Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Driver side airbag module

The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty or damaged driver side airbag module. If the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must also be replaced. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the additional service procedures for the clockspring.

WARNING:

•  THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
•  WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG MODULE AND OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES, THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE SKIN AND EYES.

REMOVAL

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed, 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 side airbag module to the steering wheel (Fig. 4).

(3) Pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel far enough to access the two wire harness connectors on the back of the airbag module.

(4) Disconnect the clockspring horn switch wire harness connector from the horn switch feed wire connector, which is located on the back of the airbag module.

(5) The clockspring airbag wire harness connector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag module connector receptacle, which is located on the airbag inflator on the back of the airbag module. Firmly grasp and pull or gently pry on the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to disconnect it from the airbag module.

Do not pull on the clockspring wire harness to disengage the connector from the airbag module connector receptacle.

(6) Remove the driver side airbag module from the steering wheel.

(7) If the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the clockspring service procedures.

Fig. 4 Driver Side Airbag Module Remove/Install

1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - SCREW
3 - HORN SWITCH WIRE
4 - NUT
5 - DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE 6 - STEERING WHEEL
7 - SPEED CONTROL WIRE
8 - AIRBAG WIRE

INSTALLATION

WARNING:

•  USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
•  THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE TRIM COVER MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM COVERS ARE SERVICED 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.

(1) When installing the driver side airbag module, reconnect the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to the airbag module connector receptacle by pressing straight in on the connector. You can be certain that the connector is fully engaged by listening carefully for a distinct audible click as the connector snaps into place.

(2) Reconnect the clockspring horn switch wire harness connector to the horn switch feed wire connector, which is located on the back of the airbag module.

(3) Carefully position the driver side airbag module in the steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring wire harnesses in the steering wheel hub area are not pinched between the airbag module and the steering wheel.

(4) From the underside of the steering wheel, install and tighten the two driver side airbag module mounting screws. Tighten the screws to 10.2 N·m (90 in. lbs.).

(5) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. Refer to Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group for the proper procedures.