Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

WARNING:
- DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
- ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG COMPONENTS.

REMOVAL
1. Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are in the straight ahead position then:
- Rotate the steering wheel half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise)
- Lock column with the ignition cylinder lock
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Remove the speed control switches and disconnect the wire connectors or covers.
4. Remove the Driver Airbag Module attaching bolts from the back of steering wheel.
5. Lift module and disconnect the airbag and horn wire connectors.
6. Remove steering wheel retaining nut.
7. Remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller. While removing the steering wheel take care to feed the wires gently through the holes in the clockspring armature.

INSTALLATION
1. Confirm that:
- The steering wheel position is a half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise)
- The column is locked with the ignition cylinder lock.
- Check that the turn signal stalk is in the neutral position
2. Install the steering wheel ensuring the flats on hub align with the clockspring. Pull the horn lead, airbag and speed control leads through the larger slot. Ensure leads do not get pinched under the steering wheel.
3. Install the steering wheel retaining nut, and tighten it to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
4. Install the airbag module. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags/Driver Air-bag Module Replacement procedures.
5. Do not connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System Test procedures.