Steering Column Air Bag Cover Removal

[Guest Dansik]

Hello, I have an 03 Galaxy, sadley out of warrenty at 65,000 miles and I need to replace the wiper switch. It appears that I have to remove the steering wheel to do this.

 

I have Haynes manual which only goes to W reg and mine is different. Looking underneath at the back of the steering wheel there are two holes one either side and I assume a screw or nut within that hole to secure the airbag cover. Does anyone know what fixing is used and what tool I may need to remove it ? :rolleyes:

[Ivor_E_Tower]

I really hope tha you don't need to remove the wheel to do this. If you extend the steering wheel as far out as it will come, you should be able to remove the lower part of the shroud, and the upper part without disturbing the wheel - will check on mine later this afternoon to confirm this. Have you tried asking at your local dealer - when they look at the microfishe or computer to get the part number for the switch, you should be able to see the "exploded" view that shows how the column shroud comes apart.

Oh, and welcome to the site, by the way.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Right - had a quick look after work just as it was getting dark. Should be able to remove shround without removing steering wheel. If you turn the wheel round, you will see 2 fixing screws on the end surface of the shrouds, that are usually hidden by the wheel boss when in the "normal upright" position. By rotating the wheel (NB may need to lift front wheels off ground or park on gravel etc, or start engine to turn wheel as otherwise it's very heavy to move when stationary and engine off) it is possible to undo these screws. Didn't manage to see if they are torx or "normal" cross-heads. Also didn't notice any other fixings at the lower end of the shroud, but it was dark by then. May have another look tomorrow morning if it's got light before I get to work.

[Guest Dansik]

Thanks for the help but I have the shrouds removed, looking at my haynes manual it appears that on the older models with the shrouds removed you can undo one screw and remove the switch assembly. On mine that is not possible, the wheel has to be removed and the switch withdrawn upwards towards you.

 

However I have managed to unplug the wires and plug them into the new switch, but still no wipers anyway. so I guess I have a major diagnostics problem.

 

I'll let you know if I ever solve it or what happens if it goes to the dealer for a few days.

 

Thanks again for your interest.