Removing and Installing

Removing

WARNING!
- For all service procedures that may involve the airbag system, follow the appropriate safety precautions, for more information refer to "Air Bag Systems".
- Always disconnect the airbag voltage supply connector before working on any airbag or steering column component. Disconnecting the battery ground strap alone will not prevent accidental airbag release.
- Before servicing any part of the electrical system, always disconnect the battery ground strap.

- Disconnect battery ground strap.
- Bring wheels into straight-ahead position to ensure spiral spring in steering wheel will not be damaged.
- Disconnect airbag voltage supply connector (arrow), located on passenger side, above electronic control box.





- Remove airbag unit from left and right sides of steering wheel with Torx T30 tool (Snap-On FTX30A or equivalent).





- Tilt airbag unit down.





- Remove airbag unit connector safety clamp (arrow -A-).
- Remove airbag unit connector (arrow -B-) and remove airbag unit.
- Pivot steering column length adjustment lever down, and pry securing spring clip off with small screwdriver.
- Remove lever.





- Loosen socket-head bolt.
- Remove tilt adjustment lever.





- Remove steering column trim screws (arrows).





- Remove upper steering column trim.
- Unclip airbag unit connector (arrow) from housing and disconnect.





Ensure steering wheel is in straight-ahead position.
- Remove steering wheel nut and remove steering wheel.

NOTE: Beginning in August 1991, a different style of screw is used for the steering column switch clamp.

Up to August, 1991
- Loosen steering column switch clamp.





- Disconnect steering column switch connectors.
- Remove steering column switch assembly with lower trim.
- Unclip housing from instrument panel and remove.

From August, 1991
- Using a 4 mm hex wrench, loosen hexagonal screw, being careful not to scratch trim cover.





- Disconnect steering column switch connectors.
- Remove steering column switches with lower trim.
- Unclip housing from instrument panel and remove.

Installing

CAUTION!
Before installing the steering wheel ensure that the wheels are in the straight-ahead position. (This ensures that the spiral spring will not be damaged.)

Install in reverse order of removal, noting the following:
- Tightening torque for steering wheel: 40 Nm (30 ft lb)

- Tightening torque for hex screw (steering column switch clamp, after August 1991): 2.5 Nm (22 in lb)
- Before installing upper part of steering column switch, reconnect airbag unit connector (arrow) and clip into housing.





- Start airbag unit mounting screws by hand.
- Tighten right mounting screw, then left.
Tightening torque: 6 Nm (53 in lb) each

WARNING!
There must be no one within the operating range of the airbag when reconnecting the battery ground strap.