and locking. Gently tug each connector to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position glove box assembly back into dashboard opening. Reconnect any lighting or damper connectors. Align hinge mounting points and install screws, tightening to proper torque specification. Reinstall rubber stops on both sides. Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly without binding or interference with airbag module.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall upper dashboard trim panel
    Reconnect any wiring connectors to the upper dashboard trim panel. Carefully align trim panel clips with receptacles in dashboard. Starting at one end, press firmly to engage each clip, working across the panel. Verify all clips are fully seated and panel sits flush without gaps or misalignment.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Return to engine compartment and reconnect battery terminals. Connect positive terminal first, then negative terminal. Tighten battery terminal bolts to specification. If equipped with battery maintainer or memory saver, this is when to disconnect it. The vehicle will have SRS fault codes stored due to the disconnection. A professional scan tool capable of accessing Maserati SRS system is required to clear codes and verify system function.
    ⚠Do not attempt to start vehicle or turn ignition to ON position until ready for system verification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all dashboard trim panels are fully secured with no loose clips or gaps
2. Ensure glove box operates smoothly and latches properly without obstruction
3. Confirm no tools or parts were left in dashboard cavity or engine compartment
4. Check that battery terminals are tight and properly torqued with no corrosion
5. Review that all electrical connectors are locked in place with securing tabs engaged

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine - SRS warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then extinguish if system is functioning correctly
• If SRS light remains illuminated, flashes, or does not illuminate at all, system has detected a fault and requires diagnostic scan tool
• Connect Maserati-compatible diagnostic scan tool and access SRS control module to verify no active fault codes
• Perform system self-test using scan tool if available - this verifies all airbag circuits including new passenger airbag
• Document any fault codes present and clear them only after confirming all connections are secure
• After clearing codes, cycle ignition OFF then ON again to verify SRS light behaves normally (illuminates briefly then extinguishes)
• Professional verification with scan tool is strongly recommended before returning vehicle to service - improper airbag installation can be life-threatening
• Test drive vehicle briefly in safe area to ensure no new warning lights appear
• If any SRS codes return or warning light stays on, do not operate vehicle - seek professional diagnosis immediately

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle