Most Honda Accord cars come standard with driver and passenger air bags. If you need to replace one or both air bags, you must use extreme caution when handling them due to their sensitive nature. Always remember that the Supplemental Restraint System (the air bags) is only one of the car's safety features and is not meant to replace the seat belts.
Disconnect both battery cables, starting with the negative cable. Wait at least three minutes for the air bag system to lose its power.
Remove the lower access cover to the steering wheel by removing its Phillips screws and carefully pulling the panel to release the three upper clips. Unplug the electrical connector for the driver's side air bag, which is a two-pin connector behind the access cover.
Remove the mounting screws for the air bag on the steering column. You may need to turn the wheel to access the screws on either side, so it helps to have the car in neutral. Carefully lift the air bag off the wheel.
Detach either the glove box or the dashboard component on the passenger side by removing the Phillips screws. You will need to open the glove box and release the two limiting stops on both sides before removing the screws.
Disconnect the passenger air bag connector, which may be a two or three-plug connector. If it is a three-pin, locate the red shorting connector and connect the three-prong connector to it after disconnecting it from the air bag.
Unscrew the passenger air bag retaining screws and slide the air bag downward out of its mount. If it has mounting guides and they come out with the bag, install the mounting guides back into the mounting frame.
Mount the new air bags in place either on the steering wheel or within the mounting frame on the passenger side. Install the mounting screws and re-connect the electrical connector.
Re-install the glove box or trim panels you removed to access the electrical connectors.
Check to see if the air bags are properly installed along with the seat belt tensioners if equipped, then reconnect the battery, starting with the positive cable. Enter the security code for the stereo if needed.
Turn the ignition to the on position without starting the car and look for the "SRS" indicator light to come on for six seconds. If it stays on longer or doesn't come on at all, you seed to have the restraint system checked for any faults.
