Steering wheel — removal and installation
Warning: These models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag(s), which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Warning: Do not use a memory saving device to preserve the PCM or radio memory when working on or near airbag system components.
Removal
1. Turn the ignition key to Off, then disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems). Wait at least two minutes before proceeding.
2. Turn the steering wheel so the wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Use a small screwdriver to release the trim cover from around the cruise control switch (see illustration).
i. 3 Pry this trim covers off to gain access to the airbag module right-side locking claw
4. A T30H Torx bit screwdriver is the rightsized needed to push in the three torsion spring retainers out of the way to release the airbag from the steering wheel (see illustration).
i. 4 Use the Torx bit screwdriver to dislodge the three retaining springs. One from the lower steering column cover area, one on the opposite side, and one at the 6 o’clock position of the steering wheel.
5. Pull the airbag module off the steering wheel, disengage the safety connector lock, then disconnect the main electrical connectors (see illustrations). Set the airbag module in a safe and isolated area.
i. 5a Lift the airbag module off the steering wheel («A» shows the posts that engage with the retaining springs)…
i. 5b… disengage the safety connector locks by pulling them up slightly with a small screwdriver, then unplug the airbag electrical connectors
Warning: Carry the airbag module with the trim side facing away from you, and set the airbag module down with the trim side facing up. Don’t place anything on top of the airbag module.
6. Unplug the electrical connector for the horn and, if equipped, the cruise control switch (see illustration).
i. 6 Unplug the electrical connectors for the horn and cruise control switches
7. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut, then mark the relationship of the steering shaft to the hub (if marks don’t already exist or don’t line up) to simplify installation and ensure steering wheel alignment (see illustration).
i. 7 After removing the steering wheel nut, mark the relationship of the steering wheel to the shaft before removing the wheel
8. Use a puller to disconnect the steering wheel from the shaft (see illustration).
i. 8 Use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel from the steering shaft
Warning: Do not hammer on the shaft or the puller in an attempt to loosen the wheel from the shaft. Also, don’t allow the steering shaft to turn with the steering wheel removed. If the
shaft turns, the airbag spiral cable will become uncentered, which may cause the wire inside to break when the vehicle is returned to service. 9 Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to torque all fasteners to the proper specifications listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Spiral cable (clock spring) removal
10. Remove the steering wheel, if not already done.
11. Remove the steering column upper and lower covers (see Body).
12. Apply a small piece of tape to the spiral cable housing to keep it from turning once it has been removed from the steering column (see illustration).
i. 12 Add a bit of duct tape to keep the spiral cable from rotating once it has been removed
13. Disconnect the electrical connection to the spiral cable (see illustration).
i. 13 Spiral cable electrical connector
14. Gently pry the claw-type clips away from the multi-function switch to release the spiral cable sub-assembly. There are three claws like clips holding it in place (see illustrations).
i. 14a the arrow shows the upper claw- type clip retaining the spiral cable sub-assembly
Note: The spiral cable (clock spring) can be removed separately from the multi-function switch or as one entire component.
Installation
Note: If for any reason you are unsure that your tape has held the spiral cable in the correct orientation, follow the next step to ensure it has been installed correctly.
Warning: Do NOT force the spiral cable to turn. It should gently turn in both directions. If it fails to turn, replace the unit.
15. Make sure that the front wheels are facing straight ahead, then center the spiral cable. Depress the interlock in the center of the spiral cable and turn the spiral cable counterclockwise by hand until it stops (but don’t force it, as the cable could break). Rotate the spiral cable clockwise about 2-1/2 turns and align the two pointers shaped like arrowheads so they are pointed directly at each other.
Note: When the unit is properly centered and the marks are aligned, the yellow roller will be visible in the window.
16. Snap the spiral cable into place on the multi-function switch.
17. Reconnect the spiral cable electrical connections.
18. Reinstall the steering wheel covers.
19. Install the steering wheel by aligning the mark on the steering wheel hub with the mark on the shaft and slip the wheel onto the shaft. Install the nut and tighten it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
20. Plug in the cruise control and horn connectors.
21. Plug in the electrical connectors for the airbag module and push the yellow safety locks down to secure the airbag connections to the airbag.
22. Make sure the airbag module electrical wiring is positioned so that it does not interfere with installing the airbag onto the steering wheel, then push the airbag into the retaining springs in the steering wheel. It should snap into place and not be able to be removed again (unless you release the retaining springs).
23. Connect the negative battery cable, start vehicle and watch the airbag light. The light should remain on for no more than 5 seconds and go off. With the light off, the airbag system is functioning normally.