Air Bag Crash Sensor Module Removal Procedure
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Description:

Four ELVS Members (Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volvo) manufactured vehicles during the model year period from 1984 to 1993 that contained Air Bag Crash Sensor Modules with mercury switches.

There is only one Air Bag Crash Sensor Module in a vehicle, typically containing two mercury switches.
 
IMPORTANT:  Mercury switches are contained only in the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module section of the air bag system.  Mercury switches are not found in air bag inflation units that are typically found in steering wheels, instrument or dash panels, some seat backs, or in the roof as side curtain air bags.

Warning: The air bag inflation units contain pyrotechnic devices that inflate the air bag during a crash.  Removing them requires special training, and they are not part of the ELVS program.  Only the Air Bag Crash Sensor Modules should be removed and shipped to the ELVS contractor.



General Procedure for Removing Air Bag Crash Sensor Module:

1. Confirm vehicle is equipped with an Air Bag Deployment System.
2. Disconnect the battery.
3. Locate the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module on the vehicle (location varies by vehicle model).
4. Remove the module.  Place the entire assembly in the collection bucket.  Do not attempt to remove mercury switch pellets from Air Bag Crash Sensor Modules. 
5. Collect and recycle the modules with care.

The locations where the Air Bag Crash Sensor Modules are commonly found are under the center console on the drive line tunnel, on the floor pan below the driver’s seat, or behind the glove box.

AUDI


Removal procedure for:

  • 1989 -1993    Audi 80/90
  • 1990 -1991    Coupe
  • 1989 -1993    Audi 100/200
  • 1992  S4
  • 1990 -1991    Audi V8

To Remove the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module:

  - The Air Bag Crash Sensor Module is located in the center console
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove center console to expose the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module in front of the shift lever
- Remove Air Bag Crash Sensor Module





VOLVO

Removal procedure for:

  • 1987    All Volvos except 240
  • 1988 – 1992    All Volvos
  • 1993    Volvo 240


To Remove the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module:

  - The Air Bag Crash Sensor Module is located under the driver’s seat
- Disconnect the battery
- Unbolt the driver's seat and tilt backward
- Lift carpet and remove heating duct
- Use knife to cut tape around bracket and remove the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module

 


 





MERCEDES-BENZ

Removal procedure for:

  • 1986 – 1990  C-Class
    (earlier versions of the C-Class were badged as model 190)
  • 1976 – 1995  E-Class
  • 1981 – 1991  S-Class

To Remove the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module:

 

-The Air Bag Crash Sensor Module is located in the center console, behind the ash tray and in front of the gear shift lever

- Disconnect the battery
- Remove Air Bag Crash Sensor Module









TOYOTA

Removal procedure for:

  • 1990 – 1993  Toyota Celica
  • 1990 – 1993  Toyota Supra
  • 1990 – 1991  Lexus ES 250

To Remove the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module:

 

- Locate the Center Air Bag Crash Sensor Module Assembly under the center floor console toward the rear
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove center floor console Assembly
- Disconnect the harness connector
- Remove the four bolts to release the Center Air Bag Crash Sensor Module Assembly

Removal procedure for:

  • 1991 – 1993 Toyota MR2
  • 1990 – 1992  Lexus LS 400

To Remove the Air Bag Crash Sensor Module:

 

- Locate the Center Air Bag Crash Sensor Module Assembly under the center floor console toward the front
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove the radio assembly, and heater control
- Disconnect the harness connector
- Remove the four bolts to release the Center Air Bag Crash Sensor Module Assembly