Hi all tried to replace my steering wheel yesterday. Disconnected battery and had steering wheel at 6 and 9 o clock positions. Removed lower cowl held in place by two torx screws. Then went in through back of steering wheel with a flathead screwdriver. I had to abandon though as just couldn't get airbag to release. Has anyone any pointers as to how to remove airbag is there a special method? Thanks.

C.

 

thinking out loud but wonder if someone could be placed in a liability situation if they respond to your question re the airbag. also, how will this change affect your warranty?

 

 

 

Don't worry. Americans constantly thing about liability and getting sued or suing.

XJ is a PITA as to work on as you can't get hold of the workshop manual easily offline.

Go to jaguae topix and get a days subscription for a fiver, will tell you what to do. Easier than guessing and faffing.

 

So true..... Unfortunately

 

I can't see any court in the US agreeing to extradite a citizen to Ireland for providing advice on airbag removal .... That's what I had planned to do except for an hour on topix they want 20 euro ....thanks for the tip.


Slight deviation ...
I saw what you did Moar when you wanted your car tinted top work removing the rear parcel shelf. I want mine done too. I had heard though that the rubber needed to be trimmed on doors to accommodate tint must admit didn't like the sound of that so might get in done in UK next time I'm over.

 

Whoever said that is an idiot and is probably used to working on the XF not the XJ where the door gasket at the top can be removed.

On the XJ if you want a solid tint then you're best of removing the door car. It can be done without but it means you need to leave the tint in place and now lower the window for at least 2 weeks.

Best to do this job in summer to help cure time.

 

Okay I managed this and now can do it in less than 2 minutes. I accept no liability as to this information and people removing airbag and steering wheel do so at their own risk.

First turn steering wheel to almost 6 o'clock position.

Ensure steering column is moved as forward as possible and as low as possible.

Disconnect battery.


At the back of the steering wheel there are 4 slots it's the two larger slots you need in order to remove airbag.

Using a small mirror pointed towards rear of wheel you will easily see the tabs you need to manipulate in order to remove from steering wheel. I used. Flat blade screwdriver the shorter the better to allow access due to instrument binnacle.

The rest is fairly straight forward once wheel is removed. Just ensure clockspring if removing steering wheel is pointed at 12 o clock position when wheel is straight. I didn't which led to indicators not self cancelling so had to redo.

I have attached picture of rear of airbag and front of steering wheel for reference.

I hope this is of use to someone in future.








Completed job.