Ford Explorer: Supplemental Restraint System / Removal and Installation - Driver Airbag

Removal

  WARNING: The following procedure prescribes critical repair steps required for correct restraint system operation during a crash. Follow all notes and steps carefully. Failure to follow step instructions may result in incorrect operation of the restraint system and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

1.   WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure in this manual, refer to health and safety warnings in section 100-00 General Information. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

   
   Refer to: Pyrotechnic Device Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
   

1. Depower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees.
   

1. Using a 3 mm (0.125 inch) hex key, pivot the spring clip, disengaging it from the driver airbag.
   

1. Detach the driver airbag.
   

1. At the side of the steering wheel cover, locate the hole and insert a 3 mm (0.125 inch) hex key.
   

1. NOTE: The driver airbag has been removed for clarity.

   Contact the hex key to the spring clip.
   

1. 1. Push in on the steering wheel spring clip to release the driver airbag retainer.
      
   2. Pull the driver airbag out and separate it from the steering wheel.
      

1. At the side of the steering wheel cover, locate the hole and insert a 3 mm (0.125 inch) hex key.
   

1. NOTE: The driver airbag has been removed for clarity.

   Contact the hex key to the spring clip.
   

1. 1. Push in on the steering wheel spring clip to release the driver airbag retainer.
      
   2. Pull the driver airbag out and separate it from the steering wheel.
      

1. Disconnect the driver airbag electrical connectors and remove the driver airbag.
   

Installation

  WARNING: Incorrect repair techniques or actions can cause an accidental Supplemental Restraint System deployment. Make sure the restraint system is depowered before reconnecting the component. Refer to the Supplemental Restraint System depowering General Procedure in section 501-20B. Failure to precisely follow depowering instructions could result in serious personal injury from an accidental deployment.

1. Connect the driver airbag electrical connectors.
   

1. 
   Align the driver airbag to the steering wheel and push in, engaging the driver airbag retainers to the spring clips.
   
   • After installation, pull the driver airbag from the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions to make sure it is retained in the steering wheel.
     

1. Repower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).