Removal & Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. 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
. Using thin-bladed screwdriver, carefully pry open access door located on right side of steering wheel.CAUTION: Forcing steering wheel off column can damage steering components. Damage to steering wheel pinion bolt and/or steering column shaft may result. To release steering wheel, steering wheel pinion bolt must be turned 120-130 revolutions.
- Disconnect accessory and air bag module electrical connectors located behind access door. Turn pinion bolt 120-130 turns to release steering wheel from steering column shaft. See Fig 1 . Route wiring through small opening in back of steering wheel as it is removed. Place steering wheel on clean surface with air bag deployment side facing upward.
- To install, reverse removal procedure. Route wiring through small opening in back of steering wheel as it is installed. Tighten steering wheel pinion bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. See ACTIVATING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.