Thread: Steering Wheel Removal

OK. Let me preface my post by stating that I know how to disable the SRS Air Bags.

Now, I cannot figure out how the heck to remove the darn steering wheel.

I have a 2000 Grand Prix SE, and I am swapping the OEM SE wheel for a GTP Leather Wheel with RSWC.

I have been able to take out the 1 1/4" torx screws that hold the back cover to the wheel, but thats were I get stuck. How do you remove the airbag from the base of the steering wheel? I cannot seem to find a screw or release point to get the airbag out.

I have searched high and low on the internet trying to find a guide to no avail. If anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it!!

BTW: I do have the new clockspring, but I'm sure its not in alignment. Is there a guide on how to align the clockspring?

Thanks,
StreetChariot

there are 2 metal clips on the back of the wheel, there is a special tool for removing them that makes it easy, but a small allen wrench works if careful

Cool. Thanks for the heads up.

Has anyone else replaced the non-RSWC wheel with a RSWC wheel?

I do have the pigtail harness under the dash for SWC, and the clockspring with the pigtail for RSWC (Though from a MC).

The wiring seems to be identical between the GP/MC, so I shouldn't have an issue there. Is there anything else I should be aware of?

I'm putting in my PAC SWI-PS that I had installed on my MC.

Does anyone know how to properly align the clockspring when I install it?

Of course I disabled the SIR system.

The clockspring I am referring to is the one from the junk car I salvaged it from. I don't believe the clockspring that is in my car (SE) will have the pigtail at the wheel, will it?

I know it has the lower dash panel connector (Female) to pass the signal through to the radio harness, but I don't see any indication (from the column) that the clockspring has the pigtail for the RSWC...

Thanks,
StreetChariot

the clockspring likely wont have the connector there for you, but you never know until you open it up. stranger things have happened

So is there a way to align the clockspring, or am I going to just have to try it and see if I get the SRS light?

Yeah.. Its good now.

I'm off to the junk yard tomorrow again to exchange the wheel for the right one. My luck has turned again, and they just got in a 2000 GTP with leather interior... and the right steering wheel w/ Air Bag!

Thanks,
StreetChariot

Well my DIC is installed now, thank you to BackInBlack for the tutorial!

As for the RSWC install, I am still not finished...

I installed the correct wheel, with clockspring, aligned perfectly (yellow in window / arrows aligned). But now my Air Bag light is on again. All connections look good, and the clockspring RSWC plug is plugged into the harness under the dash, but no RSWC and SRS light is on.

Is there anything else as far as the RSWC connections that I need to know about? I have the correct wires in the factory stereo harness, and I also have the RSWC harness under the driver knee panel.

Should I suspect a bad clockspring?

Thanks!
StreetChariot