Steering wheel

* These models are equipped with an airbag. The airbag may deploy (inflate) at any time while it is connected to the battery. To prevent accidental deployment (and injury), turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and disconnect the negative battery cable before working on the airbag. After disconnecting the battery, wait at least two minutes before starting work (the airbag module has a capacitor unit that must fully discharge). For additional information, refer to the chapter on vehicle electrical equipment.

Removal

PROCEDURE
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position, then disconnect the negative battery cable. If the vehicle is equipped with an airbag, wait at least two minutes before continuing.

* Place the airbag with the face side up.

2. To access the airbag mounting screws, remove the column covers on both sides of the steering column.

3. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels point exactly straight ahead, then remove the small covers (if equipped) on both sides of the steering wheel and remove the T30 Torx screws securing the airbag to the steering wheel.

4. Loosen the screws until the collar around each screw seats in its recess (1 – Torx screw, 2 – screw recess). Note that on some models there are two screws on the left side and only one screw on the right side.

5. Remove the airbag from the steering wheel.

6. Lift the locking tab of the airbag connector and disconnect it.

* Place the airbag with the face side up.

7. Disconnect the cruise control connector (if equipped).

8. Remove the steering wheel nut (indicated by arrows) and mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering column shaft (if no marks have been made or if they do not align) to simplify installation of the steering wheel.

9. Using a puller, remove the steering wheel from the steering column shaft. If the steering wheel does not come off the steering column shaft, use a removal tool.

Installation

PROCEDURE

1. Check that the front wheels are pointing exactly straight ahead. Turn the spiral cable counterclockwise by hand until it becomes noticeably resistant. Turn the cable clockwise three turns and align the two red index marks (the cable will rotate approximately three turns to the right or left of center).
2. To install the steering wheel, align the mark on the steering wheel with the mark on the steering column shaft and install the steering wheel onto the shaft. Install the mounting nut and tighten it to the specified torque (refer to Subsection 10.1).
3. Connect the cruise control wiring connector.
4. Connect the airbag wiring connector and lower the locking tab.

5. Check that the airbag connector is positioned correctly and that the wires do not interfere with anything (1 – connector, 2 – airbag wires). Then install the airbag and tighten the mounting screws with Torx sockets to the specified torque (refer to Subsection 10.1).
6. Connect the negative battery cable.