Tools Required

J 44298 Driver Air Bag Removal Tool

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.

Caution: A deployed dual stage inflator module will look the same whether one or both stages were used, always assume a deployed dual stage inflator module has an active stage 2. Improper handling or servicing can activate the inflator module and cause personal injury.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System .
2. On the back side of steering wheel are 4 openings for removing the steering wheel module.
3. Position the steering wheel so that 2 of the openings are on top.
4. Adjust and install J 44298 into 2 of the holes.

Important: Seat the air bag removal toolall the way in to perform properly.

5. Push the handle back towards instrument panel (I/P) releasing the 2 spring loaded fasteners at the same time.
6. Turn the steering wheel and open J 44298 . Use one of the tool fingers to remove the cruise control lever cover in order to gain access.
7. Position J 44298 and insert the tool into place around the cruise control lever. Repeat the same procedure for the other 2 openings.
8. Pull the inflatable restraint module gently away from the steering wheel.




Important: Note the steering wheel module connector (or connectors if equipped with dual stage air bags) wire routing positions, the redundant control routing positions, and the horn wire routing positions for the correct re-assembly.

9. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (4) and the steering wheel module electrical connector.
10. Remove the horn grounded lead (2) from the threaded hole in the steering wheel.
11. Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise 1/4 turn.
12. Remove the horn contact lead (2) from the steering column cam tower.
13. Remove the steering wheel module (5).

Important: A deployed dual stage inflator module must be energized to ensure that both stages are no longer active.

14. Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

1. Connect the horn ground lead (2) into the lower left threaded hole in the steering wheel.
2. Connect the horn contact lead into the steering column cam tower.
3. Rotate the horn contact ¼ turn clockwise to lock.
4. Connect the steering wheel module electrical connector and CPA (4).

Important: If the vehicle is equipped with dual stage air bags, you will find 2 connectors. Match the right color connector to the right color opening in the module. Route the steering wheel module wires, the redundant control wires, and the horn wires correctly.

5. Align the steering wheel module fasteners to the steering column fastener holes.
6. Push the steering wheel module firmly into the steering column in order to engage the fasteners.
7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .