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Question posted by Hotrodlen on September 11th, 2012

Steering Wheel Removal And Replacement With Identical Unit. How Do I Remove It?

I am replacing my steering wheel with an identical unit that is in better shape.( Better leather ) The air bag was not hurt. The exchange is just for cosmetic purposes. How do I remove the horn and airbag cover to get to the bolt on the shaft. I don't see any screws or bolts on the wheel itself. ( except the two small screws on each side of the wheel. ( behind small round plastic covers) After I figure out how to change it does the air bag need to be reset since it didn't deploy? I have change steering wheels on many cars just can't see how this on comes apart. Thank you for your time.

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Answer #1: Posted by roadrunnertim on September 11th, 2012 10:45 PM

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roadrunnertim

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First, disconnect the negative battery cable and pull the air bag fuse. Make sure you wait at least 10 minutes before trying to remove the air bag. Also, watch out for static electricity. Very easy to set off the air bag, so be sure to avoid any electric charge when you do it.

The air bag is removed by taking out those two screws behind the steering wheel. I think they are hex bolts, so you will need a set of hex bolt wrenches to do that. Remove them while you are off to the side of the air bag. Do not sit in the seat and remove them while facing the air bag! If it goes off, you can get a serious injury if you're too close to it.

There should be a wire coming out of the air bag. It's connected by a couple of clips. Remove the clips and then put the air bag off to one side, away from anyone nearby. The rest is pretty basic, if you've removed a steering wheel before. Remove the large nut on the center of the steering column shaft and then use a steering wheel puller to remove the wheel. Line up the new steering wheel and tighten it down with the nut.

Installation of the air bag is the opposite of removal. Just be sure to put the air bag fuse back in place and reconnect the negative battery cable.

I don't think you will need to reset the air bag. If the light doesn't come on, you should be okay.

Related Manual Pages

Warranty Guide 1st Printing - Page 6

... corrosion depends on your vehicle's safety belts and air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) against defects in factory-supplied materials or workmanship. Items or conditions that are not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty are described on your vehicle, the dealer will repair, replace or adjust all parts on the type of usage...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 75

...remove the key. Release the key once the engine starts so that allows you to make sure they work before you do not damage the starter. If the driver's door is open while the key is started and remains in P (Park) to move the steering wheel...to shut off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel or the automatic transmission gearshift lever. The START position also ...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 82

Speed Control (If equipped) The speed control switches on the steering wheel To Turn Speed Control Off u Press OFF OR u Turn off , the previously programmed set speed. If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle ...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 116

... be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in the event of personal injury in a collision be replaced. The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is primarily designed to do so may increase the risk of a collision. 114 Safety Belt Maintenance Check the safety belt systems...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 117

... and Air Bags NOTE: For additional important safety information on or near the air bag covers that it could seriously injure you to an inflating air bag, it is as far back from the steering wheel as ... RWARNING Do not attempt to follow these instructions may come into contact with an inflating air bag. RWARNING Do not place objects or mount equipment on the proper use of seat belts...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 119

... wiring which include the inflators and air bags), u one -time-only basis. The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists of: u driver and passenger air bag modules (which connects the components. If the air bag is not required. 117 NOTE: Routine maintenance of the system. The system is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY.

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 141

... the engine, then try again. u At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If the engine does not start in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding. Allow the key to return to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 176

... seconds, then turn on the hazard flashers. Changing a Tire If you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you do not see or smell fuel, do not apply the brake heavily. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly move to the ON position for emergency use only. Check under the vehicle...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 184

... head screwdriver. If you do, you may now be removed from the wheel, remove the five screws, using the tapered end of the jack handle. Then pull the wheel cover off the wheel. 2. Do not use a screwdriver or any other tool. Center Wheel Cover To remove the wheel cover: 1. The center attachment wheel cover 183 Pry the center ornament from the vehicle by...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 283

... restraints ...child safety belts ...child safety seats ...Child safety seats ...and air bags ...automatic locking mode (retractor) ...in front seat ...in rear outboard seat ...in rear seat ...tether anchorage hardware ...Chime key in ignition ...safety belt ...Circuit breakers checking and replacing ...see Electronic sound system) ...Chains, tires ...Changing a tire ...Charging system warning...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 295

... ...extension assembly ...for adults ...for children...for infants ...118, for pregnant women...head ...lap and shoulder belts ...103, maintenance ...proper use ...replacement ...warning light and chime...Safety seats for children ...and air bags ...automatic locking mode (retractor) ...107, in center seating positions ...in front seat ...in rear outboard ...120, in rear seat ...Seat...

Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 297

Steering wheel horn ...locking ...tilting ...Storage compartments, center console Storing your vehicle ...Sunroof (moon roof) ...Supplemental air bag readiness light Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ... ... ... ... 78 72 79 91 250 . 84 . 13 114 T Tachometer ...Tail lamps bulb replacement ...cleaning ...Temperature control (see Climate control) Tilt steering wheel...Tires ...changing ......

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 17

... adjust air pressure. 9,000 MILES (15,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. Severe Duty Schedule 17 u Replace rear axle lubricant. 6,000 MILES (10,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Replace rear axle lubricant. 12,000 MILES (20,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Replace rear...

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 18

... engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps; u Rotate tires and adjust air pressure. 18,000 MILES (30,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Lubricate steering linkage. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Change automatic transmission fluid. 18 Severe Duty Schedule u Replace rear axle lubricant. 21,000 MILES (35,000 Kilometers) u Change...

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 19

... filter. and check coolant strength every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) or 12 months. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Lubricate steering linkage. u Replace rear axle lubricant. 30,000 MILES (50,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Replace air cleaner filter. u Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps; 24,000 MILES (40,000 Kilometers...

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 21

... strength every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) or 12 months. u Lubricate steering linkage. Thereafter, change engine coolant every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 36 months. u Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps; u Rotate tires and adjust air pressure. u Replace rear axle lubricant. 45,000 MILES (75,000 Kilometers) u Change engine...

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 24

u Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps; u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Lubricate steering linkage. 78,000 MILES (130,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Change engine coolant every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 36 months. u Rotate tires and adjust air pressure. 24 Severe Duty Schedule 72,000 MILES (120,000...

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 25

... u Change automatic transmission fluid. 87,000 MILES (145,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Replace rear axle lubricant. 84,000 MILES (140,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Replace rear axle lubricant. Severe Duty Schedule 25 u Inspect accessory drive belt(s). (3.8L only) u Replace air cleaner filter.

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 26

u Inspect front and rear brakes. (1) u Lubricate steering linkage. 93,000 MILES (155,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Inspect exhaust heat shield(s). u Replace rear axle lubricant. and check coolant strength every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) or 12 months. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Replace rear axle lubricant. 96,000 MILES (160,000...

Scheduled Maintenance Guide 1st Printing - Page 29

...; 114,000 MILES (190,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. Severe Duty Schedule 29 u Replace air cleaner filter. u Replace rear axle lubricant. u Replace rear axle lubricant. 120,000 MILES (200,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil and replace oil filter. u Rotate tires and adjust air pressure. 117,000 MILES (195,000 Kilometers) u Change engine oil...