Removing steering wheel with AIRBAG?
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,594
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Removing steering wheel with AIRBAG?
How do you remove a steering wheel with an AIRBAG? I do not want the damn thing to blow up in my face, and I'd rather not damage it. Has anyone done this?
91 vert
91 vert
Thread Starter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
After looking through alot of old posts, I cannot seem to find any info on removing a steering wheel with airbag. I found some info on non airbag models that said to just yank on the mother f'er untill she comes loose. Is this the correct procedure? And what adapter do I need? Is this info in the service manual?
My opinion on airbags has changed after reading all of the horor stories on here. So I am getting rid of mine; anyone want to buy it (cheap)?
My opinion on airbags has changed after reading all of the horor stories on here. So I am getting rid of mine; anyone want to buy it (cheap)?
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 25,896
Likes: 24
From: Rohnert Park CA
Disconnect the battery for at least 10-15 minutes and leave it disconnected.
After that you should be able to unplug the airbag connector at the base of the steering column. You can then remove the steering wheel cover and airbag assembly.
DO NOT GROUND ANY WIRE WHILE REMOVING THE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY from the steering column. Although the trigger for the ignitor circuit is in the airbag CPU, if you ground a wire while dis-assembly it can set an error code on reconnection.
Since Mazda used Ford Airbag CPUs in the RX-7 and Miata, the Ford AB CPU has this lame tendency to blow an internal fuse in the airbag CPU if there is an error code, requiring to repair or replace the AB CPU.
After that you should be able to unplug the airbag connector at the base of the steering column. You can then remove the steering wheel cover and airbag assembly.
DO NOT GROUND ANY WIRE WHILE REMOVING THE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY from the steering column. Although the trigger for the ignitor circuit is in the airbag CPU, if you ground a wire while dis-assembly it can set an error code on reconnection.
Since Mazda used Ford Airbag CPUs in the RX-7 and Miata, the Ford AB CPU has this lame tendency to blow an internal fuse in the airbag CPU if there is an error code, requiring to repair or replace the AB CPU.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Well I don't care about the airbags computer so it can break for all I care. I would actually like to remove it. I am replacing my steering wheel with an aftermarket one. Can I remove the computer and the sensors?
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 25,896
Likes: 24
From: Rohnert Park CA
yes, you can pull all that crap out. Still remember to be careful with the bag- it is an explosive device and is at the end of its useful life (10-15 years is max usable life and suggested replacement time).
although you may be in violation of a Federal law for passive restraints by removing the bag and assorted devices, so you might want to check with your state if they have a inspection for that.
although you may be in violation of a Federal law for passive restraints by removing the bag and assorted devices, so you might want to check with your state if they have a inspection for that.
