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Removing the Air Bag and Steering Wheel

FlBowhunter

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FlBowhunter Enthusiast

FlBowhunter

Posted
Posted

I am thinking of upgrading my steering wheel. Right now I have cruise control but no radio buttons. WT2

 

I would like to check and see if the wiring for the additional controls are already in place. GM only offers 2 clocksprings for the Silverado, one is for a heated wheel and one is for without heat, nothing said about the radio controls. So I would think the wiring harness and clockspring would be correct. I just wanted to check to be certain.

 

I am looking for a little help with the proper procedure for removing the air bag. I have searched this forum and also the web but all I find is information for the 2013 and earlier models.

 

I have taken many airbag equipped steering wheels off before and I am fully aware of all the dangers and safety measures that need to be dealt with regarding the disarming the air bag, GM has changed the design of the steering wheel on the 2014 LD trucks and being unable to PURCHASE A SERVICE MANUAL YET!l I have no guideline on how to disarm and remove the airbag and steering wheel. Was hoping someone here could help me out.

 

 

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TJay74 Senior Enthusiast

TJay74

Posted
Posted

The only problem I see would be the BCM programming, the dealer will not be able to flash your BCM to work correctly. You will have to go aftermarket if it is required. There is a member on here who can handle that if needed.

FlBowhunter Enthusiast

FlBowhunter

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The only problem I see would be the BCM programming, the dealer will not be able to flash your BCM to work correctly. You will have to go aftermarket if it is required. There is a member on here who can handle that if needed.

Yea, that may also be an issue. I believe the person you are referring to is "GTPprix" his signature says he does custom automotive software.

Right now step one is just to get the steering wheel off without wrecking something or having the airbag blow up in my face.

 

These trucks are not near as much fun to tinker with as they use to be. I know a lot of guys blast people for upgrading parts of there new truck saying to just go buy what you want to start with. Well I thought I could get along without some of the bells and whistles but after driving the truck for a while I changed my mind. When I bought the truck I anticipated this might happen but in the past it was a lot easier and even fun to upgrade and customize. I really enjoy tinkering with my truck. Now I own a vehicle that GM wants to tell me what I can and cannot due to it. I am willing t pay for the programming just let someone do it. We know it can be done. First GM product in over 20 years and even though right now I like my truck I probably won't go back to GM or at least I will do more research t see which vehicles (if any) are more home mechanic friendly.

tbarn Senior Enthusiast

tbarn

Posted
Posted

Warning: Refer to SIR Warning.

Preliminary Procedure
  1. Remove the steering column shroud. Refer to Steering Column Shroud Replacement.
  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.

1

Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module

Warning: After installation of the steering wheel airbag module to the steering wheel, slightly pull the module outward. If there is no give on the airbag module then it is secured correctly. If the airbag module is not fully attached personal injury could result.

Procedure
  1. Rotate steering wheel counter clockwise to line up lower left hand spoke with the ignition key or lower right hand spoke with turn signal.
  2. From the backside of the steering wheel fully insert a small screwdriver or equivalent tool at a slight angle pointing towards the top of the steering wheel.
  3. Apply and keep constant pressure on handle as close to upper spoke above the metal steering wheel hook. Lift the screwdriver handle up to push spring toward the center of the steering wheel, at the same time pull out on the steering wheel airbag cover to release. Rotate and repeat the steps to release the other side.
  4. Release the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer.
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
  6. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Module Handling and Scrapping.
FlBowhunter Enthusiast

FlBowhunter

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Tom

:cheers: Had to bend up an old screwdriver to get the right angle, pop off it came.

 

Airbag is out and it appears that the male plug (Clockspring side) has all the 9 wires and pins while the steering wheel only used 6 pins. Got to do a little more homework but it is looking good.

Rob191288 Enthusiast

Rob191288

Posted
Posted

I swapped out the base model wheel in my camaro for a wheel with everything. It should just be plug and play. And then all you need to do is take it to the dealership and tell them to upgrade your BCM as having radio controls on your steering wheel. It takes them about an hour.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TJay74 Senior Enthusiast

TJay74

Posted
Posted

I swapped out the base model wheel in my camaro for a wheel with everything. It should just be plug and play. And then all you need to do is take it to the dealership and tell them to upgrade your BCM as having radio controls on your steering wheel. It takes them about an hour.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

This is where the problem lies, cant do this on the 2014 trucks. Dealer has to put your VIN into the global system to flash your modules with the programming for your VIN. Cant use another VIN either to get around it, that loop was closed out on the 2014 trucks.

 

I already tried this when I wanted to have the trailer brake controller removed from my system, was told it was a no go and have confirmed it via Chris as well. unless you want to pull your BCM and send it to Chris that would be the only way, you are down while it is out of the truck though. I would also be worried

Rob191288 Enthusiast

Rob191288

Posted
Posted

 

 

This is where the problem lies, cant do this on the 2014 trucks. Dealer has to put your VIN into the global system to flash your modules with the programming for your VIN. Cant use another VIN either to get around it, that loop was closed out on the 2014 trucks.

 

I already tried this when I wanted to have the trailer brake controller removed from my system, was told it was a no go and have confirmed it via Chris as well. unless you want to pull your BCM and send it to Chris that would be the only way, you are down while it is out of the truck though. I would also be worried

Well damn that sucks. Glad I got everything I wanted instead of upgrading things. Thanks for the info!

  • 6 months later...
metaljames Enthusiast

metaljames

Posted
Posted

FlBowhunter, did you ever take this any further? I understand there may be a programming issue, but maybe not either, right?

  • 2 months later...
mkeddie Enthusiast

mkeddie

Posted
Posted

Little off topic kind of but I am trying to get the trim off of the steering wheel do I have to pull the wheel to do it or does it just pop out

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 Senior Enthusiast

SouthernSilveradoGuy85

Posted
Posted

I want to plasti dip the bowtie on my steering wheel and figure it's easier to remove the airbag so I don't have to do more prep in the truck to protect the interior of overpsray. I tried yesterday evening and just couldn't get it. I felt a rectangular piece on each side that seemed to move around and felt like when it moved the airbag moved. I just couldn't get it to unhook or anything.

 

Maybe I need it explained in a simpler way or even shown a video because there's not one on Youtube of it done on a K2, only the older models.

  • 4 weeks later...
nadrojcote Senior Enthusiast

nadrojcote

Posted
Posted

I'm having trouble understanding these instructions as well. It would be nice to be see what these clips or springs look like from the inside so I know what I'm doing.

  • 5 months later...
Darth_Vader Enthusiast

Darth_Vader

Posted
Posted

As someone who has done this I understand the frustration of getting the airbag off, the instructions above suck ass so I'm going to tell you the easy way.

 

Before doing anything disconnect battery for ten minutes to discharge system.

 

1: remove upper column shroud, it just pops off

2: rotate the steering wheel until you can see the square hole up top.

3: insert screw driver at an angle you can get under the wire in the picture I have attached, pry that wire over the lock tab (lifting screw driver handle does this if you're under the wire properly)

4: The air bag will pop up, you don't even have to really pull, so don't hulk out

5: rotate the wheel until the other sides square is up, rinse and repeat

6: disconnect air bag, two connectors, pull out (away from bag) on the orange log clips, the rest of the plug comes right out.

 

Picture of square hole and retaining wire you pry to remove air bag.

post-148500-0-26492400-1445094384_thumb.jpeg

 

I hope this clears the air, feel free to ask questions as I couldn't find good information on this anywhere.

 

-Kyle

post-148500-0-26492400-1445094384_thumb.jpeg

post-148500-0-26492400-1445094384_thumb.jpeg

post-148500-0-26492400-1445094384_thumb.jpeg

  • 2 months later...
jnuechte Enthusiast

jnuechte

Posted
Posted

As someone who has done this I understand the frustration of getting the airbag off, the instructions above suck ass so I'm going to tell you the easy way.

 

Before doing anything disconnect battery for ten minutes to discharge system.

 

1: remove upper column shroud, it just pops off

2: rotate the steering wheel until you can see the square hole up top.

3: insert screw driver at an angle you can get under the wire in the picture I have attached, pry that wire over the lock tab (lifting screw driver handle does this if you're under the wire properly)

4: The air bag will pop up, you don't even have to really pull, so don't hulk out

5: rotate the wheel until the other sides square is up, rinse and repeat

6: disconnect air bag, two connectors, pull out (away from bag) on the orange log clips, the rest of the plug comes right out.

 

Picture of square hole and retaining wire you pry to remove air bag.

attachicon.gifimage.jpeg

 

I hope this clears the air, feel free to ask questions as I couldn't find good information on this anywhere.

 

-Kyle

Kyle,

 

Did you do this to a "work truck"? I have a 2015 blackout edition work truck which I would like to do this upgrade to. However I can't seem to find an actual answer if you have to reprogram your computer to allow the radio buttons to work. Any info is appreciated. Did you have any other info on the actual swap process? I have found nothing online for a 2014+ truck...

 

Thanks!

 

Josh

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