Question about switching steering wheels Options

[doctavic]

I just bought a 3-spoke steering wheel from a 98 to put in my 96 (4-spoke). I went to my mechanic to get it installed (since I don't have a puller)... and he said swapping it will cause my airbag light to be on permanently. True or false? If so, will the airbag not work. If it won't... I'll be putting it up for sale.

[mkernz22]

Never bring it to a mechanic lol
You can wiggle it off because that's what I've already done.

Here's the main question, do you have the wire clip for the airbag on the '98 wheel? If so, then you can cut and splice that into the existing airbag wires on your car.
It'll work, you just have to do it right. And if you do attempt any of this, disconnect the terminals on your battery so there is no power, and *I cannot be held responsible for anything.* Just a fair warning. This is the whole reason I don't have airbags in my car.

I know other members will put their input on here as well.

[SwissFerdi]

Also important, wait 90 seconds between disconnecting the battery and starting work, in order to ensure that the airbag system is fully off.

[PaukST]

I'm planning to swap to a 3-spoke some time in the future, also. There is a Toyota wiring adapter that will connect the 4-spoke column properly to the 3-spoke airbag. It is linked in this thread, midway down page 4. That whole thread is full of useful stuff, but I think this may be just what you're looking for.


...and ALWAYS disconnect the battery for at least a few minutes for airbag related shenanigans!

This post has been edited by PaukST: Oct 20, 2012 - 3:40 PM

[Nihil]

I did it a few months back, got no problems with it, you'll just need the airbag connector (don't know if '98 three-spoke have a different one, but I installed a 7gen airbag so I needed one)... Most problems I had centering the wheel, had to take it for a ride three times before I placed it on correctly, perhaps some marks would hepl

But yeah, disconnecting the battery is a must, also leave it disconnected for 90s or a minute more... Remember, airbags are packed with explosive, might not be the best thing to have it in your lap when still on a live wire

Also, when turning on the ignition key after messing with the airbag, I'd suggest that you do that from the passenger's seat. The airbag light must turn on for about 6 seconds and then turn off.

[doctavic]

Just ordered the airbag connector... lets see!

[trdproven]

Its not always the case you can wiggle that out, sometimes its stuck there like it was welded. just get a puller if you cant yank or wiggle it out. anyway a puller is between 10-20 bucks so its pretty cheap, and you can use it for other cars or other purposes applicable so its not a total loss. also you might want to get the connector of course because of the year change. and for your mechanic, tell him the air bag light will go on only if there are issues with the air bag system not if you are just changing a steering wheel. make sure you pull the air bag fuse and battery to make sure, and just wait a few minutes.

This post has been edited by trdproven: Oct 23, 2012 - 7:00 PM

[doctavic]

just confirming, the sub-harness adapter worked to hook the new airbag to the old clockspring, no light. did need a puller, but loaned one from Autozone.



This post has been edited by doctavic: Nov 19, 2012 - 1:37 PM

[trdproven]

good job, piece a cake