Steering Wheel: Service and Repair
WARNING:- Never attempt to disassemble or repair the air bag modules or clock spring. If faulty, replace it.
- Do not drop the air bag modules or clock spring or allow contact with water, grease or oil Replace it if a dent', crack, deformation or rust is detected.
- The air bag modules should be stored on a flat surface and placed so that the pad surface is facing upward. Do not place anything on top of it.
- Do not expose the air bag modules to temperatures over 93 °C (200 °F).
- After deployment of an air bag, replace the clock spring with a new one.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling air bags that have already deployed.
- An undeployed air bag module should only be disposed of in accordance with the procedures.
Pre-Removal Operation
After setting the steering wheel and the front wheels to the straight ahead position, remove the ignition key.
REMOVAL
1. Negative (-) Battery Cable Disconnection
DANGER: Wait at least 60 seconds after disconnecting the battery cable before doing any further work.
Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery and tape the terminal to prevent accidental connection and air bag(s) deployment.
2. Air Bag Module Removal.
NOTE: Do not remove the screws from the holders.
a. Remove the air bag module mounting screws (TORX(R) screws) at the sides of the steering wheel.
WARNING: The removed air bag module should be stored in a clean, dry place with the pad cover face up.
CAUTION: When disconnecting the air bag module-to-clock spring connector, take care not to apply excessive force to it.
b. When disconnecting the connector of the clock spring from the air bag module, press the air bag's lock toward the outer side to spread it open. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to pry gently to remove the connector.
3. Steering Wheel Removal.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on the steering wheel. Doing so may damage the collapsible column mechanism.
4. Clock Spring Removal
- Remove Column Cover Lower.
WARNING: The removed clock spring should be stored in a clean, dry place.
INSTALLATION
To install reverse the removal steps and note the following.
Pre-installation Inspection
WARNING: Dispose of air bag modules only according to the specified procedure.
1. When installing the new air bag modules refer to INSPECTION.
2. Connect the negative (-) battery cable.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the scan tool MB991502, make sure the ignition switch is "OFF" before connecting or disconnecting the scan tool MB991502.
3. Connect scan tool MB991502 to the data link connector.
4. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position.
5. Conduct diagnostic test using scan tool MB991502 to ensure entire SRS operates properly.
DANGER: Wait at least 60 seconds after disconnecting the battery cable before doing any further work.
6. Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable and tape the terminal to prevent accidental connection and air bags deployment.
Airbag Module Installation
1. Connect the air bag module connector securely.
2. Tighten the air bag module mounting screws to 8.8 N.m (78 in-lb)
Steering Wheel Installation
CAUTION: When installing the steering wheel, ensure that the harness of the clock spring does not become caught or tangled.
1. Before installing the steering wheel, turn the vehicle's front wheels to the straight-ahead position and align the mating marks of the clock spring.
2. After securing the steering wheel, turn the steering wheel all the way in both directions to confirm that the steering wheel rotation is normal.
Clock Spring Installation
WARNING: Ensure that the clock spring's mating marks are properly aligned. If not, the steering wheel may not rotate completely during a turn, or the flat cable in the clock spring could be damaged. This would prevent normal SRS operation and possibly cause serious injury to the driver.
Align the mating marks of the clock spring. Turn the front wheels to the straight-ahead position. Then install the clock spring to the column switch.
Mating Mark Alignment
Turn the clock spring clockwise fully. Then turn it back approximately 3.5 turns counterclockwise to align the mating marks.
Post-installation Inspection
1. Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
2. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position.
3. Does the "SRS" warning light illuminate for approximately seven seconds, and then remain off for at least five seconds after turning "OFF"?
4. If yes, the SRS system is functioning properly. If no, refer to Diagnosis.