Steering wheel swap guide, this is not common "how-to" but just small guide... Options

[malpaso]

At last I had some time for another upgrade. Steering wheel swap... My stock one was 4-spoke with airbag/horn in the middle.


Just history now . Since today I have this one genuine 7th gen. Celica/91-04 MR2 st. wheel.


Although horn mechanism and airbag connector were different everything is working now. And I'll try describe here how generally do that... believe it will be handy for anyone

step no one: remove old steering wheel
Two screws on sides (behind small covers) holds airbag part




There are just two plugs inside. That yellow one is for airbag and white is horn (there is possibility also for cruise multi switch, where are many more wires. Horn wire is black, every time that last on right connected to wheel body)


When you unplug everything + unscrew nut in the middle you should remove wheel with puller (w/o that it's not possible at all)


step two: solving airbag connection


Different airbag connector means find right module (spiral) for it...


...or use same airbag refill




Of course... some customization should be done if airbag refill has different size (more are different, more custom work is needed). My one was just bit different... and airbag part was easy take into parts.


step three: solving horn connection
This step depends on type of horn you have. However every time it's about find how horn mechanism works, cut black wire off old wheel and connect it somewhere... It really depends on that horn mechanism. However it's really easy, just one wire to screw... somewhere .

step four: piece everything together
Installation of new wheel body (with same center bore of course) is easy...


...and in my case screw horn cable to airbag body (not wheel body like stock one)...and all finished .


This post has been edited by malpaso: Jan 6, 2007 - 4:27 PM

[GriffGirl]

I think you're right, I think it's something with my connections actually.

Today I ordered the adapter harness - a bit too little, too late perhaps, I don't know. I depinned the clock-spring side of the connector, but didn't actually CUT anything off, so it's possible I could re-pin the connector, use the adapter, and be good to go!

[Arsaces]

Hey guys,

I am thinking hard about doing this swap, but I see a lot of people who are having trouble with it and I need to drive this car daily. I have a few questions, and I know some of them have been answered, but I want to be 100% confident and clear before a buy the parts to start the swap. My car is a 95 USDM by the way. First off, if I am lucky and able to find a 98-99 wheel do I still need to do splicing and modding to get the airbag to connect? What about the Rav4 wheel (looks pretty much the same imo)? Regarding cruise control, will I not be able to use my existing 6g cruise control stalk?

Shopping list:
7th gen Wheel or Rav4 wheel or 98-99 6gen wheel
7th gen airbag
Airbag connector adapter
???