Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

WARNING: Store a removed airbag assembly with the pad surface up. If the airbag is improperly stored face down, accidental deployment could propel the unit with enough force to cause serious injury. SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations, precautions, and procedure before performing repairs or service. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.

NOTE: Before removing the steering wheel, make sure the front wheels are straight ahead.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect both the negative cable and positive cable from the battery.
2. Remove the access panel from the steering wheel lower cover, then remove the short connector.
3. Disconnect the connector between the airbag and cable reel.





4. Connect the short connector to the airbag 3P connector.








5. Remove the Torx bolts using a Torx T30 bit, then remove the driver's airbag assembly.





7. Disconnect the connectors from the horn and cruise control set/resume switches, then remove the cable reel 3P connector from its clips.





8. Remove the steering wheel nut.
9. Remove the steering wheel by rocking it slightly from side-to-side as you pull steadily with both hands.

CAUTION: If an intact driver's airbag assembly has been removed from a scrapped vehicle or has been found defective or damaged during transit, storage or service, it should be deployed. Carefully inspect the driver's airbag assembly before installing. Do not install an driver's airbag assembly that shows signs of being dropped or improperly handled, such as dents, cracks or deformation. Always keep the short connector on the airbag 3P connector when the harness is disconnected. Do not disassemble or tamper with the driver's airbag assembly. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.

NOTE: Before installing the steering wheel, make sure the front wheels are straight ahead.








INSTALLATION

WARNING: Be sure to install the harness wires so that they are not pinched or interfering with other car parts. Do not replace the original steering wheel with any other design, since it will make it impossible to properly install the airbag. (Use only genuine Acura replacement parts.) After reassembly, confirm that the wheels are still straight ahead and that steering wheel spoke angle is correct. If minor spoke angle adjustment is necessary, adjust the tie-rods only. Do not remove and reposition the steering wheel. Confirm that the driver's airbag assembly is securely attached to the steering wheel; otherwise, severe personal injury could result during later airbag deployment.






1. Before installing the steering wheel, center the cable reel. Do this by first rotating the cable reel clockwise until it stops. Then rotate it counterclockwise (approximately two turns) until:
a. The yellow gear tooth lines up with the mark on the cover.
b. The arrow on the cable reel label points straight up.






2. Install the steering wheel.

NOTE: Be sure the steering wheel shaft engages the cable reel.






3. Attach the cruise control set/resume switches 4P connector to the steering wheel clips.
4. Connect the horn connector.






5. Install the airbag assembly with new Torx bolts.






6. Disconnect the short connector from the airbag 3P connector.
7. Connect the airbag 3P connector and cable reel 3P connector.
8. Attach the short connector to the access panel, then install the access panel on the steering wheel lower cover.
9. Connect the battery positive terminal, and then connect the negative terminal.
10. After installing the airbag assembly, confirm proper system operation:
a. Turn the ignition to on position; the instrument panel SRS indicator light should come on for about six seconds and then go off.
b. Confirm operation of horn buttons.
c. Confirm operation of cruise control set/resume switch.






d. Turn the steering wheel counterclockwise and make sure the yellow gear tooth still lines up with the alignment mark.