I have a 199 Expy EB 4x4 with the Prarie Tan leather interiror. The steering wheel is getting very funky and craked and aged looking. I've see replacement steering wheels on Ebay and other places - if I get one can I swap all the parts out without fear of an airbag slamming me in the face? Cruisecontrol buttons are not a big deal... it's just the airbag that bugs me - never worked on a steering wheel with one yet....

Thanks
Fred

 

To deactivate the airbag disconnect the negative battery terminal and turn the headlights ON. Wait two minutes and the system will be safe to work on. Be prepared to reprogram your radio and endure a little rough running until the comuter "re-learns" your driving style.

 

changed mine in my f150 took under 5 mins. need two things, get a torx set handy for swap out and have some small tiewraps for the cruz control buttons.

take care removing the wheel... not to unreel the coil ribbion cable wires

 

could you be more specific as to what you used when removing the steering wheel, i seem to have problems with that

 

ttt for another interested member.

 

I
Module — Driver Air Bag


Removal

WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.

WARNING:
Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down.

WARNING:
After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING:
Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING:
Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.

WARNING:
Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. If damaged, replace the sensor whether or not the air bag is deployed.

WARNING:
To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components. To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

Note:
Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.


1. Disconnect the battery ground cable(s). For additional information, refer to «Section 414-01».

µ 2. Note:
Make sure the wheels (1007) are in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the driver air bag module.

1 Remove the two back cover plugs.

2 Remove the two driver air bag module screws.

3 Disconnect the horn electrical connector.

4 Disconnect the air bag sliding contact electrical connector.

5 Remove the driver air bag module.

3. If the driver air bag module is diagnosed as faulty, dispose of the air bag. For additional information, refer to «Air Bag Disposal—Undeployed Inoperative» in this section.


Installation

µ 1. WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module.

WARNING:
Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING:
The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.

Note:
Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

l Prove out the system.



Wheel


Special Service Tool(s)


2-Jaw Puller
205-116 (T77F-4220-B1)


Removal

WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING:
Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING:
Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.

WARNING:
Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.

WARNING:
To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag sensors.

The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

1. Note:
Make sure the wheels (1007) are in the straight-ahead position.

Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to «Section 414-01».

2. Remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to «Section 501-20B».

µ 3. Remove the steering wheel bolt.

µ 4. CAUTION:
Removing the steering wheel without using a puller can damage the column bearings.

Use the 2-Jaw Puller to remove the steering wheel (3600).

5. Remove and discard the original steering wheel bolt.

6. Remove the steering wheel while routing the wires from the air bag sliding contact through the steering wheel.


Installation

WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING:
After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING:
Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING:
Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.

WARNING:
Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged supplemental restraint system (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.

WARNING:
To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

Please refer to the appropriate vehicle shop manual to determine location of the front air bag sensors.

The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).

µ 1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

2. Connect the battery cable. For additional information, refer to «Section 414-01».

 

Those are helpful instructions. Normally I would do all my own non-warranty work, but now I am uncomfortable even sitting in the driver seat within range of the air bag.

I was considering an aftermarket off road bumper does anyone know if this would interfere with the accelerometer that the air bag uses?