03 Cruise buttons

How hard is it to change out the cruise buttons on the steering wheel of a 2003 impala?

here ya go:


To remove/replace the cruise control buttons from the steering wheel you MUST first disable the airbag.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/ArmDisarmZone3.jpg

Disconnect the negative battery cable for 30mins, timed it, and removethe SRS fuse from the IP fuse panel located on the inside of the drivers door panel. If you want to test to see if you removed the correct fuse, turn car on (if you haven’t already disconnected it from the battery), and your red airbag light will stay on steady. The follow picture shows the 10A fuse I removed in this process

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/untitled.jpg

Now that you have waited 30mins tilt the steering wheel down as far as it will go. Turning the wheel will be difficult now because no power steering, but turn it 90 degrees either way. On the back side of the wheel, you should now be able to feel, or with a small mirror see this.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/DSC04374.jpg

There is no need to attempt or remove the torx screw in this process, so just leave it alone. What the trick is to use a “pry” tool. Slide it to the side of the pin that DOES NOT have the angled plastic. Slowly twist the screw driver to 90 degrees and pull gently on the front of the wheel on the horn’s edge. Here's an illistration of what you need to do. The pin needs to be in the red lines posistion to be freed.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/untitled-1.jpg

You will see the center piece (airbag/horn) trying to pop out. Applying outward force will help keep the clip from locking back in. Repeat to the other side of the airbag/horn and the entire center piece of the steering wheel will pop free. DO NOT PULL ........WIRES ARE ATTACHED. Gently lift entire assembly up and place it on top of steering column, in center of wheel. It will look like this.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/DSC04355.jpg

In this photo you can see the pins you were twisting/pushing out of the hooks in the previous step.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/untitled2.jpg

Using a torx 20 bit remove the screw retaining the button you wish to remove. DO NOT pull hard on buttons there is limited wiring attached to the button!!!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/DSC04356.jpg

Release clip from back off button and remove.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/winty03/DSC04360.jpg

After replacing the cruise button you are having issues with replace the retaining torx 20 screw and make sure there is no wiring binding or will be pinched when replacing parts. After securing button and double checking wire clearance take airbag/horn assembly and align it back with the 4 holes. You shouldn’t be able to install it wrong, you have a Chevy bowtie on the front and the one side of the airbag/horn assembly is wider than the other. Give it a quick, firm push. Try to remain gentle we are working with an airbag. You should hear all 4 clips snap back into place, and the horn should be flush with the outside of the steering wheel. Clean up tools and staying clear of all airbags, Do not re-install fuse while sitting in the driver's seat! Replace your 10amp fuse back in your IP fuse box and then connect your negative cable. Turn your car on and verify that your airbag light now should run as normal. Job Complete

THANKS!!!! That was very helpful. Great illustrations and pics!!!