Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Passenger side airbag module

The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty or damaged passenger side airbag module. If the passenger side airbag module has been deployed, the passenger side airbag door must also be replaced.

Refer to Passenger Side Airbag Door in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the additional service procedures for the passenger side airbag door.

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) Remove the top cover from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Top Cover in the Removal and Installation section of Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.

(3) Disconnect the passenger side airbag module wire harness connector from the instrument panel wire harness. This connector is located on the top of the instrument panel structural support between the airbag module and the windshield (Fig. 9).

(4) Disengage the passenger side airbag module wire harness connector retainer from the mounting hole on the top of the instrument panel structural support.

(5) Remove the four screws that secure the upper flange of the passenger side airbag door to the instrument panel structural support (Fig. 10).

(6) Remove the two screws that secure the passenger side airbag module upper mounting brackets to the top of the instrument panel structural support.

(7) Roll down the glove box from the instrument panel. Refer to Glove Box - Roll Down in the

Fig. 9 Passenger Side Airbag Module Connector

1 - AIRBAG DOOR
2 - PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - AIRBAG HOUSING

Fig. 10 Passenger Side Airbag Module Remove/ Install

1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - SCREW
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE
4 - SCREW
5 - GLOVE BOX DOOR

Removal and Installation section of Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.

(8) Remove the four screws that secure the lower flange of the passenger side airbag door to the instrument panel upper glove box opening reinforcement.

(9) Reach through and above the instrument panel glove box opening to access and remove the two screws that secure the passenger side airbag module lower mounting brackets to the instrument panel structural support.

(10) Remove the passenger side airbag module and airbag door from the instrument panel as a unit.

(11) Remove the passenger side airbag door from the airbag module. Refer to Passenger Side Airbag Door in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

(1) Install the passenger side airbag door onto the airbag module. Refer to Passenger Side Airbag Door in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

(2) Carefully position the passenger side airbag module and airbag door in the instrument panel as a unit.

(3) Reach through and above the instrument panel glove box opening to install and tighten the two screws that secure the passenger side airbag module lower mounting brackets to the instrument panel structural support. Tighten the screws to 11.8 N·m (105 in. lbs.).

(4) Install and tighten the four screws that secure the lower flange of the passenger side airbag door to the instrument panel upper glove box opening reinforcement.

Tighten the screws to 2.2 N·m (20 in.

lbs.).

(5) Install the glove box into the instrument panel.

Refer to Glove Box - Roll Down in the Removal and Installation section of Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.

(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure the passenger side airbag module upper mounting brackets to the top of the instrument panel structural support. Tighten the screws to 11.8 N·m (105 in. lbs.).

(7) Install and tighten the four screws that secure the upper flange of the passenger side airbag door to the instrument panel structural support. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N·m (20 in. lbs.).

(8) Engage the passenger side airbag module wire harness connector retainer in the mounting hole on the top of the instrument panel structural support.

(9) Reconnect the passenger side airbag module wire harness connector to the instrument panel wire harness. Be certain that the connector is fully engaged and latched.

(10) Install the top cover onto the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Top Cover in the

Removal and Installation section of Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.

(11) 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.