Cable Reel Replacement: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Make sure the front wheels are aligned straight ahead.
Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION ), then wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.
Remove the driver's airbag (see DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT ).
Disconnect the cable reel sub harness 20P connector (A) from the cable reel, then remove the steering wheel bolt (B).

Fig 1: Identifying Cable Reel Sub Harness 20P Connector And Steering Wheel Bolt
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Confirm that the front wheels point straight ahead, then remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller (see STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL ).
Do not tap on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.
Remove the column cover screws (A), then remove the column covers (B, C).

Fig 2: Identifying Column Covers And Column Cover Screws
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the dashboard wire harness 4P connector (A) from the cable reel 4P connector (B), then disconnect the dashboard wire harness 20P connector (C) from the cable reel (D).

Fig 3: Identifying Cable Reel, Cable Reel 4P Connector, Dashboard Wire Harness 4P Connector And 20P Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Release the upper lock tab (A) under the cable reel connector with a 90 ° hook shaped tool (B). Slide the tool below the cable reel connector just above the lock tab. Release the lower lock tab (C), and slide the cable reel off the column.

Fig 4: Releasing Upper Lock Tab Under Cable Reel Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.