Removal:
1. WARNING: Supplemental Restraint Systems (airbags) can deploy and cause serious injury; if you are not experienced, have a qualified technician perform this work.
2. Park on level ground, turn off ignition, remove the key, and wear eye protection and gloves.
3. Disconnect and isolate the vehicle battery per manufacturer instructions; follow the factory-specified wait time before working on SRS circuits.
4. Remove any trim or covers needed to access the airbag module-access method varies by design.
5. Support the airbag module and release its retention hardware or clips as required by the design; avoid prying on the module face.
6. Carefully disengage the airbag electrical connectors using the connector release features; do not pull on wires and note connector orientation.
7. Lift the module free and place it face-up on a stable, insulated, non-conductive surface away from heat, static sources, and electrical equipment.
8. Store or tag the removed module so it is not mistaken for a serviceable part; do not attempt to repair or reuse a deployed airbag.
Installation:
1. Confirm the replacement airbag is the correct, undamaged part and has not been previously deployed.
2. With the battery still disconnected and any required wait time observed, position the airbag where it mounts and route wiring as originally found.
3. Connect the airbag electrical connectors fully until their locks engage; ensure pins and terminals are undamaged and oriented correctly.
4. Reinstall the module retention hardware or clips per the design, using new fasteners if the manufacturer specifies replacement hardware.
5. Refit any trim or covers, making sure wiring is not pinched and all panels seat correctly.
6. Reconnect the vehicle battery and follow the manufacturer's prescribed reconnection/initialization steps for the SRS system; use an appropriate scan tool to read and clear SRS codes if available.
7. Verify the airbag warning lamp performs its self-check (illumination on key-on, then extinguish) and that no SRS faults remain; if the lamp stays on or flashes, stop and have the system diagnosed.
8. Repair tip: always handle modules with the deployment surface up, avoid static discharge, and replace mounting hardware or associated sensors if specified by the vehicle maker.