Steering Wheel Pad and Spiral Cable

INSPECTION ITEMS

Vehicles Not Involved In A Collision:

1. VEHICLES NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
a. Do a diagnostic system check.
b. With the steering wheel pad (with airbag) installed in the vehicle, do a visual check with includes the following items.
^ Check for cuts, minute cracks or marked discoloration of the steering wheel pad top surface and grooved portion.

Vehicles Involved In A Collision:

2. VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
a. Do a diagnostic system check.
b. Do a visual check.

IF AIRBAG IS NOT DEPLOYED
With the steering wheel pad removed from the vehicle, do a visual check with includes the following items.

^ Check for cuts and cracks in, or marked discoloration of, the steering wheel pad top surface and its grooved portion.
^ Check for cuts and cracks in wire harnesses, and for chipping in connectors.
^ Check for deformation of the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel.

HINT:
^ If the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is deformed, never repair it. Always replace the steering wheel assembly with a new one.
^ There should be no interference between the steering wheel pad and the steering wheel, and the clearance should be uniform all the way around when the new steering wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.

CAUTION: For removal and installation of the steering wheel pad, be sure to follow the correct procedure.

If The Airbag Is Deployed:

IF THE AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED
With the steering wheel pad removed from the vehicle, do a visual check with includes the following items.
^ Check for deformation of the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel.
^ Check for damage to the spiral cable connector and wire harness.

HINT:
^ If the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is deformed, never repair it. Always replace the steering wheel assembly with a new one.
^ There should be no interference between the steering wheel pad and the steering wheel, and the clearance should be uniform all the way around when the new steering wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.

CAUTION: For removal and installation of the steering wheel pad, see the Steering and Suspension.
Be sure to follow the correct procedure.

REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
In the following cases, replace the steering wheel pad, steering wheel or spiral cable.
^ If the airbag has been deployed.
^ If the steering wheel pad or spiral cable has been found to be faulty in troubleshooting.
^ If the steering wheel pad, steering wheel or spiral cable has been found to be faulty during the check in items 1-(b) or 2-(b).
^ If the steering wheel pad has been dropped.

CAUTION: For replacement of the steering wheel pad, be sure to follow the correct procedure.