Steering Wheel Pad & Spiral Cable: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Toyota Tercel. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Wait at least 90 seconds. On vehicles with passenger-side air bag, disconnect passenger-side air bag connector, accessible through finish plate in glove box. See Figure.
Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove covers from sides of steering wheel for access to steering wheel pad retaining screws. Loosen Torx screws until groove around screw circumference catches on screw case. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Loosening Steering Wheel Pad Torx Screws (Typical)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Pull steering wheel pad from steering wheel and disconnect steering wheel pad connector. See Fig 2. Place steering wheel pad on a flat surface with pad cover facing up. Remove steering wheel nut. Mark steering wheel in relation to steering shaft for installation reference. Remove steering wheel with a suitable puller.

Fig 2: Removing Steering Column Components (Similar)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Remove steering column covers. Disconnect spiral cable lower connector. Remove screws securing spiral cable to combination switch (headlight/turn signal/wiper switch). Remove spiral cable.

WARNING: During installation, if spiral cable mating marks are not properly aligned, steering wheel may not turn completely, or flat cable inside spiral cable may be severed, disabling SRS system.