I've read a bunch of threads but none that I've found tell how to disconnect the airbag wiring so the airbag can be set aside. I am in process of putting 2008 Cobalt leather wheel in my 2008 Cobalt. I got everything disconnected except for the airbag wiring. SOOOOOO.....

1) How do you disconnect the airbag wiring?

2) Is it disconnected at the bag end or the wheel end?

3) Regardless of end, how are the wiring connectors released?

4) Any other help?

Thanks a bunch,

Nick .... still driving with a plastic wheel.

 

hey

I did this swap last week.

Do you have the airbag released from the wheel?

The wiring connectors release easily....you need to remove the plastic retainer on each one and then you just squeeze the side of them and pull them out...I would make sure the battery is disconnected before doing it though just to be safe...dont want any shorts...and BOOM! heh

 

The bag is released from the wheel.

From what you said I can infer:
- You removed the connectors from the bag end
- As I recall, there are little grey tabsaround the connector that must be removed before the connector seperates from the bag assembly.

Correct?

The sun went down and the mosquitoes came out so the wheel is reassembled. Will try tomorrow.

Nick

 

You have a different airbag in your 08 then I do in my 05.

But yes, I released the wiring from the bag itself, not the part attached to the car.
And yes, there should be a plastic retainer on both of the connectors on the bag...just pop these off with your finger and the connectors undo very easily.

 

What you need to do is:

1. Go on an approved motor trade course on the safe handling of "pyrotechnic devices"
2. Buy a safety cage or metal cupboard to store the airbag in while it is off the vehicle.
3. Switch the ignition off, and leave for at least 30 minutes
4. Undo the screws on the back of the steering wheel.
5. Carefully remove the airbag, from the wheel, ensuring you keep yourself at a safe distance, to access the wiring between the airbag and the "rotary connector" inside the wheel. Unclip the airbag wiring from the connector.
6. You can now remove the airbag from the vehicle - always hold it at a safe distance,with the front face towards you, so if it does inflate you get hit by the bag and not its metal frame. Place it in the cage or cupboard, and close the door.
7. You can now remove the rotary connector, and the steering wheel.

Do NOT attempt steps 3-7 without doing steps 1 and 2 first.

 

why would you do that?? what happens when you slam into a pole or something? bye bye

 

^^^ ahhh just get harnesses...

 

Airbag disconnected ...

There are two connectors on the 2008 airbag (2-stage deployment?) Each has a small retaining clip that must be removed (mine are white to light grey). They slide straight out. Once the clips are removed, the two tabs on each side of the connector must be depressed before pillung the connector from the pins. This is easier said than done. There is no easy way to pull the connector. I used a NN Pliers to compress the tabs and gently removed the plug. (BTW...I would not make a good demolition expert...I don't enjoy working with bombs!)

But ... I broke the wheel puller trying to remove the wheel. It is VERY tight.

Nick

 

Wiggling the hell out of it could have stripped some of the splines that hold the wheel in place...def not the proper way to remove the wheel.

Either use a puller or leave the nut on the end of the bolt and pull with everything you have straight back. The nut will keep the wheel from smacking you in the face when it gives

 

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Don't pull off the airbag if you can help it. I took mine off, followed what I thought to be correct procedures (disconnect battery, take out airbag fuse, leave off for 30 min). When I put the air bag back in now the service airbag light is on. I think disconnecting the airbag makes it throw a code, and you will have to get it reset at the dealer. Mine is an '07 SS/SC btw.