Steering Wheel Side Cover Removal/Installation

WARNING:

Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the SRS air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)

Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)
Remove the steering wheel. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Affix protective tape to the gaps between the steering wheel and cover as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Affixing Protective Tape To Gaps Between Steering Wheel And Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using a tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver, press the cover tabs in the direction of the arrows shown in the figure to detach the cover tabs from the steering wheel.

Fig 2: Detaching Cover Tabs From Steering Wheel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the fastener remover into the clearance between the steering wheel and cover as shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Inserting Fastener Remover Into Clearance Between Steering Wheel And Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Move the fastener remover in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and detach the cover tab from the steering wheel.
Remove the cover while detaching the pins from the steering wheel.

Fig 4: Detaching Pins From Steering Wheel
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Warm up the shaded area shown in the figure and soften the hard plastic area of the steering wheel using a heat gun.

Fig 5: Pressing Tab Of Steering Wheel Side Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While pressing the tab of the steering wheel side cover in the direction of arrow (1) shown in the figure, press the steering wheel side cover in the direction of arrow (2) to detach the tab of the steering wheel side cover from the steering wheel.
Warm up the shaded area shown in the figure and soften the hard plastic area of the steering wheel using a heat gun.

Fig 6: Inserting Fastener Remover Into Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert a fastener remover into the position shown in the figure.
Move the fastener remover straight in the direction shown in the figure and remove the tabs A and B of the steering wheel side cover from the steering wheel.
CAUTION:
- When removing the pin of the steering wheel side cover, pull them out straight. If the fastener remover is moved at an angle, the pin could be damaged.
NOTE:
- Because the pin of the steering wheel side cover is installed to the hard plastic area of the steering wheel, the engagement is strong.
Fig 7: Installing Steering Wheel Side Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering wheel side cover while detaching the pin of the steering wheel side cover.

Fig 8: Detaching Pin Of Steering Wheel Side Cover
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install in the reverse order of removal.