Steering wheel — removal and installation
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag(s), which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Removal
1. Turn the ignition key to Off, then disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Turn the steering so that the wheels are pointing straight ahead. Pry off the small covers on either side of the steering wheel (see illustrations). On 2012 and later models, also remove the small cover from beneath the steering wheel.
16.2 Pry off the small covers on both sides of the steering wheel …
3. On 2011 and earlier models, loosen the Torn screws that attach the airbag module to the steering wheel (see illustration). Loosen each screw until the groove in the circumference of the screw catches on the screw case.
Note: The screws do not need to be removed completely.
16.3 … then loosen the airbag module Torn screw from each side
4. On 2012 and later models, insert a screwdriver into each cover opening and disengage the torsion spring from each of the three pins that secure the airbag module to the steering wheel.
5. Pull the airbag module off the steering wheel and disconnect the module electrical connectors (see illustrations). Warning: Carry the airbag module with the trim side facing away from you and set it down in an
isolated area with the trim side facing up.
16.5a Remove the airbag module …
16.5b … pry up the locks for the module electrical connectors, then unplug the electrical connectors
6. Unplug the electrical connector for the horn and cruise control system (see illustration).
16.6 Unplug the electrical connector for the horn and cruise control
7. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut, then mark the relationship of the steering shaft to the hub (if marks don’t already exist or don’t line up) to simplify installation and ensure steering wheel alignment.
8. Use a puller to disconnect the steering wheel from the shaft (see illustration).
Cau tion: Don’t hammer on the shaft in an attempt to remove the wheel. If it’s necessary to remove the spiral cable, remove the steering column covers (see Body), unplug the electrical connector and disengage the three claws, then remove it from the column.
16.8 Use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel
Installation
9. Make sure that the front wheels are fac- in straight ahead. Turn the spiral cable counterclockwise by hand until it becomes harder to turn the cable. Rotate the cable clockwise about two and a half turns and align the two pointers (see illustration).
16.9 To center the spiral cable, turn the cable counterclockwise until it’s harder to turn, rotate the cable clockwise two and a half turns and align the two red marks (the cable should be able to rotate about two and a half turns in either direction when it’s properly centered)
10. To install the wheel, align the mark on the steering wheel hub with the mark on the shaft and slip the wheel onto the shaft. Install the nut and tighten it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
11. Plug in the horn and cruise control connector.
12. Plug in the electrical connectors for the airbag module. Make sure the connector locks are pushed back into position.
13. Install the airbag module and tighten the Torn retaining screws to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
14. Connect the negative battery cable