Crack in airbag dash

[Sweersa]

My Ranger has always had a crack a few inches long from the top and goes down vertically in the center of my passenger side airbag dash cover.

It appears to be spreading slowly, I am guessing there is a groove on the other side to make the panel split easier in the event the bag is deployed and it is splitting along the groove.

Can I replace the cover dash without replacing the entire airbag? I also thought about drilling out the end of the crack to prevent it from spreading and using a filler then paint or something, but the idea of drilling by an airbag seems dangerous. (or deadly)

Any help or tips would be appreciated, my interior is nearly perfect besides this.

 

[Ryannn]

Just Keep a Helmet handy in the truck for youre passenger, he doesnt need an airbag.

 

[basilfaulty]

I wouldn't mess with it. It isn't recommended to paint them or alter them in any way. I certainly wouldn't drill into it. I'm not familiar with your setup to see if the dash cover can be replaced without replacing the bag.

 

[adsm08]

I'm pretty sure the cover is part of the air bag. Don't paint it, and certainly don't drill it. Keep in mind, that is a dynamite charge in there. A small one, but you would still be, literally, playing with dynamite.

 

[Fargo Wolf]

I wouldn't mess with it. Take it to a reputable mechanic, so that they can replace the cover for you.

 

[Sweersa]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think taking it somewhere to be fixed would be the best (and safest) option. I can afford it if it means staying safe, even if it is a Ford dealership.