How to remove an automotive airbag from the steering wheel?

Begin with the vehicle on level ground in park with the emergency brake set, engine "OFF".

WARNING! USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH AN AIRBAG TO AVOID INJURY.

Step 1 - Start by turning the ignition switch to the "ON" position.

Turn Ignition Switch "ON"

Step 2 - Grasp the steering wheel and turn it 90°, this will help access the bolts located behind the wheel in later steps.

Turn Steering Wheel

Step 3 -  Remove the negative battery cable to help prevent electrical short circuits and accidentally deploying the airbag while the job is being done.

Remove Negative Battery Cable

Step 4 - After battery is disconnected for 5 minutes, begin by locating the rear airbag mounting bolts.

Steering Wheel Access Hole

Step 5 - After locating the access hole loosen the mounting bolt which will release one side of the airbag, for some applications the bolts will be retained in the wheel. (Note: Some manufacturer's have slots which give access to a retainer clip or ring which requires releasing.)

Loosen Airbag Mounting Bolt

Step 6 - Locate and loosen or remove the opposing airbag mounting bolt

Loosen Airbag Mounting Bolt

Step 7 - Grasp the airbag firmly while gently pulling it from the steering wheel.

Pop Airbag Loose

Step 8 - The airbag will now be loose. (Note: Wiring harness connector for horn and airbag deployment controls will still be attached.)

Airbag Loose

Step 9 - Once the airbag is loose from the steering wheel, locate the airbag deployment wiring connectors, the yellow connector is the first stage while the green connector is the second stage, the horn pad connector is black

Airbag Wiring Harness Connectors

Step 10 - Using a small pick or screwdriver, release the horn pad connector.

Release Horn Pad Connector

Step 11 - Airbag safety connectors can have one or more safety clips or operations to remove the connector.

Airbag Safety Clips

Step 12 - Use a small pick or screwdriver to release the primary safety clip. (Note: Release methods may vary.)

Release Airbag Safety Clip

Step 13 - Once primary safety clips have been released, gently pull up on the secondary clip. (Note: Release methods may vary.)

Release Secondary Safety Clip

Step 14 - Grasp the clip once released to remove it from the connector.

Secondary Safety Clip

Step 15 - While pulling up slightly, use a small pick to release the clip on each side of the connector.

Release Airbag Mounting Clip

Step 16 - Once the connector has been removed, inspect it for damage and corrosion.

Airbag Electrical Connector Released

Step 17 - After removing the electrical connectors inspect the airbag/control switches and horn pad for damage. (Note: If replacing the airbag match it to the old unit.)

Airbag Removed

Step 18 - Once repairs or replacement have been made, gently re-insert the electrical connectors.

Insert Airbag Electrical Connector

Step 19 - Re-insert the electrical connector safety clips and slide the secondary clip holder into place.

Re-inserting Airbag Safety Clips

Step 20 - Gently grasp the horn electrical connector and re-insert.

Re-insert Horn Electrical Connector

Step 21 - Once all electrical connectors and their safety clips have been re-installed, gently insert the airbag into position.

re-insert Airbag

Step 23 - Without tightening, thread one of the mounting bolts, this will help the installation of the opposing mounting bolt.

Thread Airbag Mounting Bolt

Step 24 - Thread and tighten the remaining mounting bolt, then finish tightening the opposing bolt.

Tighten Airbag Mounting Bolts

Step 25 - After the repair is complete, turn the ignition key to the "ON" position and start the engine and straighten the wheel, the airbag warning light should be "OFF".

Straighten Steering Wheel