Tools Required

J 44298 Driver Air Bag Removal Tool

Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: A deployed dual stage inflator module will look the same whether one or both stages were used. Always assume a deployed dual stage inflator module has an active stage 2. Improper handling or servicing can activate the inflator module and cause personal injury.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling



2. On the back side of the steering wheel are 4 openings for removing the driver inflator module.

Place the steering wheel so that 2 of the openings are on top.

3. Adjust and install J 44298 into 2 of the holes.

Important: Seat the air bag removal tool all the way in to perform properly.

4. Push the handle back towards the instrument panel (I/P), releasing the 2 spring-loaded fasteners at the same time.
5. Turn the steering wheel and open J 44298 . Use one of the tool fingers to remove the cruise control lever cover.
6. Place J 44298 and insert into place around the cruise control lever and repeat the same steps for the other 2 openings.
7. Pull the driver inflator module gently away from the steering wheel.




Important: Note the driver inflator wire routing positions, the redundant control routing positions, and the horn wire routing positions for the correct re-assembly.

8. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) and the electrical connector for the driver inflator module.
9. Remove the horn grounded lead from the threaded hole in the steering wheel.
10. Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise ¼ turn.
11. Remove the horn contact lead from the steering column cam tower.
12. Remove the inflatable restraint module.
13. Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

1. Connect the horn ground lead into the lower left threaded hole in the steering wheel.
2. Connect the horn contact lead into the steering column cam tower.
3. Rotate the horn contact turn ¼ turn clockwise to lock.
4. Connect the inflator module electrical connector and the CPA.

Important: This vehicle is equipped with dual stage frontal air bags. Match the right color connector to the right color opening in the module. Route the driver inflator wires, the redundant control wires, and the horn wires correctly.

5. Align the driver inflator module fasteners to the steering column fastener holes.
6. Push the driver inflator module firmly into the steering column in order to engage the fasteners.
7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .