Airbag - Driver

Remove and replace the driver's airbag module from the steering wheel, including proper disarming and system verification procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - Rivian part number required
• Steering wheel wire harness (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect before ordering

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is parked on level ground with parking brake engaged
2. Turn vehicle completely OFF and remove key fob from cabin
3. Disable high voltage system following Rivian service manual lockout/tagout procedure
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait minimum 10 minutes for capacitor discharge
5. Cover both battery terminals with insulating material to prevent reconnection
6. Document any existing airbag warning lights or fault codes before beginning work
7. Verify steering wheel is in centered position and front wheels are straight
8. Place warning tags on steering wheel indicating airbag system is being serviced
9. Set up clean workspace for airbag module away from heat sources and electrical equipment

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify system disarm
   Using a multimeter, verify 12V battery shows zero voltage at both positive and negative terminals confirming complete disconnection. Verify the instrument cluster does not illuminate when attempting to power on the vehicle. Confirm minimum 10 minutes has elapsed since battery disconnection.
2. 2

   Access steering wheel rear fasteners
   Rotate steering wheel to access the airbag module retaining fasteners. On the rear of the steering wheel, locate two Torx fasteners (typically T30) on either side of the hub. These may be behind small access covers that need to be pried out with a trim tool.
3. 3

   Remove airbag module fasteners
   Using the appropriate Torx driver (verify size before applying force), carefully remove both airbag module retaining screws. Keep track of these fasteners as they are specific to this application. Support the airbag module from the front as you remove the second fastener to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support the airbag module as you remove the final fastener. Do not allow it to hang by the wiring harness.
4. 4

   Separate airbag module from wheel
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel hub, working evenly from both sides. The module should separate approximately 2-3 inches to expose the wire connectors on the rear. Do not pull beyond what the wire harness allows.
5. 5

   Disconnect horn connector
   Locate the horn wire connector (typically a single small connector). Press the locking tab and disconnect it first. This is separate from the airbag connector and is usually easier to access.
6. 6

   Disconnect airbag squib connector
   Locate the airbag squib connector (typically a yellow connector with safety locking mechanism). Press or lift the safety lock, then press the release tab while pulling the connector straight out. Never force or twist these connectors. If resistance is felt, verify the safety lock is fully released.
   ⚠️The yellow connector contains the airbag squib circuit. Handle with extreme care and never apply force.
7. 7

   Remove old airbag module
   With both connectors disconnected, remove the airbag module from the vehicle. Immediately place it face-up on your prepared clean workspace away from the vehicle. Never place an airbag module face-down or in a location where it could fall.
8. 8

   Inspect steering wheel components
   Inspect the clock spring (spiral cable) behind the steering wheel for any damage, wear, or yellow alignment marks that indicate misalignment. Inspect wire harness for damage, fraying, or connector damage. Check the mounting points on the steering wheel for cracks or damage. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
9. 9

   Prepare new airbag module
   Remove new airbag module from packaging only when ready to install. Inspect the new module for any shipping damage. Verify the part number matches the old module and vehicle application. Check that connector seals are present and undamaged.
10. 10

    Connect new airbag squib connector
    Position the new airbag module near the steering wheel. First, connect the yellow airbag squib connector by aligning the connector carefully and pushing straight in until you hear/feel a click. Engage the safety lock. Tug gently to verify connection is secure.
    ⚠Ensure connector is fully seated and safety lock is engaged. A partial connection can cause system faults or prevent deployment.
11. 11

    Connect horn connector
    Connect the horn wire connector by pushing straight in until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is engaged.
12. 12

    Install airbag module to wheel
    Carefully guide the airbag module into position on the steering wheel, ensuring no wires are pinched between the module and wheel. The module should sit flush against the steering wheel hub. Align the mounting holes on both sides.
13. 13

    Install retaining fasteners
    Install both airbag module retaining screws hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten to proper specification per Rivian service manual (torque specification not available in database - refer to factory service information). Do not overtighten as this can damage the module housing.
14. 14

    Reconnect vehicle battery
    Remove insulating covers from battery terminals. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and tighten securely. Ensure no tools or metal objects are near the battery during reconnection.
15. 15

    Clear codes and verify system
    Connect diagnostic scan tool to vehicle. Power on vehicle (do not attempt to drive). Scan for airbag system codes. Clear any stored deployment or replacement codes. Follow scan tool prompts to perform airbag system initialization and verification. Verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly during startup then turns off. If warning light remains on, diagnose fault codes before operating vehicle.
    ⚠️Do not drive vehicle if airbag warning light remains illuminated. System may be non-functional.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all airbag module mounting fasteners are properly torqued per service manual specifications
2. Verify airbag module is seated flush with no gaps around perimeter
3. Confirm steering wheel can rotate freely without interference from wiring
4. Remove all warning tags from steering wheel and vehicle
5. Re-enable high voltage system following Rivian procedures

Verification

• Turn vehicle to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes within 6 seconds
• Using scan tool, verify no active or pending airbag system fault codes are present
• Verify airbag readiness indicator shows system is armed and ready
• Test horn functionality by pressing center of steering wheel
• Verify steering wheel controls (if equipped) function properly
• Perform steering wheel rotation check - turn lock to lock and verify no unusual noises or binding from clock spring
• Document repair with date, mileage, and part numbers for vehicle service records
• Perform test drive in safe area to verify no warning lights appear and all systems function normally

More procedures for this vehicle