Mercedes-Benz Airbag Module Replacement
Need to replace your Mercedes-Benz Airbag Module? Learn how to replace the airbag module by following the procedures below.
The pictures in this guide are from a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211. These instructions should help you replace the airbag module on other models and show the typical location of the Mercedes airbag module.
Video
Before you start
- Disconnect the battery and wait five minutes before working on airbag components.
- Ensure the vehicle is secured and not rolled away if placed in Neutral.
What you will need
- T30 Torx bit
- Ratchet wrench
- Gloves
Procedure
- Park the vehicle and engage the parking brakes.
- With the key in the ignition but the engine off, move the shifter to Neutral. Once the shifter is out of Park, turn off the ignition and disconnect the main battery.
- Open the ashtray.
- Pop up the trim around the shifter. Turn the trim to the side to make room at the front of the shifter.
- Pry out the ashtray. It simply lifts; there are no screws. Move the ashtray to the side or unplug the cigarette lighter to remove it.
- Locate the airbag module.
- Remove all three T-30 Torx bolts. The front bolt is tricky to access. Use a joint socket or a short Torx bit and ratchet to access it.
- Disconnect the electrical connector. Press the back of the green piece to release it, then slide the green piece toward the driver’s side. The electrical connector will be unplugged.
- Remove the SRS module from the vehicle.
- Install the new airbag module in reverse order.
Turn the trim to the side to make room at the front of the shifter.
The front bolt is tricky to access. Use a joint socket or a short Torx bit and ratchet to access it.
Press the back of the green piece to release it, then slide the green piece toward the driver’s side.
The electrical connector will be unplugged. 
If your Mercedes-Benz were involved in an accident, you wouldn’t be able to clear the fault codes even if you have Star Diagnostics or a professional airbag scanner, like the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner.
First, replace all the deployed airbags, damaged sensors, and seat belts. Next, install a new airbag module or have a professional reset your airbag module on eBay. You can also remove your airbag module, ship it to a professional to clear the hard codes and reinstall it. No coding is needed.
The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every control module of your Mercedes-Benz, including the Airbag module.
Why can’t I reset the Mercedes-Benz airbag light?
If your Mercedes-Benz was involved in an accident, two things need to happen for you to reset the SRS system and have a working airbag system.
- First, you need to replace all deployed airbags. Replace any damaged SRS crash sensors. When you read the codes with an SRS scanner, you will get fault codes for each damaged component. You may need to replace the seat belts, as well.
- Second, you need to either precise crash data from the airbag module or replace the airbag module. If you replace all the deployed airbags and damaged SRS components, the codes in the airbag module change from CURRENT to STORED, but you can’t clear them because they are from a crash event. You can’t install a used airbag module from another car, even if it has the same part number. You need a new SRS module that can be programmed for your car. A less expensive solution is to remove your old SRS module and ship it to professionals who can clear the crash data.
Where is the Mercedes airbag module located?
The airbag module is located in the center console on most Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The most common location is right under the ashtray.
Notes
- Handle the SRS module with care.
- Keep the battery disconnected while you work on the airbag module.
- You can not use a basic OBD-II scanner to reset the airbag codes.
