A. Steering Wheel Inspection

1. Place the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.

2. With the ignition switch in the OFF position, disconnect the negative battery cable and wait two (2) minutes for the Airbag Electronic Control Module (AECM) reserve capacitor to discharge.

NOTE:
To enhance customer satisfaction, remember to record all radio settings before disconnecting the battery and to reset all electronic memory (clock, radio settings, etc.) when you have completed the service procedure.

3. Remove the four (4) airbag retaining nuts from the backside of the steering wheel and pull the airbag away from the steering wheel far enough to expose the wiring connectors underneath the air bag.

4. Disconnect the airbag clockspring squib connector and set the air bag aside.

5. Remove and discard the steering wheel retaining nut.





6. Inspect the steering wheel armature hub area for cracks as shown in Figure 1.

^ If no cracks are found, an anti-separation plate must be installed. Continue with Section B - Anti-Separation Plate Installation.

^ If many cracks are found around the armature hub area, replace the steering wheel with the steering wheel listed in the Parts Information section.

Continue with Section C - Steering Wheel Replacement.

NOTE:
The anti-separation plate is not required if the steering wheel is replaced.