Steering Wheel — Removal and Installation

Other Procedures Needed

• ELECT-12, Air Bag Warning Light Reset (air bag equipped cars only)

Tools

• Metric socket set
• T30 Torx socket (air bag cars only)
• 15/16″ or 24 mm socket

Removal

1. Disconnect the battery negative lead.

Non-air bag cars:

2. Remove the steering wheel horn pad by pulling firmly on the center pad. It will be tight.
   • For aftermarket wheels (e.g., Momo) with a center horn button: gently pry around the outside of the button with a small flat tip screwdriver or probe to dislodge it.
3. Disconnect the wire from the back of the horn pad.
4. Using a 15/16″ (24 mm) socket and ratchet, remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer.
5. Using a paint pen, nail polish, or other permanent marker, mark the orientation of the steering wheel to the splines on the end of the steering column shaft.
6. Pull the steering wheel straight off the end of the steering column.

Air bag equipped cars:

Warning: The air bag can be removed safely only after the battery has been disconnected for at least 30 minutes.

2. On the back side of the steering wheel, locate the two Torx head screws recessed into the back of the column. Using a T30 Torx socket, remove the screws.
3. Slide the air bag assembly off the front of the steering column. Disconnect the plug on the back of the air bag. Set the air bag aside face-up in a location where it cannot be damaged.
4. Using a 15/16″ (24 mm) socket and ratchet, remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer.
5. Mark the orientation of the steering wheel to the column splines.
6. Pull the steering wheel straight off the end of the steering column.

Installation

1. Slide the steering wheel onto the steering column, aligning the marks made during removal.

2. Install the wheel retaining nut and torque to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs).

3. Non-air bag cars: Attach the horn button wire to the horn pad and press the pad into place on the steering wheel.

4. Air bag equipped cars: Attach the wire to the back of the air bag. Slide the air bag into the steering wheel and install the two T30 Torx screws.

5. Air bag equipped cars: Standing outside the car, reach in and start the car. Verify whether the air bag warning light illuminates. If the light is on, perform the air bag warning light reset procedure (ELECT-12).

   Warning: When starting the vehicle after reinstalling an air bag, stand outside the car. Inadvertent air bag deployment during this step has been documented.