Steering Column Switches

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Audi S6 and 2024 Audi A6 Quattro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Remove steering wheel.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Steering Column Switches

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Lever for tilt adjustment
- Remove before removing steering column switch; loosen socket-head bolt
Spring clip
Lever for length adjustment
- Remove before removing steering column switch
- To remove, pry spring clip -2- out with small screwdriver
Boot
- Install upper hook in instrument panel, engage below
Upper trim
Steering column switches with lower trim
Tapping bolt
- Fasten upper trim to lower part
Oval-head bolt
- Fastens lower trim and boot

CAUTION:

For all repairs involving airbag system, always follow appropriate safety precautions STEERING WHEEL OVERVIEW .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Disconnect the battery ground strap.
Vehicles up to 1995, disconnect airbag voltage supply connector (passenger side, above electronics box).

-- Bring wheels into straight-ahead position to prevent damage to airbag spiral spring in steering wheel.

-- Remove airbag unit from left and right sides of steering wheel with Torx® -T30- tool (Snap-On FTX30A or equivalent).

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-- Fold airbag unit back.

When installing:

-- Install mounting screws for airbag unit by hand, tighten right screw to 6 Nm (53 in lb), then left screw to 6 Nm (53 in lb).

-- Disconnect safety clip for airbag harness connector.

-- Disconnect airbag unit connector.

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CAUTION:

There must be no one within the operating range of the airbag when reconnecting the battery ground strap.

-- Pivot steering column length adjustment lever down, and pry securing spring clip off with small screwdriver.

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-- Remove lever.

-- Loosen socket-head bolt.

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-- Remove tilt adjustment lever

-- Remove upper trim for steering column switches, and remove boot mounting screw.

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-- Disconnect harness connector for airbag unit (wound in foam).

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-- Position wheels in straight-ahead position.

-- Remove steering wheel.

-- Using a 4 mm hex wrench, loosen clamp on steering column switch assembly.

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NOTE:

The socket-head clamp replaced a simple screw-type clamp beginning in August 1991.

-- Disconnect harness connectors from steering column switch assembly.

-- Remove steering column switch assembly with lower trim.

-- Disengage boot from instrument panel and remove.

Installing

-- Before installing steering wheel, position wheels in straight-ahead position to ensure that airbag spiral spring in steering wheel will not be damaged.

-- Before installing upper part of steering column switch, re-connect airbag unit harness connector and clip into place (arrow).

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CAUTION:

There must be no one within the operating range of the airbag when reconnecting the battery ground strap.

Tightening torque:

Steering column switch clamp: 2.5 Nm (22 in lb)