Couldn't find the right information through a search, so thought I'd post a qu about this: my TL passenger airbag cover is warped noticeably. Is it possible to replace the airbag cover or does this require replacement of the whole airbag itself? Is it a DIY job if so?

Couldn't find the right information through a search, so thought I'd post a qu about this: my TL passenger airbag cover is warped noticeably. Is it possible to replace the airbag cover or does this require replacement of the whole airbag itself? Is it a DIY job if so?

As far as I know it's whole assembly and a common problem but maybe only in hotter climates. I had mine replaced under warranty although I was told mitsubishi were not doing that anymore and it warped again within 12 months.

One of my pet hates with this car(2005 TW). I never recall my TF Advance having this problem.

Crap quality and fit. Save your money, chances are it'll do it again.

the passenger side air bag facure is held to the air bag by 9 big head rivits

In the past ive just taken the assembly out and heat the corners with the heat gun then held them back while it cools down seems to work fine

In the past ive just taken the assembly out and heat the corners with the heat gun then held them back while it cools down seems to work fine

Please provide steps on its removal and installation. Ta.

Couldn't find the right information through a search, so thought I'd post a qu about this: my TL passenger airbag cover is warped noticeably. Is it possible to replace the airbag cover or does this require replacement of the whole airbag itself? Is it a DIY job if so?

I've got the same problem on my TL. Malcolm from Mitsfix tells me it's a really common problem!

Sounds like a replacement would just warp the same way after a while.

This problem has been covered on many other forums with no definitive answer apart from replacement which is very expensive. The problem seems to be that the plastic cover basically dries out due to the effects of sun exposure...the polymers etc that keep the plastic flexible evaporate and the plastic hardens and distorts (and puts a film on the windscreen). Some people say to keep the dash coated with Armour-all or similar products to prevent this problem which may be good advice - but not much good when it's already happened. Some others have said that if you could re-apply whatever has evaporated from the plastic it may re-soften...but you'd have to be an industrial chemist to figure out what to add. Others have injected superglue or 2 pack epoxy glues under the cover and then held it down till it held firm....others have sikaflexed around the side of the cover in an attempt to hold it down. Use of a heat gun may also work but once it cools it may then distort immediately.
Mine is starting to distort in one corner so all I've done is to buy a dash cover which at least keeps a bit of heat off the cover.
A Google search shows this to be a problem in all car makes from Ferrari to Moskovitch and is very common....no answers however.

Puts a film on the windscreen . . . . . reminds me of my TJ. New windscreen, the car isn't going anywhere, yet it fogs up in the hot weather. Have cleaned it twice, does the dash - or dashmat - create fumes i wonder?

I'd be very reluctant to use any kind of adhesive or make and modification of a saftey system that has to comply with ADRs. I've never had one deploy(hope i never do) and would not like to think something I had done prevented it from deploying correctly.
I spent 4 years in the heat of the NT and there are plenty of run of the mill cars which did not seem to warp like my Magna.

Please provide steps on its removal and installation. Ta.
Have a look in the manual its fair descriptive and has helpful pics
its pretty straight forward tho, disconnect the battery, open the glove box and look up towards the left and youll see a small rectangular cover just pry that open and undo the plug there, then remove the whole glove box surround then look up and youll see 2 bolts holding the whole assembly in just undo them and wiggle it out


I'd be very reluctant to use any kind of adhesive or make and modification of a saftey system that has to comply with ADRs. I've never had one deploy(hope i never do) and would not like to think something I had done prevented it from deploying correctly.
I spent 4 years in the heat of the NT and there are plenty of run of the mill cars which did not seem to warp like my Magna.
i wouldnt worry too much as the cover is a fair amount wider then the actual srs box.... and as the flap (cover) doesn't break open it just flips up means gluing the sides shouldnt be an issue but i dont see why youd bother when it can be heated back in place

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9779/airbagr.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9779/airbagr.jpg)

as you can see from the manual pic how much bigger the flap is... and you can figure from that why it actually pops out... as the ends can shrink outward due to the angle of it
there's plenty of room to add heat too and mold back.. just remember you dont want it dead flat as the dash has a curve to it already
its lucky there like this and made of a plastic backing rather then commodores as there flap is vynal wrapped over metal... and of course the vynal shrinks exposing the metal till it eventually falls off lol

Thanks to all who responded, and to mad lante for the information & pictures. I may give the heat treatment a go when I have a few hours up my sleeve.