Removing Steering Wheel Pad

CAUTION: If the air bag connector is disconnected with the ignition switch at ON or ACC, diagnostic trouble codes will be recorded.Never use air bag parts from another vehicle. When replacing parts, replace with new parts.

CAUTION: Disable air bag before removing steering wheel pad. 1997 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM or AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.

Place the front wheels facing straight forward.
Remove the 2 steering wheel lower No. 2 covers. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Removing Steering Wheel Pad Torx Screws
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

NOTE: Loosen the 2 screws until the groove along the screw circumference catches on the screw case.

Using a Torx socket wrench, loosen the 2 Torx screws.

CAUTION: When storing the wheel pad, keep the upper surface of the pad facing upward. Never disassemble the wheel pad.

CAUTION: When removing the wheel pad, take care not to pull the air bag wire harness.

Pull the wheel pad out from the steering wheel and disconnect the air bag connector. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Air Bag Connector