Honda Accord: How to Install Airbag
An airbag is a safety feature that no car should be without, so if yours deploys for any reason and you plan to hold onto your car, you'll want to replace it. Continue reading to learn how to install it yourself and save on the professional cost.
This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).
Replacing or installing a driver's side airbag is fairly simple, even for a novice DIY-er. The hardest part is working with a component that can trigger and deploy if you aren't careful. This is not a project to rush through. Take your time in order to handle the old and new airbags as if they are newborn babies. Also, be sure to disconnect the battery before starting.
Materials Needed
- New airbag
- Flat head screwdriver
- T30 torx driver
Step 1 – Prepare to unbolt and unscrew fasteners
Remove the lower knee bolster from the driver’s side. Remove the trim piece on the left side of the steering wheel. Remove the trim piece on the bottom of steering wheel. Remove the trim piece on the top of steering wheel. You may need to use a flat head screwdriver to pry off this piece of trim. These trim pieces snap off.
Step 2 – Unbolt and unscrew fasteners
Use a T30 Torx driver to remove the bolts on left side of steering wheel, bottom of steering wheel, and on the back of the steering wheel. You’ve essentially unscrewed the old airbag unit from the car once you’ve removed these three bolts.
Step 3 – Disconnect airbag unit
Disconnect the airbag activation wires from the back of the airbag. Very carefully remove the red connector. Use the flat head screwdriver to pry up plug before unplugging it.
Step 4 – Remove and replace airbag unit
Pull the old airbag unit away from steering wheel, and then re-install new airbag unit.
Step 5 – Re-install components in reverse
- Connect the airbag unit.
- Attach fasteners as well as the bolts on left, bottom, and back side of steering wheel.
- Recover the knee bolster. The trim pieces should snap on.
- Finally, reconnect the battery.
Featured Video: How to Replace Airbag in a Honda Accord
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