Removal - Driver-Side

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2000 Buick Park Avenue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
On the back side of the steering wheel are 4 openings for removing the driver inflator module.
Position the steering wheel so that 2 of the openings are on top.
Adjust and install J 44298 into 2 of the holes. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Releasing Module Mounting Posts From Retainer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Seat the air bag removal tool all the way in to perform properly.

Push the handle back towards the I/P releasing the 2 spring-loaded fasteners at the same time.
Turn the steering wheel and repeat the same steps for the other 2 openings.
Pull the driver inflator module gently away from the steering wheel.

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Steering Wheel SIR Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Observe the following positions for proper reassembly:

The driver inflator wire routing positions
The redundant control routing positions
The horn wire routing positions

Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (4) and the driver inflator module electrical connector.
Remove the horn grounded lead (2) from the threaded hole in the steering wheel.
Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise 1/4 turn.
Remove the horn contact lead (2) from the steering column cam tower.
Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (5).
Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period.