I want to change my steering wheel (97 Camaro). Anything to watch out for besides the obvious (air bag going off in my face). I've R&R alot during the years but none on an air bag equipt car. Any tips?

TIA

 

I had a heck of a time getting my steering wheel off. The steering wheel puller I borrowed had threads that were a bit messed up. I ended up taking the wheel off the "old fashioned" way. I pulled on the wheel while my buddy tapped (not bashed) the middle of the steering column with a hammer. After some frustration, it came out!

I rethreaded the steering wheel with a tap after it came out and it was fine.

 

You have to pull the power to the airbag DERM module and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The module stores power to allow the bags to deploy in the even battery power is lost in the crash.

 

Injuneer,

Where is that module located? what if the battery is disconnected for say a month, lol!!!

tia!
taner

 

If the battery is disconnected, the DERM module has lost its power.... after 20 minutes, at least according to Chiltons.

 

Injuneer, are you referring to a module in the airbag itself? Because every time I have pulled my steering wheel, all I do is disconnect the battery, pull the air bag fuse, disconnect the yellow wire under the steering column, and then when I pull off the airbag the yellow connecter under it, then set it aside. Hasn't gone off yet, but if what you're talking about is inside that airbag, I'll wait 20 minutes from now on!

 

thanks Injuneer!

 

Pulling the battery power is all you have to do. You don't have to go specifically to the DERM and disconnect it.

 

Injuneer, CAN you just disable the DERM without the whole battery? I have a security light code stored in my system that i do not want to lose. Because currently I don't have a VATS key *made several, they dont work in my ignition* and when I bought the car the Security light is on. Also when I bought it it needed some steering column work so the Dealership did that work and had the airbag off without losing that code. So How can I do that do you know?

 

The only instructions I have seen recommend removing the negative battery cable. I have no knowledge beyond that. There is an "AIR BAG" fuse in the panel at the end of the dash. But in instructions for disarming/discharging the air bag system on other cars I have read, it requires removing the negative cable AND the fuse.