Having seen some of the nice leather covers I want to fit one to my steering wheel. I fancy removing the steering wheel to make the job a bit easier. I know I should disconnect the battery first but having read about some of the odd things that happen afterwards I’d like to avoid doing that if possible. Mainly because I cant drive my car at the minute (shielding due to Covid19) and I’m not sure I can correct any issues with it laid up. So I’m thinking I could just remove the airbag fuse instead. Any thoughts welcome.
Hmmm, just had a little look and no specific fuse shown for the airbag system. Cant disconnect battery as I cant reset the ABS, TCS or steering without driving the car according to the manual.
You wouldn’t need to drive the car to reset the DSC, just turn the steering lock to lock.
All I do is start the car and do the above and switch off, restart lights out, job done.
The ECU would then need to relearn, as Barrie says just let it idle for a while or just wait until you can drive it again, it’s not going to do anything untoward.
I’d be more worried about the radio code TBH, of it ever had one?
There’s a procedure if you don’t know the radio code, read the manual to and try inputting your own, if it let’s you then no code. It may ask you for your current code, that’s then a problem if you haven’t got it.
Having said all this if you’ve got an aftermarket head unit, no worries.
Thanks Mick, I’ve got that layout in my Haynes book. ‘Protection of various circuits’ seems likely but which ones ??
I’ll try in in place if I cant find a definitive answer, I just think it will be easier and I’d do a better job if it’s on the bench rather than in the car.
I have NC1 and have removed my steering wheel several times without a problem, I have also changed the airbag that came with the original ‘plastic’ (if that’s what it is) to an airbag that came with the leather steering wheel I wanted with radio controls. I disconnected the battery, removed the airbag as explained in the Haynes manual and removed the steering wheel by undoing the centre nut. Don’t forget to leave this nut on the spline whilst jiggling with the steering wheel to loosen it otherwise you might knock your teeth out as it gives way. The only complicated bit is the black retaining clip holding the airbag connection. Don’t prise it all the way or you could lose it. It’s no problem if it does come all the way out it’s just a bind. There is a torque setting for tightening up the centre nut however if you don’t have torque wrench don’t over do it just tight is good enough. I had no problem afterwards, just full lock right and left and leave engine to idle as previously stated. Hope this gives you some confidence to tackle the job.
I would say disconnecting battery is 100% safe whereas thinking you have maybe removed the right fuse even if it exists is fundamentally unsafe.
Some cars have a big yellow block connector which is designed to be uncoupled to allow this work to be done but not heard mention of one on the 5.
Thanks for the replies folks, I can’t find any reference to a fuse for the airbags so I’ll have a go at doing it in-situ, I really don’t want to disconnect the battery until I know I can start and move the car soon after .
Really recommend you disconnect the battery. I swapped my wheel for a royal wheel and it’s really simple. Also been disconnecting the battery for charging during recent months. Biggest pain is retuning the radio. Don’t take risks with the airbag, really no need
