I have an '02 which I am dissembling and using many of the parts in a tube frame project car. One of those items is the dash. While I can leave the bags in and just not hook up them up I'd rather remove them.

I can see how to remove the airbag module out of the steering wheel and I'm hoping I can just unbolt the air bag itself from the cradle it's on, but I'm nervous about messing with it because of all the horror stories I've read on the internet.

I haven't even begun to take the dash out of the car so I can't see how it's fastened in, but I'd like not to leave a gaping hole in the dash if possible. Is it possible?

I'm removing wiring right now and I see the SRS module. I disconnected the power to the car last night. Is that long enough for it to be safe to mess with the SRS module. I understand it retains power for some time.

 

Be sure you leave the battery disconnected for a least 5 mins, and you have to remove the torex screws to take the airbag out..

 

5 minutes is enough to dissipate the electrical charge in the SRS unit? I've heard all different kinds of timetables.

When you say torx screws you are referring to the bag under the dash?

Can I remove the dash module without damaging the cover that's in the dash?

Messing with the SRS unit won't set them off now since the power's been disconnected all night? I've heard that on many cars it does.

Working with explosives makes me nervous.

Once upon a time I hammered a bent bumper shock absorber straight after a collision. Once it exploded the shaft grazed my head and stuck itself in the ceiling. Since then I've learned to ask questions about unfamiliar systems.

 

You're fine to remove it after batt has been disconnected for at least 5 min. Don't go probing around the connectors with a volt meter or anything.

 

Are there any special precautions for handling the airbags afterward, other than no anal probing with a volt meter?

I'm headed out to play with the SRS module. If you hear a scream and smell a foul smelling odor it's me messing in my pants when one of these things go off unexpectedly.

 

I can't tell you how many airbags I've safely removed by doing no more than disconnecting the neg term on the battery and unbolting it and unclipping the connector. Avoid activities/clothing that generates static and don't touch the terminals. NEVER EVER use a meter on it. AFAIK it takes a fair bit of energy to pop the airbag; I'm not sure static would do it unless it was a whopper of a discharge.

I've pulled bags while waiting no more than a couple of minutes after pulling the batt cable. Basically enough time to undo the bolts.