if you do remove the airbag---> DO NOT unplug any 'yellow' harness or plug with the ignition turned on (likewise if you turn the ignition on after you unplug a 'yellow' plug, you will be sorry, you must first get all 'yellow' plugs back into place before the ignition is replugged)

you can reach a lot of behind the airbag if you remove your glove box and some of the plastic air conditioning boxes behind it. maybe try removing the glove box first...