Hyundai Driver’s Airbag Replacement Guide
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Removing the airbag from Hyundai Elantra is easy but requires a lot of patience. You must press three locking pins to release the airbag, but since you can’t see them, you must try for several minutes.
At a Glance
- Based on: Hyundai Elantra, similar on many Hyundai and Kia models
- Release: three hidden locking pins behind the steering wheel, pressed with a screwdriver
- Tools: screwdriver and 10mm wrench
- Safety: disconnect the battery and wait at least 15 minutes
- After: clear the stored airbag code if the light stays on
The following video shows how to release the airbag. After a few tries, you can release the airbag from the steering wheel.
What you will need
- Screwdriver
- 10mm Open End Wrench
Procedure
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This is a must for safety, and it also keeps you from setting an airbag fault code.
- Wait at least fifteen minutes.
- To remove the airbag from the steering wheel on the Hyundai Elantra, you must press three locking pins that hold the airbag in place. Use a Phillips screwdriver or a Torx screwdriver that may work better.
- Pull out the locking clips from the airbag connector. Then, disconnect both wires from the airbag. You also need to disconnect the horn wire.
- Carefully handle the airbag. Avoid dropping the airbag.
- Reinstall the new airbag in reverse order. Connect the wires to the back of the airbag and press the connector to lock it.
- Press the airbag into the steering wheel to lock the airbag in place. The airbag locks via the springs; therefore, there are no bolts you need to fasten to secure the airbag.
Replacing the airbag on a Hyundai is a relatively easy procedure. The most important part is handling the airbag carefully and disconnecting the negative battery terminal. If you want more auto repairs on your vehicle, check out the Repair Guides for Hyundai section.
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Hyundai Airbag / SRS Light Stays on
To find out why your Hyundai airbag light is on, you will need a scanner such as a YOUCANIC full system scanner to read and clear the fault codes from the airbag control unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to replace the airbag on a Hyundai Elantra?
Replacing the airbag is easy but requires patience. To avoid problems, always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on airbag components. All you need to complete this job is a couple of screwdrivers.
How much does replacing the driver’s airbag on a Hyundai Elantra cost?
At the Hyundai dealer, expect to pay between $800 to $2000 to replace the driver’s airbag. That will include the airbag itself and the labor.
Can I replace the airbag with a used unit?
In theory, you can install a used airbag on your Hyundai. As some luxury auto manufacturers do, Hyundai doesn’t require any programming or coding of the airbag components. The only concern with a used airbag is that you don’t know how it will perform in case of an accident. If the airbag light remains on after replacing a defective or blown Hyundai airbag, we recommend reading the fault codes from the module.
Thanks for the tutorial. Removing the airbag is the easiest and hardest thing to do. Pressing the releasing pins is a pain. I must have tried about 30 times until I got the airbag to release. I would suggest using an Allen key. That works best since it is flat at the end.