Thunderbird V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Steering Wheel: Service and Repair
REMOVAL
1. Center front wheels to the straight-ahead position.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
WARNING: THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DISCONNECTED BEFORE ANY AIR BAG COMPONENT IS SERVICED.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
3. Remove two steering wheel spoke covers. Remove two air bag module retaining screws.
4. Disconnect air bag wire harness from driver side air bag module, and remove driver side air bag module from steering wheel.
5. Disconnect speed control wire harness from steering wheel.
6. Remove steering wheel retaining bolt.
7. Install Steering Wheel Puller T67L-3600-A and remove steering wheel. Route air bag sliding contact assembly wire harness through steering
wheel as steering wheel is lifted off steering column shaft assembly.
INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Route air bag sliding contact wire harness through steering wheel opening at the three o'clock position and position steering wheel on steering
column shaft assembly. The steering wheel and steering column shaft assembly alignment marks should be aligned. Make sure air bag sliding
contact wire is not pinched.
CAUTION: Be sure wiring does not get trapped between steering wheel and air bag sliding contact or damage to air bag sliding contact wiring
may occur.
3. Install new steering wheel retaining bolt and tighten to 31-48 Nm (23-35 ft. lbs.).
4. Connect speed control wire harness to steering wheel and snap connector assembly into steering wheel clip.
5. Connect air bag wire harness to driver side air bag module and install module to steering wheel. Tighten air bag module retaining screws to 10-14
Nm (89-123 inch lbs.).
