The lower-dash job most owners underestimate

Knee airbags live low on the dash, tucked behind a small “knee bolster” panel where trim, brackets, and SRS wiring all converge. If yours deployed in a collision or the SRS light is on and you need to replace it, the keys to doing this right are: (1) strict SRS safety, (2) a calm, repeatable sequence, and (3) clearing the system causes (module crash data and fired pretensioners) so the light stays off. Our walk-through uses the 2021 BMW G80 M3 as a clear, simple example—two quarter-turn fasteners, two 10 mm bolts, one connector—but we also call out what changes on Toyota, Nissan/Infiniti, Ford, GM, VW/Audi and others so you can adapt the process confidently.

Airbag light on after a crash? Start a MyAirbags Airbag Module Reset or Seat Belt Repair (repair-and-return)

Before you start: safety, tools, expectations

• Disconnect the battery (negative) and wait 5–10 minutes for residual energy to discharge before touching anySRS connector. NHTSA guidance notes restraints can remain active for minutes after a disconnect—build that time into your plan. 

• Never probe live SRS connectors. Yellow/orange plugs = SRS. De-power first. (Battery disconnect does not clear crash data in the module; that requires a proper reset.) 

• Tools you’ll likely need: plastic trim tool or flathead, 10 mm socket/ratchet; some non-BMWs add T20/T25/T30Torx and extra Phillips screws. A flashlight helps.

• New, OEM airbag only. Deployed airbags are replace-only (don’t ship live airbags). MyAirbags services the supporting components: SRS module reset and seat belt pretensioner/webbing repair. 

• Shipping note: Modules ship worldwide; seat belts are hazmat (ship to USA/Canada only) and must follow hazmat carrier rules

  Removal — 2021 BMW G80 M3 (knee airbag)

  The G80 is a great “first-timer” example:

  1. Power down: Disconnect the battery; wait several minutes. Slide the seat back for working room. 

  2. Free the knee panel: Rotate the two plastic quarter-turn clips counter-clockwise (upper-left, right). Ease the trim outward for access. 

  3. Unbolt the airbag: Remove the two 10 mm bolts (left/right). Support the unit as it drops so you don’t load the harness. 

  4. Disconnect the harness: Use a small flatblade to lift the connector lock, then pull the plug straight off—no twisting. Bag/label hardware. 

  Want an on-car visual first? The MyAirbags video shows the exact clip/bolt/connector locations on a G80 knee airbag.

   

How other makes & models differ (so you can adapt)

• Knee bolster first: Many Toyotas, Nissans/Infinitis, Fords and GMs hide the airbag behind a lower knee-bolster panel. Expect 2–6 screws along the bottom/side plus hidden tabs behind small caps—then the airbag bracket.

• Extra bracketry: Some trucks/SUVs add a steel support over the airbag (one or two more bolts).

• Passenger-side variants: Passenger knee units sometimes share hardware with the glovebox support—drop the box first to expose everything.

• Connector locks vary: Most SRS connectors have a secondary slider you must unlock before the plug will release. Don’t force it—open the slider, then pull.

• Torque specs & alignment: Always reinstall to the factory torque for your VIN and ensure the knee bag sits flush and square in its pocket (check your service info). (Official BMW service is in TIS; use the spec for your exact model.)

Installation — G80 M3 sequence (universal notes included)

1. Battery still disconnected. Inspect the new OEM knee airbag and the dash bracket.

2. Connector first: Make sure the secondary lock is open, push the plug fully home, close the lock until it clicks. 

3. Position & fasten: Hand-start both 10 mm bolts so you don’t cross-thread. Tighten evenly to the correct torque.

4. Refit trim: Seat the knee panel and turn the two clips clockwise to lock.

5. Power & scan: Reconnect the battery; key-on (don’t crank). If there was a crash, the module will still store crash data—you’ll need an SRS module reset and any pretensioners rebuilt for the light to stay off. 

Ready to clear the root causes? Start Airbag Module Reset

Case Study #1 — Fast knee-bag swap, light still on…until the system was fixed

A 2021 M3 arrived after a curb strike triggered the driver knee airbag and pretensioner. Physical replacement took minutes: two clips, two 10 mm bolts, one connector. The SRS light stayed on because crash data remained in the module. The shop shipped the module and belts to MyAirbags; the module was reset and pretensioners rebuilt, and the system cleared on the first scan—no coding chase, no second teardown

Why MyAirbags (and why “repair-and-return” saves time/money)

• SRS Module Reset: Reset your original control unit to factory condition—plug-and-play on return, typically with fast turnaround once received. Avoids coding headaches and mismatched used parts. 

• Seat Belt Pretensioner & Webbing Repair: Restore fired or damaged belts with OEM-grade components; optional color webbing is available and built to FMVSS standards. 

• Established, U.S.-based, since 2006: HQ in the Atlanta area with phone/chat support if you get stuck mid-job.

The MyAirbags process (so you only open the dash once)

1. Order online (Module Reset + any Seat Belt services). 

2. Pack and ship—modules can ship worldwide; seat belts (hazmat) ship to USA/Canada via approved carriers; include your order slip. 

3. Bench repair & test—your original parts are reset/rebuilt and verified. 

4. Reinstall & scan—bolt in, reconnect, verify no codes. (Pro tip: photograph each step so reassembly is a breeze.)

How it works? made simple for you!

Case Study #2 — Non-BMW crossover: more screws, same outcome

A 2019 crossover (passenger knee airbag) required removing a full knee-bolster panel (four Torx, two hidden caps) and a small steel bracket over the airbag. After replacing the OEM knee airbag, the shop sent both front belts and the module to MyAirbags. With the module reset and belts rebuilt, the SRS check passed immediately—no dealer coding, no “mystery” light a week later

FAQs

Does disconnecting the battery clear my airbag light?
No. Crash data persists in the module. Battery pulls may hide soft/pending codes, but the light returns until the module is properly reset.

Can I ship the knee airbag to MyAirbags for repair?
No—airbags are replace-only. MyAirbags repairs seat belts and resets SRS modules (repair-and-return).

What about safety after disconnecting the battery?
SRS components may remain active for several minutes post-disconnect. Wait the recommended time before unplugging connectors. 

How do I know if my pretensioners fired?
Belts that won’t retract, are stuck tight, or feel loose after a crash likely fired and need service; include them with your module so you only disassemble once. 

Where can I get help during the job?
MyAirbags has phone/chat support and removal videos (knee airbag, module, belts) if you get stuck.