Attention! Vehicles are equipped with safety systems (SRS), including airbags and seat belt tensioners. Before working near the impact sensors, instrument panel, and steering column, disconnect the negative and then positive terminals from the battery and wait 2 minutes. This will prevent unauthorized deployment of the airbags and seat belt pretensioners, which could cause injury.
Remove the steering wheel as follows:
Turn off the ignition, disconnect the ground wire from the battery and wait 2 minutes before performing further work.
Set the wheels to move straight ahead.
On 1996 and 1997 models, release the clips on the sides and remove the center trim from the steering wheel.
Figure 13.1. Loosening the screw securing the airbag to the steering wheel
On 1998 and later models, loosen the screws that secure the airbag to the steering wheel, located on the sides at the rear of the steering wheel (figure 13.1).
Loosen each screw until the tab on the screw comes out of the housing.
Figure 13.2. Disconnecting the airbag electrical connector on 1998 and later models
Tilt the airbag back (figure 13.2), disconnect the electrical connector and remove the airbag.
Place the pillow in a safe place with the bag facing up.
Figure 13.3. Location of electrical connectors for the horn and cruise control switch
Disconnect the electrical connector from the horn and, if applicable, from the cruise control switch (figure 13.3).
Remove the steering wheel mounting nut.
Using chalk, marker, or paint, make alignment marks on the steering wheel and the end of the steering shaft. Marks are necessary to reinstall the steering wheel to its original position.
Figure 13.4. Using a puller to remove the steering wheel
Use a puller to remove the steering wheel from the shaft (figure 13.4).
Caution: Do not knock on the shaft or steering wheel when removing the steering wheel. Also, do not turn the steering shaft while the steering wheel is removed, as this will cause the airbag coil wire to become misaligned and may break when the steering wheel is installed.
Figure 13.5. Location of the airbag coil wire retaining clips (1) on 2001 and later models
If it is necessary to remove the airbag coil wire, disconnect the electrical connector, then remove the 4 screws (on models before 2001) or release 3 clamps (on models since 2001) and separate it from the combination switch (figure 13.5).
Install the steering wheel as follows:
Make sure the front wheels are positioned straight ahead, then center the airbag coil wire.
Figure 13.6. Alignment of marks (1) when centering the airbag coil wire
Turn the spiral wire sleeve counterclockwise until it stops, but do not apply too much force, as the wire may break. Turn the spiral wire sleeve clockwise 2.5 turns and align the marks shown in the figure 13.6.
Install the steering wheel, aligning the marks made before removal. Secure the steering wheel with the nut, tightening it to the torque specified in the technical data.
Connect the electrical connector for the horn and, if equipped, the cruise control switch (see Figure 13.3).
Connect the airbag electrical connector. Check that the airbag electrical connector is properly positioned and the wires are clear, then install the airbag on the steering wheel and secure it with screws.
Connect the ground wire to the battery.