This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the airbag control module (ACM) located under the center console, including proper disconnection procedures to prevent accidental deployment and system errors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Airbag control module (ACM) × 1 — Use OEM specification - Toyota part number specific to VIN
• Center console trim clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the ignition off and key removed from the vehicle
2. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and do not move it during this procedure
3. Verify no passengers are in the vehicle and all doors are unlocked (for safety access if needed)
4. Photograph all connector orientations before disconnection for reference during reassembly
5. If replacing due to a crash, use diagnostic software to retrieve and document all crash data before removal - this data will be lost once the module is disconnected

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery and wait for system discharge
   Open the hood and locate the negative battery terminal. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal and secure it away from the battery post so it cannot make contact. Wait a MINIMUM of 90 seconds (2 minutes recommended) to allow all airbag system capacitors to fully discharge. Set a timer and do not proceed until time has fully elapsed.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove center console lower trim panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the lower center console trim panel starting from the rear edge. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing all clips. The panel is secured by 6-8 plastic clips. Pull the panel away and set aside. Be gentle to avoid breaking clips.
3. 3

   Remove center console side trim panels
   Remove the trim panels on both left and right sides of the center console by releasing the retaining clips. These panels may have small screw covers that need to be pried out first. If screws are present beneath covers, remove them using appropriate driver before pulling panels.
4. 4

   Access airbag control module mounting area
   Locate the airbag control module mounted to the floor tunnel beneath the center console, approximately centered between the front seats. The module is a metal box approximately 4x6 inches with a large yellow connector and mounting bracket. Clear any carpet or insulation that may be covering the module for full access.
5. 5

   Disconnect airbag module electrical connector
   Locate the large yellow airbag connector on the module. Press down on the orange secondary lock tab and slide it toward the unlock position. Then press the primary connector release tab while gently pulling the connector straight out from the module. Do not twist or bend the connector. The connector may be stiff - apply steady pressure rather than jerking. Verify you waited the full 90 seconds from battery disconnection before touching this connector.
   ⚠️Ensure 90 seconds have elapsed since battery disconnection before touching this connector. Failure to wait can result in airbag deployment.
6. 6

   Disconnect ground strap if equipped
   Some modules have a separate ground strap bolted to the floor or module bracket. If present, use a 10mm socket to remove the ground strap bolt. Clean the contact surface if you will be reusing the ground strap. Note the exact mounting location and orientation for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the airbag module to the floor bracket. There are typically 2-4 bolts depending on bracket design. Support the module as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully lift the module out of the mounting bracket.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new module
   Inspect the mounting bracket and floor area for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean all mounting surfaces. Remove the new airbag module from its packaging. Verify the part number matches your vehicle's VIN and configuration exactly. Inspect the connector on the new module for any damage or debris. Do not remove the protective connector cover until ready to install.
9. 9

   Install new airbag module
   Position the new module into the mounting bracket, ensuring proper orientation. The connector should face the direction of the wiring harness. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, torque them evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Do not overtighten.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect ground strap if equipped
    If a ground strap was present, clean both the strap terminal and the mounting surface with electrical contact cleaner to ensure bare metal contact. Position the ground strap in its original location and install the bolt. Torque to specification. Verify the connection is tight and the strap has good metal-to-metal contact.
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect airbag module electrical connector
    Remove the protective cover from the new module's connector if present. Carefully align the yellow connector with the module, ensuring proper orientation (connectors are keyed and will only fit one way). Push the connector straight onto the module until it clicks firmly into place. Slide the orange secondary lock tab into the fully locked position. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall center console trim panels
    Reinstall the center console side trim panels by aligning the clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage. Reinstall any screws that were removed. Install the lower center console trim panel by aligning all clips and pressing firmly around the perimeter until fully seated. Verify all panels are flush and secure.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Return to the battery and position the negative cable onto the negative terminal post. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification. Ensure the connection is tight but do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal.
    ⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolts. The specified torque of 6 Nm (4 lb-ft) is intentionally low to prevent terminal damage.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Program and initialize airbag system
    Using Toyota Techstream or equivalent professional diagnostic tool, connect to the vehicle's OBD-II port. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Navigate to the airbag system menu and perform the following: register the new control module to the vehicle VIN, clear any stored crash data if applicable, perform airbag system initialization, and run complete system diagnostics. Follow all on-screen prompts exactly. This step is MANDATORY and cannot be skipped.
    ⚠️The airbag system will NOT function properly until this programming is completed with factory-level diagnostic equipment. The vehicle is unsafe to drive until this step is successfully completed.

Reassembly

1. Verify all center console trim panels are properly secured and all clips are fully engaged
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the vehicle interior
3. Confirm the battery is properly connected and terminals are clean and tight
4. Document the new module part number and installation date for vehicle service records

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. The airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during bulb check, then extinguish completely. If the light stays on, flashes, or does not illuminate at all, do NOT drive the vehicle - there is a system fault
• Using the diagnostic tool, verify zero active fault codes in the airbag system and confirm all airbag components show as present and communicating
• Verify the crash data memory shows no stored events (or shows cleared status if this was a crash replacement)
• Perform a test drive and verify the airbag light remains off during all driving conditions
• If the airbag light illuminates at any point after installation, immediately stop driving and diagnose the fault with professional diagnostic equipment - the airbag system may not function in a crash
• Consider having the installation verified by a professional technician or Toyota dealership to ensure life-safety system is functioning correctly

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