Attention! Cars are equipped with security systems (SRS), including airbags and seat belt tensioners. Before carrying out work near the shock sensors, the instrument panel and the steering column, first disconnect the negative and then the positive terminals from the battery and wait 2 minutes. This will prevent unauthorized deployment of the airbags and deployment of the seat belt pretensioners, which could cause injury.
Remove the steering wheel as follows:
Turn off the ignition, disconnect the wire «masses» from the battery and wait 2 minutes before carrying out further work.
Set the wheels to drive straight.
On 1996 and 1997 models, release the clips on the sides and remove the center trim from the steering wheel.
Pic. 13.1. Loosening the screw securing the airbag to the steering wheel
On models since 1998, loosen the screws that secure the airbag to the steering wheel and are located on the sides at the back of the steering wheel (pic. 13.1).
Loosen each screw until the tab on the screw comes out of the casing.
Pic. 13.2. Disconnecting the airbag electrical connector on models from 1998
Tilt back airbag (pic. 13.2), disconnect the electrical connector and remove the airbag.
Place the pillow in a safe place with the bag up.
Pic. 13.3. Location of electrical connectors for horn and cruise control switch
Disconnect the horn electrical connector and, if equipped, from the cruise control switch (pic. 13.3).
Turn out a nut of fastening of a steering wheel.
Use chalk, marker or paint to mark the alignment on the steering wheel and the end of the steering shaft. Tags are necessary to reinstall the steering wheel in its original position.
Pic. 13.4. Using a steering wheel puller
With a puller, remove the steering wheel from the shaft (pic. 13.4).
Attention! Do not knock on the shaft or steering wheel when removing the steering wheel. Also, do not turn the steering shaft with the steering wheel removed, otherwise the airbag coil wire will be centered and may be broken when the steering wheel is installed.
Pic. 13.5. Clamp Location (1) attaching the coiled airbag wire on models from 2001
If it is necessary to remove the coiled airbag wire, disconnect the electrical connector, then remove the 4 screws (on models up to 2001) or release 3 clips (on models since 2001) and separate it from the combination switch (pic. 13.5).
Install the steering wheel as follows:
Make sure the front wheels are set to drive straight ahead, then center the airbag coil wire.
Pic. 13.6. Label Alignment (1) when centering the coiled airbag wire
Turn the coiled wire bushing counterclockwise until it stops, but do not apply too much force, as the wire may be broken. Turn the coiled wire bushing clockwise 2.5 turns and align the marks shown in fig. 13.6.
Establish a steering wheel, having combined labels put before removal. Secure the steering wheel with the nut, tightening it to the torque given in the technical data.
Connect the electrical connector for the horn and, if equipped, the cruise control switch (see fig. 13.3).
Connect the airbag electrical connector. Check that the airbag electrical connector is correctly placed and the wires are loose, then install the airbag on the steering wheel and fix it with screws.
Connect wire «masses» to the battery.