2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER Service Repair Manual

(8) Remove the three screws that secure the ACM
to the bracket that is welded onto the floor panel
under the driver side front seat (Fig. 12).
(9) Lift the ACM upward far enough to access the
ACM wiring connection. Depress the release and lift
the lever arm to disconnect the vehicle wire harness
connector for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacle located on the left facing side of the mod-
ule.
(10) Remove the ACM from within the driver side
front seat riser.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE AIR-
BAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE
IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF
AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJURIES.
Fig. 10 Control Module Bracket
1 - SEAT RISER
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - CONTROL MODULE BRACKET
Fig. 11 ACM Cover
1 - SEAT RISER
2 - COVER
3 - ACM
Fig. 12 Airbag Control Module Remove/Install
1 - ACM LABEL
2 - ACM
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - GROUND EYELET
5 - CONNECTOR
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 11
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

(1) Reconnect and latch the vehicle wire harness
connector for the ACM to the ACM connector recep-
tacle located on the left facing side of the module
(Fig. 12).
(2) Carefully position the ACM cover base plate
onto the mounting bracket that is welded onto the
floor panel under the driver side front seat (Fig. 13).
(3) Carefully position the ACM onto the ACM cover
base plate. When the ACM is correctly positioned, the
three ACM mounting tabs will be aligned with the
holes in the cover base plate and the mounting
bracket, and the orientation arrow on the ACM label
will be pointed forward in the vehicle.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the ACM to the mounting bracket that is welded onto
the floor panel within the driver side front seat riser.
Be certain that the ground eyelet terminal is
installed under the screw for the left rear mounting
tab. Tighten the screws to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(5) Position the ACM cover over the ACM and
press it down firmly and evenly until it snaps into
position over the ACM cover base plate (Fig. 11).
(6) Position the control module bracket onto the
top of the driver side seat riser (Fig. 10).
(7) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the control module bracket to the top of the seat riser
under the driver side front seat. Tighten the screws
to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(8) Position the cover panel onto the top of the
driver side seat riser (Fig. 9).
(9) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the cover panel to the top of the seat riser under the
driver side front seat. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).(10) Move the driver side front seat back to its
driving position.
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
NOTE: If the Airbag Control Module (ACM) has been
replaced with a new unit, it will be necessary to ini-
tialize the new ACM. In order to function properly,
the ACM must be programmed for the correct stan-
dard and optional supplemental restraint system
components installed in the vehicle. To initialize the
ACM, a DRBIIITscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two
screws onto the multi-function switch housing near
the top of the steering column directly below the
steering wheel (Fig. 14). The clockspring consists of a
flat, round molded plastic case that contains a spool-
like molded plastic rotor with a large exposed hub
covering the entire upper surface of the case. The
rotor hub has a large center hole that is internally
ribbed to engage splines on the upper steering col-
umn shaft, and two small clearance holes that pro-
Fig. 13 ACM Cover Base Plate
1 - BASE PLATE
2 - SEAT RISER
3 - GROUND EYELET TERMINAL
4 - ACM CONNECTOR
5 - FLOOR PANEL
Fig. 14 Clockspring
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR (2)
2 - CASE
3 - CANCEL CAM
4 - ROTOR
5 - SCREW (2)
6 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR (2)
7 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSVA
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

vide access to the case mounting screws. The lower
side of the rotor hub also serves as an integral
molded plastic turn signal cancel cam.
A single connector receptacle on the upper surface
of the rotor has pigtail wires that connect to the horn
switch and the driver airbag on the steering wheel,
while a single connector receptacle on the lower sur-
face of the case has pigtail wires that connect the
clockspring to the vehicle wire harness on the steer-
ing column. Within the plastic case and wound
around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like tape that
consists of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched
between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end
of the tape terminates at the connector receptacle
that faces the steering column, while the inner end of
the tape terminates at the connector receptacle on
the hub of the clockspring rotor that faces the steer-
ing wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with the mounting screws backed out
from the case far enough to engage the access holes
in the upper surface of the rotor. The mounting
screws secure the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case during shipment, but allow free
rotation of the rotor once the clockspring is properly
installed on the steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed vehicle wire harness
and the electrical components mounted on or in the
rotating steering wheel. On this model the rotating
electrical components include the driver airbag and
the horn switch. The clockspring case is positioned
and secured to the multi-function switch housing
near the top of the steering column. The connector
receptacle on the underside of the fixed clockspring
case connects the clockspring to the vehicle electrical
system through two take outs with connectors from
the vehicle wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
integral molded ribs on the inner circumference of
the rotor hub to the splines on the external circum-
ference of the upper steering column shaft. The two
integral lobes of the turn signal cancel cam formation
on the lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub con-
tact the turn signal cancel actuator of the multi-func-
tion switch to provide automatic turn signal
cancellation. The yellow sleeved pigtail wire on theupper surface of the clockspring rotor connects the
clockspring to the driver airbag, while two single pig-
tail wires connect to the feed and ground terminals of
the horn switch located within the hub cavity of the
steering wheel.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring is centered when it is installed on the
steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes
the clockspring tape to the movable steering compo-
nents so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components. The clockspring must
be re-centered following completion of this service or
the tape may be damaged.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with the mounting screws backed out
from the case far enough to engage the access holes
in the upper surface of the rotor. The mounting
screws secure the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case during shipment, but allow free
rotation of the rotor once the clockspring is properly
installed on the steering column. The clockspring
mounting screws should not be tightened into the
clockspring case until the clockspring has been
installed on the steering column. If the screws are
tightened into or removed from the case before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
six to seven complete rotations) as the steering wheel
can be turned from stop to stop. Centering the clock-
spring indexes the clockspring tape to other steering
components so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated three to three and one-half turns in either
direction from the centered position, without damag-
ing the clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 13
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with the mounting screws
backed out from the case far enough to engage the
access holes in the upper surface of the rotor (Fig.
15). The clockspring mounting screws should not be
tightened into the clockspring case until the clock-
spring has been installed on the steering column. If
the screws are tightened into or removed from the
case before the clockspring is installed on a steering
column, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Tighten the two clockspring mounting screws
all the way into the clockspring case.
(4) Rotate the clockspring rotor counterclockwise
to the end of its travel.Do not apply excessive
torque.
(5) From the end of the counterclockwise travel,
rotate the rotor about three to three and one-half
turns clockwise, until the clearance holes in the
clockspring rotor are aligned with the two mounting
screws in the clockspring case. The clockspring is
now centered.
(6) Loosen the two clockspring mounting screws
far enough so that they extend into the clearance
holes in the upper surface of the clockspring rotor,
preventing the rotor from changing position relative
to the clockspring case.
(7) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
Fig. 15 Clockspring Centering
1 - CLOCKSPRING ROTOR
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR (2)
4 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSVA
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

(3) Disconnect the clockspring upper pigtail wire
connectors from the terminals of the horn switch
located in the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect the two clockspring lower pigtail
connectors from the vehicle wire harness connectors
located between the steering column and the back of
the fuse block underneath the steering column (Fig.
16).
(7) Loosen the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch housing far
enough to engage the clearance holes in the clock-
spring rotor and to disengage the clockspring case
from the switch housing.
(8) Remove the clockspring from the multi-function
switch housing. The clockspring cannot be repaired.
It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the
driver airbag has been deployed.
(9) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain that the clockspring rotor is secured to the
clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering
until it is reinstalled on the steering column. If clock-
spring centering is not maintained, the clockspring
must be centered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with the mounting screws
backed out from the case far enough to engage the
access holes in the upper surface of the rotor. The
clockspring mounting screws should not be tightened
into the clockspring case until the clockspring has
been installed on the steering column. If the screws
are tightened into or removed from the case before
the clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) Carefully slide the centered clockspring down
over the steering column upper shaft until the screws
in the clockspring case are aligned with the mount-
ing holes on the multi-function switch housing.
(2) Tighten the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the two clockspring lower pigtail
connectors to the vehicle wire harness connectors
located between the steering column and the back of
the fuse block underneath the steering column (Fig.
16).
(4) Route the clockspring lower pigtail wires
around the lug on the bottom of the multi-function
Fig. 16 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - SHROUD
3 - LOWER PIGTAIL CONNECTOR (2)
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

switch housing and behind the fuse block underneath
the steering column (Fig. 17).
(5) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the clockspring upper pigtail wire
connectors to the terminals of the horn switch
located in the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(8) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The color-keyed, injection molded, thermoplastic
driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible
part of the driver airbag (Fig. 18). The driver airbag
is located in the center of the steering wheel, where
it is secured with two screws to the armature of the
horn switch within the hub cavity of the four-spoke
steering wheel. Concealed beneath the driver airbag
trim cover are the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag infla-
tor, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the
airbag housing (Fig. 19). The airbag cushion, hous-
ing, and inflator are secured within an integral
receptacle molded into the back of the trim cover.
The airbag used in this model is a Next Genera-
tion-type that complies with revised federal airbag
standards to deploy with less force than those usedin some prior models. A radial deploying fabric cush-
ion with internal tethers is used. The airbag inflator
is a solid fuel, pyrotechnic-type unit with four studs
and is secured by four hex nuts to four studs on the
airbag cushion retainer ring to the back of the
stamped metal airbag housing. A keyed connector
receptacle on the driver airbag inflator connects the
inflator initiator to the vehicle electrical system
through a yellow-jacketed, two-wire pigtail harness of
the clockspring.
The driver airbag and trim cover unit cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged.
Fig. 17 Clockspring Pigtail Routing
1 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
2 - FUSE BLOCK
3 - CLOCKSPRING LOWER PIGTAILS (2)
Fig. 18 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TRIM COVER
Fig. 19 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HOUSING
2 - INFLATOR
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
4 - TRIM COVER
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSVA
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

OPERATION
The driver airbag is deployed by electrical signals
generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag squib circuit to the initia-
tor in the airbag inflator (Fig. 20). When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the initiator the
electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a
small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn, ignites
chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited,
these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a
large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to
the back of the airbag housing and a diffuser in the
inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cush-
ion inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at
predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of
the way. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag
cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas
towards the instrument panel through filtered vents
within the fabric used to construct the back (steering
wheel side) panel of the airbag cushion.Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, all poten-
tially hazardous chemicals are burned during an air-
bag deployment event. The inert gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, a small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with
plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are
irritated, move to another area where there is plenty
of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not
alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the driver airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
Fig. 20 Driver Airbag Operation
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - INFLATOR
3 - INITIATOR
4 - CUSHION (FOLDED)
5 - STEERING WHEEL
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 17
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the horn switch armature within the hub cavity of
the steering wheel (Fig. 21).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the electrical connection
at the back of the airbag housing.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wires to disengage the connector from the driver
airbag inflator connector receptacle. Improper
removal of these pigtail wires and their connector
insulator can result in damage to the airbag circuits
or the connector insulator.
(4) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag inflator con-
nector receptacle, which is located on the back of the
driver airbag housing. Firmly grasp and pull or gen-
tly pry on the connector insulator and pull the con-
nector straight out from the airbag inflator to
disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
(5) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(6) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring and the steering wheel must also be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
REMOVAL).INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the driver airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT
TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
Fig. 21 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG3 - SCREW (2)
4 - STEERING WHEEL
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSVA
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)