Airbag - Passenger

This procedure replaces the passenger side airbag module in the dashboard, requiring disarming of the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and removal of the glove box assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - must match VIN
• Airbag connector retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable first, then positive battery cable
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge - this is critical for safety
5. Verify no one is sitting in passenger seat or leaning near passenger side of dash
6. Place removed airbag module on clean, flat surface with trim cover facing UP away from people
7. Have airbag-compatible scan tool available for post-installation system verification

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box door
   Open the glove box fully. Locate the two stop arms on each side of the glove box that limit opening range. Squeeze sides of glove box inward to disengage stops from instrument panel. Carefully lower glove box door down past the stop point to access the hinge area. Remove screws or release clips securing glove box door to hinges and remove door completely from vehicle.
2. 2

   Remove glove box assembly
   With glove box door removed, locate mounting screws securing glove box housing to instrument panel structure. On 2007 Ram 3500, there are typically 4-6 screws around the perimeter of the glove box housing. Remove all mounting screws and carefully pull glove box assembly away from instrument panel. Disconnect any electrical connectors for glove box lighting if equipped. Remove glove box assembly from vehicle to provide access to passenger airbag area.
3. 3

   Locate passenger airbag mounting location
   With glove box removed, look up into the instrument panel cavity. The passenger airbag module is mounted in the upper instrument panel structure behind the passenger-side dash surface. Identify the airbag module - it is a rectangular metal housing with an electrical connector visible from below. Note the orientation and mounting method before proceeding.
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag electrical connector
   Locate the yellow airbag connector attached to the passenger airbag module. The connector is bright yellow to identify it as an airbag circuit. Slide the red locking tab on the connector to the unlocked position. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the airbag module. Allow connector to hang freely - do not let it contact metal surfaces. With the battery disconnected, simply leave the connector disconnected - an airbag simulator tool is generally not required for this replacement and should only be used per the factory service procedure.
5. 5

   Remove airbag module mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting fasteners securing the passenger airbag module to the instrument panel structure. The passenger airbag module mounting fastener count and access method must be verified against the 2007 Ram 3500 factory service manual before removal, as retention may involve top-mounted studs/nuts and retaining clips rather than bolts accessible solely from below. The fasteners may be standard hex bolts or Torx screws. Using appropriate socket or Torx bit, remove all mounting fasteners completely. Support the airbag module with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove passenger airbag module
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower the passenger airbag module down through the glove box opening. Maneuver the module to clear any obstructions. Keep the trim cover (visible side) facing UP at all times during removal. Once clear of the instrument panel, immediately place the module on a clean, flat surface with trim cover facing UP, away from people. Do not place face-down or stand module on edge.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and connector
   With old airbag removed, inspect the mounting bracket area in the instrument panel for any damage, cracks, or deformation. Check that mounting threads are clean and undamaged. Inspect the yellow electrical connector for any signs of corrosion, damage to pins, or damage to the locking mechanism. Clean connector with electrical contact cleaner if any light corrosion is present. If connector or locking tab is damaged, replace the connector pigtail.
8. 8

   Install new passenger airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging, keeping trim cover facing UP at all times. Verify part number matches vehicle application and VIN if applicable. Carefully lift new airbag module up through glove box opening and position it into mounting location in instrument panel. Align mounting holes with threaded bosses or mounting bracket. Support module in position while installing fasteners.
9. 9

   Install airbag mounting fasteners
   Install all mounting fasteners finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all fasteners are started, tighten them in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Tighten the airbag module mounting fasteners to the torque specification listed in the 2007 Ram 3500 factory service manual (do not guess - restraint fasteners are safety-critical). Verify airbag module is firmly secured with no movement or gaps.
10. 10

    Connect airbag electrical connector
    If an airbag simulator was installed, remove it now. Retrieve the yellow airbag connector and inspect pins one final time. Align connector with receptacle on new airbag module and press firmly until connector seats with an audible click. Slide the red locking tab to the locked position - it should move smoothly and lock into place. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully locked and cannot be pulled free.
11. 11

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position glove box housing back into instrument panel opening. Reconnect any electrical connectors for glove box lighting if equipped. Align mounting holes and install all mounting screws, tightening in a cross pattern. Ensure glove box housing is flush with instrument panel and properly aligned before final tightening. Verify glove box does not interfere with any wiring.
12. 12

    Reinstall glove box door
    Position glove box door onto hinges and secure with screws or clips as originally installed. Open and close glove box door several times to verify smooth operation. Ensure door stops engage properly with instrument panel stops and door latches securely when closed. Verify door alignment is correct and consistent with other dash panel gaps.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly tightened and no tools or parts are left in the glove box cavity
2. Ensure airbag electrical connector is fully seated with red locking tab engaged
3. Verify glove box operates smoothly and does not contact any wiring

Verification

• Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative battery cable
• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine - airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds then turn off if system is functioning correctly
• If airbag warning light stays on or flashes, connect airbag-compatible scan tool and retrieve diagnostic trouble codes
• Clear any stored codes related to previous airbag fault using scan tool - light should remain off after clearing if installation is correct
• If warning light remains on after clearing codes, recheck electrical connector seating and verify correct part number was installed
• Test glove box operation - should open, close, and latch smoothly without interference
• Perform final visual inspection of passenger side dash to ensure proper appearance and no gaps or misalignment
• Do not return vehicle to service if airbag warning light remains illuminated - seek professional diagnosis

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