2003 Vibe GT steering wheel replacement

[matthew44]

I need to replace my steering wheel on my 2003 Vibe GT as my girlfriend's dog used it as a chew toy. The new wheel is on the way from the dealer but I'm a little nervous about messing around with the air bag system. Does anyone know the correct procedure for this job?

[Herb]

I don't know anything specific other than to disconnect the battery whenever you're working on any part of the airbag system.

[Serj22]

This is exactly what I did. Took an hour and I'm still alive.When I replaced my wheel, I disconnected the battery, then for added measure I pulled all the fuses under the hood labeled ABS. Start on the sides of the steering wheel, there are two small covers with brass hexigonal screws. Remove them and the airbag will come free of the steering wheel. Then face the airbag out the driver's side door, and pull the harness clips on the back (there are 2) with 4 wires total going to the airbag, set it under the car facing up. This ensures no possible harm to yourself if it decides to go off for any reason. Now you will see a horn ground, which is white wire attached to the outer rim of the inside of the wheel. Remove it (just a slide clip) Next, remove the Cruise control switch (2 screws on main body) and leave it be. You'll be able to remove the harness later (same connector as the airbag module) Note that the horn wire is attached to the cruise control harness and will come free with it. Then you must pull the collumn down as far as it will go, remove 2 phillips screws from the bottom of the column adn the cover will pop down, then pull the top cover up and towards you. You may have to rtemove the gauge bezels (just grab them and pull). You should now remove the Cruise control harness.The tricky part is removing the two screws on the back of the wheel. They are phillips and you will need a mirror to see them. You must rotate the wheel in such a way to get a screwdriver at them and pull them out. At that point everything should be disconnected. Loosen the nut in the center of the wheel ( I believe 19mm) and then give the wheel a tiny shake back and forth, then tug hard. Note how i say loosen, not remove, lest you want that wheel to smack you in the face after a good pull. Do not wiggle too much or you will damage the spline. Then reverse the steps and put your new one in. Make sure the airbag is facing out the door when you put it back on the harnesses.