Hello all, I have a 1994 XJS convertible that I need to remove the passenger side (right) air bag to gain access to the upper servo motor controlling the vent damper doors.
I have already posted this thread but, I can't see it anywhere. Any help in this difficulty is most appreciated.
Fr. Rick

 

You'll need a special tool. I believe these threads will explain all:

​​​​​​https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/steering-wheel-removal-1995-xjs-104788/

​​​​​​https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...m-tool-109439/

 

Vee, thank you for your reply to my problem. My XJS is a left hand driver, so your instructions would be for the opposite air bag. I need to learn how to access the upper servo motor on the right hand side of the dash assembly. It appears that I need to remove the airbag that situated behind the right hand dash where the glove box was once located. I've read that it is a difficult chore to gain access to the airbag and ultimately the upper servo motor. Again any help is most appreciated. Fr. Rick

 

Geez, I'm sorry. I just re-read your post.

In that case, I have even worse news for you.

You'll have to pull out the dash. If you do searches on how to remove the wood panel that covers the airbag, you'll come across posts that confirm that. Apparently it's a time consuming, but simple process.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ontrol-148474/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...removal-69433/

 

It's not a bad process, but lengthy. Drivers side airbag and steering wheel needs to come off, you need the special tool to disarm the drivers side airbag. I made one from some 1/4" stainless steel tubing and gave the end a hit with a hammer to make the D shape. Once the steering wheel is off, the entire dash assembly needs to come out, then there is a release catch on the side of the passengers airbag that you can slowly and gently lower it down to disarm it. Then the passengers side airbag can be removed.

Now you're looking at the heater box, and you'll see the servo on the side. Officially, the heater lines need to be disconnected and the entire heater assembly moved to gain access to the side, but I was able to bend the stiffening brace on the body enough to allow clearance to get the upper servo out.

The process is detailed in the manual, ideally you should have that for the proper airbag disarming process. They are mechanically triggered airbags, not electrical, so doing it wrong could cause the airbag to go off and cause you injury. Expect the process to take a full day.

 

It's been a number of years since I did it and I didn't take many photos, but here is what you're looking at. The photo with the red arrow is the location of the upper servo motor, behind the wiring harness.

 

Vee and all others that might be involved with suggestions, etc with this post. Yes, you are right in that removal of the air bag will "certainly make my day." I do soo much appreciate your help. This forum is the greatest and I feel blessed to be part of it. At my age of 74, the project will probably take a couple of days, along with a forgiving wife who "hates" a visual mess that such work seems to demand. Again, thank you and Blessings to you!! Fr. Rick