Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

Removal

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generate combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.

WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

1. Center the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
3. Remove the driver air bag module.
4. Remove the horn blow switch.





5. Loosen the steering wheel retaining bolt.





6. Using the special tool, loosen the steering wheel.





7. Remove the steering wheel.
1 Remove the special tool.
2 Remove and discard the steering wheel retaining bolt.
3 Remove the steering wheel.

Installation





1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install a new steering wheel retaining bolt.
2. Prove out the air bag system.