Video about replacing Passenger Air Bag Cover

[Netuddki]

I made a video today, how to replace the passenger Air Bag Cover.
Enjoy:

https://rumble.com/vx6e8h-replacing-passenger-air-bag-cover-on-oldsmobile-alero.mp4.html

(boycotting YT, so here is a new link on Rumble.)

[Oldsnut]

I am going to sticky this. Nice job on the video.

[jokerl90]

Excellent job. Added to my favorites for future reference. Mine is peeling up at the ends, thought about super gluing it.
Nice music also, much better than most of the crap people put on their videos.

[Netuddki]

Thanks guys!

Unfortunately I had to do it in the garage and there was not enough space for positioning the camera right, so I had to film from the driver seat mostly.

The music is from youtube's free to use list. I tried to use some nicer ones.

My spoken english is horrible, so I didn't want you get ear cancer.

[zzyzzx]

I can see that you used a new cover, but I assume that can I use these steps to repair my existing cover that has crinkled up (like the dash). I am also surprised that you could even get a new cover. I will have to see how much that costs.

[Netuddki]

I can see that you used a new cover, but I assume that can I use these steps to repair my existing cover that has crinkled up (like the dash). I am also surprised that you could even get a new cover. I will have to see how much that costs.

Of course you can use this method to just take off the cover and try to repair it.
The leather is just glued to that metal plate under the edge.

I got the cover on the german ebay for €35 inclusive shipping to Austria. It's a used one too, but it's in very good shape.
I just got lucky, but I assume you can try to find one on a junk yard or in used part stores.

[Nas Escobar]

Another idea that could work is vinyl wrapping the cover. It seems the cover was covered in vinyl to begin with...

[zzyzzx]

Another reason why I am asking is because my dash is bad as well. I could get one of those covers, but then I'd still have the crinkled air bag cover. IMO, it's not worth fixing the dash, just to have the ugly air bag cover still there.

[Netuddki]

You can buy replacement for the dash. It's not even that expensive if you live in the US, but I didn't see air bag cover anywhere on the net as a new replacement.

[zzyzzx]

You can buy replacement for the dash. It's not even that expensive if you live in the US, but I didn't see air bag cover anywhere on the net as a new replacement.

I assume that you are referring to the plastic dash covers that cost over $100

[Netuddki]

Actually I was referring to complete OEM replacement of the dash. I am sure, I have seen it for around $100-$150 somewhere, but I can't find it now.

I think $100 for a complete replacement is not really much.

[Papa Rad17]

andys auto sport and rock auto is where I had seen those full replacements. I believe they are just overlays though. they do not come with an airbag cover, its just cut out and would leave your factory one exposed.
Good video! I'm going to try and re-appulster mine before homecoming now that I know how to get to the darn thing.

[zzyzzx]

This is why I want to fix mine:
https://i.sli.mg/QRUdEp.jpg
https://i.sli.mg/y3n8tV.jpg

It looks way uglier in person.

[jlhog]

Mine looked like that when I bought my Alero. We went to a self service junkyard and found a good one for $5. Cheap and easy.

[zzyzzx]

Some pics from the Factory Service Manual and other to make it easier for the next person:
https://i.sli.mg/zCBoeS.jpg
As you can see, the Factory Service Manual refers to it as an Inflatable Restraint IP Module (Passenger Inflator Module).

Here is the schematic which shows with fuses to pull:
https://i.sli.mg/XhxeHY.jpg

They are on the left size door fuse panel:
https://i.sli.mg/7GCfAA.jpg

Pull the G and K fuses:
https://i.sli.mg/vYgtfZ.jpg

Having said that, the Factory Service Manual says to only pull the Air Bag Fuse (the upper one of the two fuses, shown above, marked as G on the cover), but them mentions that you will see the air bag light on. I think if you pull both I mention probably not:
https://i.sli.mg/prvyL6.jpg
https://i.sli.mg/hWIojZ.jpg

From the Factory Service Manual on how to physically remove and install the passenger side air bag:
https://i.sli.mg/YXPEGw.jpg

As for how to remove the glove compartment (#2 above):
https://i.sli.mg/vgnV4S.jpg
This fails to mention the 6 bolts holding it on (use 7mm socket), and then the electrical connector for the glove compartment light bulb.

[Oldsnut]

It should only take about 35-45 minutes to remove it. I did my wife's car about 4 weeks ago

[zzyzzx]

It should only take about 35-45 minutes to remove it. I did my wife's car about 4 weeks ago

Was the cover bad like mine?

[Oldsnut]

The previous owner threw the cover in the trash when it peeled up. Found a new one at the salvage yard and replaced the whole cover. Be careful to put towels down so you don't chew up your dash pad.

[zzyzzx]

OK, I'm done. Will post some pictures later. I reglued mine back on. It's a lot less bad. If I want it to look good, I am going to need a lot of clips to hold the vinyl to the backing and a new piece of vinyl. I only had 2 clips to hold it, so I had to not do it all at once. It's either impossible or very difficult to stretch the existing vinyl back into place (and if you did, it's probably going to get unglued again). What Oldsnut said about making sure not to harm the existing dash applies as well, it's easily damaged.

[zzyzzx]

The previous owner threw the cover in the trash when it peeled up. Found a new one at the salvage yard and replaced the whole cover. Be careful to put towels down so you don't chew up your dash pad.

Won't the junkyard one peel just the the original?

[Oldsnut]

Not all the air bags peel away.

[Nas Escobar]

Won't the junkyard one peel just the the original?

It's mostly luck. My Camaro's dash wasn't cracked but it seems 90% of them are.

My Cutlass had the warped dash, looked terrible and my replacement one has held up fine for 2 years.

[zzyzzx]

Not all the air bags peel away.

Or is this yet still another thing where the 1999 version is bad, but other years are fine.

[falloutboy]

well my 99 is NOT peeling at the airbag, BUT everywhere else

[Oldsnut]

Or is this yet still another thing where the 1999 version is bad, but other years are fine.
I have seen peeling on all years. Our red Alero had the problem

[zzyzzx]

Do I have to remove this air bag to install one of those dash covers?

[Oldsnut]

If you get a good one from the bone yard you can unbolt the top cover from the air bag unit. I believe it was 4nuts on each side. Not hard to do at all.

[zzyzzx]

Are the ones from Grand Am a potential suitable exact replacement?

[zzyzzx]

One on eBay also has a bad cover:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-00-01-02-03-04-OLDSMOBILE-ALERO-PASSENGER-RIGHT-AIR-BAG-COVER-COMING-OFF-/351738271322

[Oldsnut]

Are the ones from Grand Am a potential suitable exact replacement?
I would assume for GM to save cost of not changing air bags for the Grand Am they would have used the same cover.

What color do you need for your car, tan or grey? I go to the bone yard all the time and I can look out for one for you.

[Nas Escobar]

I would assume for GM to save cost of not changing air bags for the Grand Am they would have used the same cover.

What color do you need for your car, tan or grey? I go to the bone yard all the time and I can look out for one for you.

I had a Grand AM before. I think the Grand AM had a different cover. Grand Ams don't have the airbag cover problem. Their dashes end up warping up by the windshield. I've never seen a peeling Grand Am dash, but likewise I've never seen an Alero with a warped dash.

[zzyzzx]

I need gray (as per the pics) but will look in the local JY sometime.

[AleroB888]

Good article!
I had two go within the last few weeks. I let the '03 sit out without the sunshade for only 3 days, and the cover started lifting...
I'm not going to replace the whole assemblies anytime soon, so in the meantime, went to Walmart and got a half yard of suitable fabric ($3.00).
Made a pattern from aluminum foil, cut out a slightly larger piece and trimmed down. Not the exact color, but close. Beats the sticky black burlap look, anyway :)

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr299/Gflash01/Air%20bag%20cover_zpskioa1p5s.jpg