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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.

By William Henderson - March 23, 2015

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.

  • Figure 1. Uncover and remove screw on the left of steering wheel.
  • Figure 2. Uncover and remove screw on the bottom of steering wheel.
  • Figure 3. Uncover and remove screws on the top of steering wheel.

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.

  • Figure 4. Gently pull off airbag unit.
  • Figure 5. Disconnect the airbag unit.

Step 4 – Remove and replace airbag unit

Pull the old airbag unit away from steering wheel, and then re-install new airbag unit.

Figure 6. Install new airbag unit. Connect it and push it into place.

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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