How do I make sure my air bag won't blow my face off while replacing the heater core?

[CajunKenny]

Hi Guys!

I have a 91 and want to start on my heater core replacement sometime this week; but, want to make sure I don't damage or cause the air bag to blow in the process. :aigo:

Is disconnecting the battery sufficient?

Any recommendations or pointers on this job?

Sincerely,
Your fellow MKIII owner that wants to keep his face. :biglaugh:

 

[92TealSupra]

I have taken the airbag off my '90 and '91 what I do is pull the fuse, and then disconnect the battery for 30 minutes. then put it back and no problems, also just take the battery out of the car just to make it it doesn't re_connect

:icon_bigg

 

[CajunKenny]

Good point on the battery. Take it out!

Is the heater core accessible from below at all or can you only get to it from the top by pulling the dash out?

 

[IJ.]

Kenny: As posted in the other thread to get to the heater core EVRYTHING from the windscreen back has to come out I wasn't kidding.

[thumb]http://ij.supramania.com/hcore01.jpg[/thumb]

 

[CajunKenny]

Oh, I wasn't questioning you. I was just hoping to get any and ALL pointers possible. Especially regarding the airbag.

Do you agree that disconnecting the battery WILL prevent the airbag from going off?

 

[IJ.]

Yep no power and no residual power in the car "should" make it safe.

 

[92TealSupra]

See the main reason for pulling the battery out is so the airbag can't get power, I say leave it for 30 minutes because cars have capacitors that will trickle power to memory items in the car. If you take the fuse and that you will be perfect, and everything will be safe for you, and anyone else around you.

 

[ForcedTorque]

Dash removal is nothing to be scared of! It's only 8 bolts once the instrument panel and radio stuff is out of the way.

 

[CajunKenny]

Thanks guys! I wasn't second guessing anyone. I just want to be safe. After all, I like my face where it is!

Well, I did as instructed and have the glove box out, radio, ebc, gauge cluster, etc...

Does the steering wheel have to come off or is there a way to drop the column down further. I think I see some bolts/nuts that may allow it to drop a bit more; but, not sure.

 

[92TealSupra]

It's a lot easier to just take it off, try to mark exactly what spline it came off for good alignment.

 

[ForcedTorque]

There are two 17MM nuts you can take off and the column drops down. It's a little easier if you remove the driver's seat.