Air bag removal

str8liner · December 9, 2006

I need to remove the air bag to replace the clock spring on a 2002 Chevy 2500HD pickup. How is this done?

I searched previous posts and seen that there are two slots on each side that you pry the airbag off the wheel. Is that correct?

I pryed on it some but it doesnt seem like it wants to budge.....

Great site and forum by the way!!!

GM-Tech · December 9, 2006

There are access holes on the back of the steering wheel to stick a screwdriver in to release the retaining springs. Turn the wheel a 1/4 turn from the straight ahead position so the hole is on the top and you'll be able to get at it. From the back, stick a small, flatbladed screwdriver in the hole and push it straight in to release the spring clip. When you hit the clip just right, which can be difficult, the clip will release and the air bag will pop up a little bit. Turn the wheel 180 degrees and do the same with the other side. When you get 'em both, the air bag comes right off.

The clips can be difficult to hit just right to get 'em to release. There should be no prying going on.

str8liner · December 10, 2006

Thanks for the info. Took a little figuring it out but I got it popped off. Problem is I dis connected the wires on the bag and under the dash and checked them with a ohm meter and its not the clock spring.....

Where is the air bag module at? Would there be any other connections under the dash to check? What is going on is the air bag light blinks then stays on after you start it up. He put a heater core in it and this is when the problem started. so I suspect maybe something is not hooked up.....

GM-Tech · December 10, 2006

Where is the air bag module at? Would there be any other connections under the dash to check? What is going on is the air bag light blinks then stays on after you start it up. He put a heater core in it and this is when the problem started. so I suspect maybe something is not hooked up.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The air bag module is under the driver's seat. You have to pull the seat to get at it. There are connections under the dash for the passenger side air bag. I can't tell you exactly where. I'd start right at the air bag itself. Sometimes just unplugging and plugging the air bag back in will correct problems. Make absolutely, positively sure the TPA (terminal position assurance) clip is in place in the connector. It has a little strap so it can't be lost. This is just a tiny little plastic clip and I've seen these left out. That will instantly turn the SIR light on.

Since the air bag light stays on, there's a code in the system. That would help to narrow it down. Note that this is not in the same place as engine codes, so your local auto parts store probably wouldn't be able to check SIR codes.