Passenger Air Bag Cover

[SirCharles]

Hello All,

New to the site but seems to have a ton of info! But I was wondering about one cosmetic thing I have with my 99 Alero GLS. My passenger-side air bag cover is a bit warped. It seems that the sun has made it shrink a bit on one side and looks like crap!

I was wondering if I can pry it off (safely of course) and replace it with a new one? I know that the air bag is probably ok functionally, but it just sucks having to look at the thing.

Otherwise, only had minor issues since 99 (blinker had to be replaced and fan relay got shorted out by water) but besides that, I love my alero (knock on wood). Thanks for any input!

[sound_xtreme]

actually, that cover is attached to the airbag. so you have to remove the whole thing, airbag and all.

[dark_n_evil]

its a pain but like sound_extreme said you do have to remove the whole thing but you should be able to go to a junkyard or dealership and get a replacment peice.

[turtles_ride]

I recovered mine very easily to match the interior accent colours, and it looks great. to do it
1. disconnect your battery so it won't go off.
2. open your glove box and remove it, 2 screws on the bottom and i think 2 on the top, (you may wanna recover this too while its out.
3. look up underneath the airbag, you'll see to nut heads, i think they're 10mm, unscrew those and the airbag lifts out. there are a couple of wires attached but i couldn't seperate the harness so i just recovered mine while it was still in the car, it pulls up and theres plenty of room to work on it.
4. Hook it all back up before reconnecting your battery. Good luck.

[SirCharles]

Thanks everyone! I guess it isnt as simple as I had hoped. But it will be interesting to see that part of the car.

I guess that kinda leads to a couple of other questions. How much is that cover piece and (besides a junkyard) do I just go to any GM dealer for the part? Thanks again and have a great weekend!

[turtles_ride]

dude, it isnt' hard, its actually one of the easier mods i've done on my car. It takes less then a 1/2 an hour, and you can do it in any colour you want.