Removal of drivers air bag

[widdowson2008]

For the past few days I've been trying to pluck up the courage to get into the back of the steering wheel to check for continuity of the horn wiring. Main reason for delay has been the ***** air bag, or to be more precise, avoiding an explosion and getting a face-full.
Being the sort of a dipstick that I am, I need step by step instructions in a picture format. Trawled through the forum but couldn't find any pics, so before I start, I thought I would produce some myself.
This is an information gathering exercise.

From what I have gathered so far, the first thing to do is to disconnect the battery(s).

Now the questions..........
On each side of the steering wheel there are two rubber bungs (4 in total) - arrowed in this pic.


The bungs hide small bolts seen in this pic. Are these the bolts which need taking out in order to remove the steering wheel air-bag unit? and is the next logical step?

[321Away]

undo the four 10mm bolts, and the whole unit will pull away from the rest of the steering wheel, unplug and its free in your hand, now pull the pin, throw in an overarm fashion and run for cover

as long as your batteries are disconnected your quite safe.

Julian

[widdowson2008]

undo the four 10mm bolts, and the whole unit will pull away from the rest of the steering wheel, unplug and its free in your hand, now pull the pin, throw in an overarm fashion and run for cover

as long as your batteries are disconnected your quite safe.

Julian

Cheers Julian.
When I have pulled the unit free, Which are the horn connectors? Probably best to take a pic and then ask.
This assumes I aint blown myself up at this stage, in which case I'll need your address so I'll know where to send the heavies.

[briwy]

Just out of interest how is an airbag tested for the MOT?

[g8dhe]

By use of the Airbag warning light. They don't test the bag itself, but ensure that the light flashes at power up and then goes out, they rely on the electronics which checks the bag.

[321Away]

Airbag wiring is ALWAYS sheathed or coated in yellow or orange and the same for the connectors, that is universal whatever the make, so anyone looking at a vehicle loom will know not to touch them. iirc there is an orange and a blue connector, blue being for the horn.

julian

[Northern Bongolow]

its been nice knowing you steve, bye.

[321Away]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OatGDV6xf_4

Ouch

[widdowson2008]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OatGDV6xf_4

Ouch

Bugger .
You guys are doing absolutely NOTHING for my confidence.
Think I'll have a visit to Ady.

[Northern Bongolow]

[stuc]

On all vehicles, there is a waiting time after disconnection of the battery to allow capacitors to discharge so it is advisable to leave about 5 minutes. I have seen all times varying from 1 minute to 20 minutes. Just be patient.