Airbag - Passenger

Replace the passenger side airbag module in the dashboard of a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Passenger airbag module × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part number for 2018-2024 Camry

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and ensure ignition is OFF
2. Record radio presets and seat memory positions if equipped
3. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
4. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment
5. Remove any jewelry, watches, or metal objects that could create shorts
6. Ensure work area is clear of loose tools and debris that could interfere with airbag

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from battery post and secure it away from battery so it cannot make contact. Verify cable is completely isolated from terminal.
   ⚠️After disconnecting battery, wait MINIMUM 2 minutes before proceeding. Set a timer. Do not skip this wait period.
   Torque spec

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

   Wait for SRS system discharge
   Wait a full 2 minutes minimum (3 minutes recommended) after battery disconnect. This allows all supercapacitors in the Supplemental Restraint System to fully discharge. Do not touch any airbag components during this waiting period.
3. 3

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box fully. Locate damper arm on right side and squeeze to release from glove box. Push inward on both sides of glove box at hinge points to release side stoppers. Lower glove box completely down to access area behind dashboard. You may need to disconnect glove box light connector if equipped.
4. 4

   Access passenger airbag connector
   With glove box removed, look up behind the dashboard to locate the passenger airbag yellow SRS connector. This connector is distinctive with yellow/orange coloring and red locking tab. Note connector orientation before removal.
   ⚠SRS connectors use special locking mechanisms. Do not force. Improper handling can damage connector and prevent proper airbag function.
5. 5

   Disconnect passenger airbag connector
   Slide the red secondary lock tab toward the unlock position (typically away from connector body). Press the primary lock tab while gently pulling connector halves apart. If connector is difficult to separate, verify secondary lock is fully released. Place protective cap on airbag side of connector if provided with new airbag.
6. 6

   Remove dashboard upper trim panel
   Locate screws securing the upper dashboard trim above passenger airbag. These are typically located at ends near A-pillar and may be covered by small trim caps. Remove screws using appropriate driver. Carefully pull upper trim panel away from dashboard using trim removal tools to release clips. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove airbag module mounting bolts
   With upper trim removed, locate the passenger airbag module mounting bolts. Typically there are 4 bolts securing the airbag module to the metal dashboard frame. Using Torx T30 bit, carefully remove all mounting bolts. Keep bolts organized and inspect threads for damage. Support airbag module weight as you remove final bolt.
   ⚠️Support airbag module to prevent it from falling. Module is heavier than it appears.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove old airbag module
   Carefully lower the old airbag module from the dashboard opening. Keep airbag face pointing UP at all times. Place old airbag module face-UP on a clean, flat surface away from work area. NEVER place airbag face-down on any surface.
   ⚠️Old airbag must be properly disposed of according to local regulations. Contact Toyota dealer or authorized disposal facility. Do not dispose of in regular trash.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting area
   Clean the airbag mounting surface on dashboard frame with clean shop towel. Inspect mounting bolt holes for damage or stripped threads. Check that all clips and alignment features in dashboard opening are intact. Verify no debris or objects have fallen into dashboard cavity.
10. 10

    Install new airbag module
    Remove new airbag module from packaging, keeping it face-UP at all times. Verify correct part number matches vehicle. Carefully position new airbag module into dashboard opening, aligning mounting holes with frame. Ensure module sits flush and properly oriented with Toyota emblem right-side up.
    ⚠Verify airbag module orientation is correct. Module should sit flush with no gaps. Improper alignment can prevent proper deployment.
11. 11

    Install airbag mounting bolts
    Hand-start all four airbag module mounting bolts through module and into dashboard frame. Do NOT fully tighten yet. Once all bolts are hand-started, use torque wrench with Torx T30 bit to tighten each bolt in a cross-pattern to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). This torque spec is CRITICAL - do not overtighten or undertighten.
    ⚠️Proper torque is CRITICAL for airbag function. Overtightening can damage module. Undertightening can allow module to separate during deployment. Use calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect airbag connector
    Remove protective cap from new airbag connector if installed. Align airbag connector halves carefully and push together firmly until you hear/feel primary lock engage. Slide red secondary lock tab back into locked position. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully locked and secure.
    ⚠Connector must be fully locked. Partial connection will cause SRS warning light and prevent airbag function.
13. 13

    Reinstall dashboard upper trim
    Position upper dashboard trim panel back onto dashboard. Align all clips and press firmly to seat clips. Install trim panel screws and tighten to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft) using torque wrench or carefully by hand until snug. Do not overtighten plastic fasteners. Install trim caps over screw heads if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Fasteners4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Reconnect glove box light connector if previously disconnected. Align glove box hinge points with dashboard mounts. Push inward on sides and rotate up to engage side stoppers - you should hear/feel them click into place. Reconnect damper arm to glove box. Test glove box opens and closes smoothly.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and verify
    Reconnect negative battery cable to battery terminal. Using 10mm socket and torque wrench, tighten battery terminal bolt to exactly 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Ensure connection is clean and tight. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify SRS warning light illuminates for 6 seconds then remains ON - this is normal and indicates system requires professional scan tool reset.
    ⚠️SRS warning light will remain ON until system is reset with professional scan tool. DO NOT drive vehicle without professional verification and code clearing. System may not function properly until reset.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All trim panels must be fully seated with no gaps or rattles
2. Verify glove box opens, closes, and latches properly without interference
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in dashboard cavity
4. Double-check all fasteners are at proper torque specifications

Verification

• SRS warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when ignition is turned ON, then remain illuminated (this is normal after airbag replacement)
• Take vehicle to Toyota dealer or qualified shop with Toyota/Lexus scan tool to clear SRS codes and verify proper airbag installation
• Scan tool must show no active fault codes after reset procedure
• Professional technician should verify airbag resistance values are within specification
• Test drive vehicle after professional verification to ensure no warning lights return
• Keep documentation of airbag replacement including part numbers and date for vehicle records

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