Removing the steering wheel (Fiesta 4)

All Fiesta models from 1996 onwards are equipped with an airbag. Removal of the steering wheel equipped with an airbag should only be entrusted to trained qualified personnel. The airbag must not be dismantled independently. Only in older Fiesta models can the steering wheel be removed independently.



SEQUENCE OF WORKS

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal and insulate the negative terminal.

2. Before working on the airbag, wait 2 minutes until the capacitor in the airbag control unit is discharged, which will prevent the airbag or seat belt pretensioner from deploying unintentionally.



Fig. 13.22. Location of screws for fastening the upper (1) and lower (2) steering column covers



3. Unscrew the two screws 1 (Fig. 13.22) and remove the upper steering column cover.

4. Unscrew the three screws 2 and remove the lower steering column cover.



Fig. 13.23. Location of airbag mounting screws

5. On the back of the steering wheel, remove the two airbag mounting screws (Fig. 13.23). To access the bolts, turn the steering wheel to the appropriate position.



Fig. 13.24. Disconnecting the airbag connector

6. Move the airbag slightly away from the steering wheel, squeeze both upper clips and disconnect the airbag connector (Fig. 13.24).

7. Carefully remove the airbag from the steering wheel and place it in a safe place.

8. Set the steering wheel and front wheels to the straight-ahead position. It is best to roll the car forward a few meters and mark the position of the steering wheel on the steering shaft with chalk.





Fig. 13.25. Location of the PATS unit on the ignition switch (lock)

9. Disconnect the PATS unit from the ignition switch (key) (Fig. 13.25).



Fig. 13.26. Location of the airbag connector (1) and steering wheel mounting nut (2)

10. Disconnect the airbag connector 1 (Fig. 13.26) and loosen the steering wheel mounting nut 2 - while holding the steering wheel firmly by the rim.

11. Unscrew the steering wheel mounting nut from the steering shaft (do not remove the steering wheel yet).

12. Turn the key in the ignition switch (lock) from position "0" to position "I". Using jerks, remove the steering wheel from the splines of the steering shaft. Do not turn the steering shaft with the steering wheel removed, otherwise the coil spring of the airbag contact block will become uncentered and may break when installing the steering wheel. If the steering wheel does not come off, pull it hard while an assistant taps the back of the steering wheel with the palm of his hand. Turn the key in the ignition switch (lock) to position "0".

13. Install the steering wheel in the reverse order of removal. Tighten the steering wheel mounting nut to 45 N·m.