Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Safety precautions must be followed when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag). After deployment, the inflator module (air bag) surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction, that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the inflator module (air bag) is harmless. as a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag), and wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

CAUTION: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
Make sure the bag opening points away from you

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

CAUTION: Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module (air bag) face down and column vertical. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the inflator module (air bag) to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury could result.

NOTE: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect coil assembly wire and driver inflator module for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil or inflator module has been damaged, replace it.

Fig 1: Inflator Module

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disable the SIR System. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM in SIR.

Fig 2: Locating Steering Wheel Electrical Connectors

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove driver inflator module. Refer to SIR COIL ASSEMBLY .
Disconnect cruise control (if equipped) switch connectors and disconnect harness from steering wheel.

Fig 3: Steering Wheel Attachment Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: If roll connector is not properly oriented to steering column assembly, it will be damaged.

Fig 4: Removing Steering Wheel

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove steering wheel attachment nut and discard.
Install J 42578 by fitting puller legs into steering wheel puller holes.
Install puller bridge over puller legs and finger tighten steering wheel puller nuts on legs.
Insert center bolt through bridge and align with steering column shaft.
Tighten center bolt until steering wheel is disengaged.
Remove steering wheel while feeding wiring through wheel opening.
IMPORTANT: If yellow tab is not available, use tape to prevent roll connector from rotating. If roll connector is rotated, refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering .
Insert yellow tab or use a piece of tape to prevent coil assembly from rotating.