Dodge Caliber. Manual - part 493
quickly deflates by venting the inert gas towards the instrument panel through vent holes within the fabric used to
construct the back (steering wheel side) panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid state before
they are burned, but they are securely sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, both initiators are used and all
potentially hazardous chemicals are burned during an airbag deployment event.
The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals are burned is harmless. However, a small amount of residue
from the burned chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing pas-
sages. If skin or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages
are irritated, move to another area where there is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not alleviated
by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
1. Open hood.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the system
reserve capacitor to discharge before servicing
any airbag components.
3. From behind the steering wheel (2), gently pry off
the driver airbag bolt covers.
4. Remove the two driver airbag attaching bolts (1).
5. Pull airbag rearward and disconnect the two airbag
squib connectors (3).
6. Remove airbag (4) from vehicle.
WARNING: When replacing a deployed driver air-
bag, the clockspring must also be replaced (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
1. Connect the squib wires (3) to the driver airbag (4).
Make airbag connection by pressing straight in on
the connector. The connector should be fully
seated. Feel for positive snap to assure positive
connection.
2. Position the driver airbag (4) in the steering wheel
(2) and push forward.
NOTE: Make sure not to pinch any wires under-
neath the driver airbag.
3. Install the two airbag retaining bolts (1). Tighten
bolts to 10 N·m (89 in. lbs.).
4. Install the airbag bolt access covers.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (REFER TO 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM).
Personal injury or death may result if the system
test is not performed first.
PM
RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION
8O - 369