Steering wheel (with airbag) removal

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Thu 9 Dec 2004 07:53
Steering wheel (with airbag) removal - rob911

I'm needing to remove the steering wheel to replace the light stalk. The car (95 TD Escort) is fitted with an airbag. The manual says to disconnect the battery, cover the leads to stop the possibilty of them arcing. And thats it!!!
Is this right or is there anything else to watch out for? I don't fancy the airbag going off in my face!!!
Cheers
Rob
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Thu 9 Dec 2004 10:54
Steering wheel (with airbag) removal - Bill Payer
Do you really need to remove the wheel - normally the stalks screw in from the side?
If you do have to remove the wheel then keep your face away from the airbag!
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Thu 9 Dec 2004 11:08
Steering wheel (with airbag) removal - Peter D
Disconnectthe battery and leave 15 mins. Disconnect the airbag and store out of the vehicle air bag uppermost. do not recennect the battery to test the new switch stalk as this will register and error in the ECU and may not reset itself. Reconnect the airbag and make a clean reconnection of the battery Turn on check switch and your away. Regards Peter
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Thu 9 Dec 2004 11:10
Steering wheel (with airbag) removal - rob911
I will need to look at that - I had a quick look through the Haynes last night and thats where the wheel removal advice came from.
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Thu 9 Dec 2004 13:01
Steering wheel (with airbag) removal - rob911
Just found out - on Escorts the steering wheel must be removed - the light stalk and wiper stalk are one unit - almost like a set of handlebars. You cannot replace one side - only the entire unit - great piece of design or what??
£65.04 from the dealers or £15 from the scrappies.
Still not 100% sure about the airbag though!!!!!!!
I've the feeling next week I will have drof printed into forehead
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Thu 9 Dec 2004 13:37
Steering wheel (with airbag) removal - elekie&a/c doctor
There is definitely no need to remove airbag or steering wheel to replace indicator/wiper stalk.Remove top plastic column cover(2 screws) then 1 screw holds down switch assy,then lift up ,disconnect 2 plug connectors.
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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

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