1992 Ford Aerostar Remove Steering Wheel Airbag

You may need to remove the airbag from your 1992 Ford Aerostar to replace or remove the steering wheel. Airbags are effective safety tools, but handling airbag hubs is very dangerous. Check with your local motor vehicle office if you plan to remove the airbag from your Aerostar permanently. There may be laws in your state that prevent this, or require special permission. Generally, if you don't plan on driving the vehicle without the airbag, you won't have a problem.

Tools Used

Tools
Pliers
Safety goggles
Socket wrench

Remove Steering Wheel Airbag

• Turn the steering wheel so it's perfectly centered, if you plan on removing the steering wheel after removing the airbag. This helps you line up the steering wheel when replacing it.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable with your pliers. Let the Aerostar sit for 15 to 20 minutes after disconnecting the negative battery cable. This allows the backup energy reserve to discharge, which deactivates the airbag system.

• Remove the four airbag-retaining nuts with a socket wrench. These nuts are mounted around the perimeter of the airbag hub.

• Carefully grasp the top and bottom of the airbag hub. Gently pull it a few inches away from the steering wheel. On the rear, you'll find the airbag connection.

• Unplug the airbag connection from the airbag hub. The airbag hub is now free from the steering wheel. Hold the airbag away from your face, with the airbag pointed face down.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait until the airbag is reattached before reconnecting the negative battery cable.

• Attempting to remove the airbag from your vehicle is dangerous. In most cases, it's best to let an experienced professional remove the airbag. However, the procedure can be done at home with relatively simple tools. Airbags are under intense pressure. There's a risk that the airbag can deploy even if its power is disconnected. Follow all the safety precautions before attempting to remove the airbag from your vehicle.