For 1990-2009 cars

Caution: Safety precautions must be followed when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag). After deployment, the inflator module (air bag) surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction, that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the inflator module (air bag) is harmless. as a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag), and wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

Caution: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

• | Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module

• | Make sure the bag opening points away from you

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

Important: In the event deployment has occurred, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision .

### Removal Procedure

Caution: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .
2. Remove the upper steering column shroud and the fasteners.
3. Turn the steering wheel to the 3 o'clock position.
4. Insert the medium flat blade screwdriver into the triangle hole in the steering column shroud.
5. Turn the screwdriver to release the spring fastener while lifting on the corner of the bag closest to that fastener.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the next fastener.
7. Turn the steering wheel to the 9 o'clock position.
8. Repeat steps 4-6 until all the spring fasteners are released.
9. Disconnect the wiring.
10. Remove the inflator module.

### Installation Procedure

1. Connect the wiring to the air bag.
2. Align the air bag studs with the holes in the steering wheel and press into position.

Important: Press each corner of the air bag until all spring retainers snap into position.

3. Install the upper steering column shroud.
4. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .