2026-02-20

Air Bag - Front Passenger's (Remove and Replace)

Correction Code 20010302

  • 2026-02-20: Added note on using PROC_RCM_DISARM if using this procedure to diagnose the SRS.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
If using this procedure to diagnosis the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), disarm the RCM, which will prevent all airbags and pretensioners from deploying. Re-arm the RCM after all of the vehicle's SRS components are re-installed. The RCM disarm routine is not available on Model S manufactured in 2018 or earlier. For these vehicles, disconnect LV power and perform the procedures as instructed.
  • Disarm RCM:PROC_RCM_DISARMvia Toolbox: (link)via Service Mode Plus:
    • Safety & Restraints ➜ Airbags ➜ Disarm RCM
    • Safety & Restraints ➜ Seats ➜ Disarm RCM
  • Re-arm RCM:PROC_RCM_ARMvia Toolbox: (link)via Service Mode Plus:
    • Safety & Restraints ➜ Airbags ➜ Re-Arm RCM
    • Safety & Restraints ➜ Seats ➜ Re-Arm RCM
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Perform this procedure only if the air bag is not going to be reused. If the air bag is going to be reused, refer to Air Bag - Front Passenger's (Remove and Install) (refer to procedure).
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Note
In the event of an airbag or seat belt tensioner deployment, certain airbag and seat belt components must be replaced, and other components must be inspected for damage. Refer to SRS Inspection and Component Replacement for a specific list of items that must be inspected and replaced.

Removal

  1. Remove the instrument panel top pad (refer to procedure).
  2. Bend the front-facing air bag mounting tabs toward the top pad.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The front-facing mounting tabs are on the side of the air bag that faces the windshield. Do not bend the tabs that are on the side of the air bag that faces the rear.
  3. Carefully release the air bag from the top pad.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Store the air bag with the deployment side facing up. This will prevent it from being propelled if accidentally deployed, which might cause injury.

Installation

  1. Insert the new air bag into the top pad.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Make sure that the air bag is fully seated in the top pad before continuing this procedure.
  2. Reinstall the top pad.
  3. If the component was replaced due to an internal failure:
    1. Connect a laptop with Toolbox 3 to the vehicle.
    2. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway Unlock.
    3. In Toolbox 3, click Dashboards > Service Tools > DTCs, and then select SDM or RCM depending on the vehicle Restraint Control Type.
    4. Click Read DTCs to display the DTCs.
    5. Power cycle the vehicle.
    6. Click Clear DTCs to clear the DTCs.
    7. Disconnect Toolbox and remove the laptop from the vehicle.