2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER instrument panel

(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.
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
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSVA

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 used
in 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.
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
Fig. 19 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HOUSING
2 - INFLATOR
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
4 - TRIM COVER
Fig. 20 Driver Airbag Operation
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - INFLATOR
3 - INITIATOR
4 - CUSHION (FOLDED)
5 - STEERING WHEEL
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 17

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: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery 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 precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, 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.
(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).
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSVA

(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 deploymentbefore removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery 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 precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the driver airbag, or becoming entrapped
between the driver airbag cushion and the driver
airbag trim cover. Failure to observe this warning
could result in occupant injuries upon airbag
deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, the
driver airbag trim cover must never be painted.
Replacement airbags are serviced with trim covers
in the original colors. Paint may change the way in
which the material of the trim cover responds to an
airbag deployment. Failure to observe this warning
could result in occupant injuries upon airbag
deployment.
Fig. 21 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG3 - SCREW (2)
4 - STEERING WHEEL
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 19

(1) Position the driver airbag close enough to the
steering wheel to reconnect the clockspring driver
airbag pigtail wire connector at the back of the air-
bag housing.
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connector
to the airbag inflator connector receptacle by press-
ing straight in on the connector (Fig. 21). You can be
certain that the connector is fully engaged by listen-
ing carefully for a distinct, audible click as the con-
nector snaps into place.
(3) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wire and horn switch wires in the steering wheel
hub area are not pinched between the driver airbag
and the horn switch armature.
(4) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the horn switch armature within the
hub cavity of the steering wheel. Tighten the screws
to 6 N´m (53 in. lbs.).
(5) 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).
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRAC-
TOR
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front seat belt and retractor unit,
which includes a seat belt tensioner for the driver
side as standard equipment. Vehicles equipped with
an optional passenger airbag also have a seat belt
tensioner for the passenger side. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER -
DESCRIPTION). If the seat belt or retractor is faulty
or damaged, but the seat belt tensioner is not
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
handling non-deployed supplemental restraints.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING NON-DE-
PLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS). If the
seat belt tensioner has been deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for service after a supplemen-
tal restraint deployment before removing the front
seat belt and retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery 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 precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, unsnap and
remove the plastic cover from the screw that secures
the front seat belt lower anchor to the outboard side
of the seat frame (Fig. 22).
(4) Remove the screw that secures the front seat
belt lower anchor to the outboard side of the seat
frame.
Fig. 22 Front Seat Belt Lower Anchor
1 - FRONT SEAT BELT
2 - COVER AND/OR SCREW
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSVA

(12) Remove the screw that secures the front seat
belt retractor to the lower inner B-pillar.
(13) Remove the front seat belt and retractor unit
from the B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front seat belt and retractor unit,
which includes a seat belt tensioner for the driver
side as standard equipment. Vehicles equipped with
an optional passenger airbag also have a seat belt
tensioner for the passenger side. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER -
DESCRIPTION). If the seat belt or retractor is faulty
or damaged, but the seat belt tensioner is not
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
handling non-deployed supplemental restraints.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING NON-DE-
PLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS). If the
seat belt tensioner has been deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for service after a supplemen-
tal restraint deployment before removing the front
seat belt and retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting anysteering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery 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 precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Position the front seat belt and retractor to the
lower inner (Fig. 25). Be certain to engage the guide
on the retractor into the locating notch on the B-pil-
lar.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt retractor to the lower inner B-pillar.
Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(3) If so equipped, reconnect the vehicle wire har-
ness connector for the seat belt tensioner to the ini-
tiator receptacle of the retractor located on the lower
inner B-pillar. The connector is a tight snap-fit into
the initiator receptacle. Reconnect the connector by
pressing the connector insulator straight into the ini-
tiator receptacle. You can be certain that the connec-
tor is fully engaged by listening carefully for a
distinct, audible click as the connector snaps into
place.
(4) Position the front seat belt turning loop onto
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar (Fig. 24).
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
front seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
Tighten the nut to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(6) Route the front seat belt and lower anchor
through the back of the height adjuster trim (Fig.
23).
(7) Position the height adjuster trim to the upper
B-pillar so that the driver on the back of the trim
engages the lug of the height adjuster.
(8) Reinstall the trim panel onto the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(9) Position the front seat belt lower anchor to the
outboard side of the seat frame (Fig. 22).
Fig. 25 Front Seat Belt Retractor
1 - RETRACTOR
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW
4 - GUIDE
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSVA

(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, snap the plastic
cover over the screw that secures the front seat belt
buckle lower anchor to the inboard side of the seat
frame.
(4) On the driver side only, reconnect the seat belt
switch pigtail wire to the vehicle wire harness and
push the joined connectors through the clearance
hole in the seat riser cover.
(5) On the driver side only, route and secure the
seat belt switch pigtail wire to the seat frame with
wire ties.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the injection
molded, thermoplastic passenger airbag door is the
most visible part of the optional passenger airbag
(Fig. 27). The passenger airbag door is located above
the glove box opening in front of the front seat pas-
senger seating position on the instrument panel. The
upper and lower edges of the airbag door are secured
by a snap-fit to molded plastic clips. The two clips at
the top are each secured by a screw to the instru-
ment panel base trim, while the clips at the bottom
are integral to the panel that surrounds the passen-
ger airbag door opening in the instrument panel base
trim. The airbag door is also secured to the airbag
housing by two wide woven straps that serve as
hinges for the door upon an airbag deployment.
Located behind the passenger airbag door is the
passenger airbag unit (Fig. 28). The airbag housing
is constructed of a long U-shaped aluminum extru-
sion with two stamped steel end plates. A stepped
flange that extends from the back of the extrusion
serves as the airbag mounting flange. This mountingflange is secured with screws to a stamped steel air-
bag mounting bracket that is secured with screws to
the tubular steel instrument panel structural support
above the glove box opening. The end plates are
secured to each side of the passenger airbag housing
with screws.
The passenger airbag unit used in this model is a
Next Generation-type that complies with revised fed-
eral airbag standards to deploy with less force than
those used in some prior models. The airbag housing
contains the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
retainer, and the airbag inflator. The airbag is a rect-
angular fabric cushion. The airbag inflator is a solid
fuel, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and
sealed within the airbag housing along with the
folded airbag cushion. The inflator initiator connector
receptacle is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a dedicated take out of the vehicle wire
harness with a yellow connector insulator.
The passenger airbag and airbag door unit cannot
be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty
or in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical
signal generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the passenger airbag squib circuits to
the initiator in the airbag inflator. 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
Fig. 27 Passenger Airbag Door
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TRAY
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
3 - GLOVE BOX DOOR
Fig. 28 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - DOOR
2 - CLIP (2)
3 - HOUSING
4 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
5 - END PLATE (2)
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSVA

inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates, the passenger air-
bag door will unsnap from the clips that retain it to
the instrument panel at the top and bottom, then
pivot towards the top of the instrument panel and
out of the way on the woven straps. Following a pas-
senger airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose
weave of the fabric used to construct the back
(instrument panel side) 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. However, the gas
that is produced when the chemicals are burned is
harmless. 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 noticed, rinse the affected area
with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing pas-
sages 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
immediately.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger 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 passenger 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: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery 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 precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eyeprotection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be
worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and
other interior surfaces. In large doses, these depos-
its may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the instrument panel top cover tray
from over the passenger airbag (Fig. 29). (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - TRAY - REMOVAL).
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 25