Crazy Signal/Hazard problem 2005 Grand Am SE

[xeroinfinity]

Xray Tube !! ?!!
What the hell work do you do Bob ?

When I first seen that tube of G661, I thought it was preperation H or vaginex
... Its been a long day!

This is an easy fix and doing your self is much cheaper!
Hell the stealership wouldnt even dare repair the unit, they'd just replace it

[FullyAvenged]

Do they even make an '05 Grand Am??

[xeroinfinity]

Yes they made them until 05.
Though I know some people bought new 05's in 06-07 just one's that didnt sell before.

Also the MFS is the same from 03-05.

[Imac007]

hi, i have/had the same problem with our 04 grand am. i took out the mfs and cleaned all the grease....put unit back on and now my horn doesnt work.....nor does the signal lever return after turning......i believe it was something i did....after removing it a second time i noticed a copper(?) ring just behind the steering column (didn't notice when i removed it the first time), well the ring is all bent up now.......how do i replace that? or atleast smooth it out...........atleast the clicking sound is gone

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Imac007

hi, i have/had the same problem with our 04 grand am. i took out the mfs and cleaned all the grease....put unit back on and now my horn doesnt work.....nor does the signal lever return after turning......i believe it was something i did....after removing it a second time i noticed a copper(?) ring just behind the steering column (didn't notice when i removed it the first time), well the ring is all bent up now.......how do i replace that? or atleast smooth it out...........atleast the clicking sound is gone

Most likely because you installed the MFS without properly indexing the spring loaded contact on the MFS for the horn that contacts the slip ring (copper ring). For some reason it gets bent after moving the steering wheel after an incorrect installation. The slip ring passes a ground from the horn switches to the spring loaded contact in the MFS. When the slip ring gets bent it forces the spring loaded contact to stay fully stuck in if slip ring is bent towards the dash and causes a loss of contact. Remove the MFS and from the back insert a paper clip and push out which will force the spring loaded contact out. After that test it by pushing in and out. It should move freely.

To replace that damaged ring you will need to remove the airbag module and the steering wheel.

[Imac007]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Most likely because you installed the MFS without properly indexing the spring loaded contact on the MFS for the horn that contacts the slip ring (copper ring). For some reason it gets bent after moving the steering wheel after an incorrect installation. The slip ring passes a ground from the horn switches to the spring loaded contact in the MFS. When the slip ring gets bent it forces the spring loaded contact to stay fully stuck in if slip ring is bent towards the dash and causes a loss of contact. Remove the MFS and from the back insert a paper clip and push out which will force the spring loaded contact out. After that test it by pushing in and out. It should move freely.

To replace that damaged ring you will need to remove the airbag module and the steering wheel.

how do you remove the airbag module and steering wheel, without setting off the air bag....id luv to do this myself...seeing as i created the mess

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Imac007

how do you remove the airbag module and steering wheel, without setting off the air bag....id luv to do this myself...seeing as i created the mess

SRS system needs to be disarmed for safety purposes. Pull either the airbag fuse and let sit for around 30 minutes (capacitor drains off) or the battery negative cable. To get the steering wheel off you will need a steering wheel puller tool which you can rent.

The airbag module is secured by at least two screws (Torx type). Located behind the steering wheel. You should see the two holes from the back once the top plastic cover is removed. Same cover that needs to be removed when replacing the MFS.

Depending on how bad the slip ring is bent you may be able to unbend it with needle nose pliers either on or off car but it is fragile so it may break.

[Imac007]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

SRS system needs to be disarmed for safety purposes. Pull either the airbag fuse and let sit for around 30 minutes (capacitor drains off) or the battery negative cable. To get the steering wheel off you will need a steering wheel puller tool which you can rent.

The airbag module is secured by at least two screws (Torx type). Located behind the steering wheel. You should see the two holes from the back once the top plastic cover is removed. Same cover that needs to be removed when replacing the MFS.

Depending on how bad the slip ring is bent you may be able to unbend it with needle nose pliers either on or off car but it is fragile so it may break.

thanks for the info....do you know where i can get a picture of the part....id like to try to unbend it on the car.....those air bags scare me....and the less i have to take apart the less that i need to replace

[xeroinfinity]

Steering wheel removal....

The torx bits are #30, 2 of them, that takes off the Air bag module.
These models are very touchy too, you can break your horn/cruise wires easily if you are not carefull.

The horn wire connector twists counter clockwise to release.
The air bag connector squeezes to release.

The clock spring is under the steering wheel so that does have to be removed to access the clockspring.
Thier are also alignment marks on the clockspring and it has to be put back with these marks aligned or it'll break the wires.
If you have to remove the CSpring it's held in by a snap ring and you'll need a snap ring remover to get ot off and back on with out damaging things.

Sorry I couldnt find a pic....

but as Bob stated disconect the Neg battery terminal and pull hte air bag fuse.
ALSO dont lay the airbag on the seats or the carpets as static can set them off pretty easy, and it make one hell of a mess while scarring the poop out of ya

hope that helps!

[Imac007]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Steering wheel removal....

The torx bits are #30, 2 of them, that takes off the Air bag module.
These models are very touchy too, you can break your horn/cruise wires easily if you are not carefull.

The horn wire connector twists counter clockwise to release.
The air bag connector squeezes to release.

The clock spring is under the steering wheel so that does have to be removed to access the clockspring.
Thier are also alignment marks on the clockspring and it has to be put back with these marks aligned or it'll break the wires.
If you have to remove the CSpring it's held in by a snap ring and you'll need a snap ring remover to get ot off and back on with out damaging things.

Sorry I couldnt find a pic....

but as Bob stated disconect the Neg battery terminal and pull hte air bag fuse.
ALSO dont lay the airbag on the seats or the carpets as static can set them off pretty easy, and it make one hell of a mess while scarring the poop out of ya

hope that helps!

ok, ive got my torx30 screwdriver in hand, but for the life of me i can't find the darn holes........are they stareing me right in the face...or what....
i found holes in the back of the steering wheel cover but no screws inside.....man i hate it when this happens....any help?

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by Imac007

ok, ive got my torx30 screwdriver in hand, but for the life of me i can't find the darn holes........are they stareing me right in the face...or what....
i found holes in the back of the steering wheel cover but no screws inside.....man i hate it when this happens....any help?

Sorry about that, you do need to remove the cover thats over the MFS to access the screws.
Its right behind the steering wheel. Its uses #25 torx I believe.

[Imac007]

ok....ive still got the mfs out so that cover is not even there.....i tried to take pictures but they are too dark. are the two screws in the back of the lower cover of the steering wheel? i see two holes but doesnt seem like there are screws inside.
arrrggg...i need to get this done......

[xeroinfinity]

Well they are there trust me

Some N bodies hav had tiny covers in the holes, they just pop out.

Could also be your torx bit isnt long enough to reach the screws in the hole ....

[Imac007]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Well they are there trust me

Some N bodies hav had tiny covers in the holes, they just pop out.

Could also be your torx bit isnt long enough to reach the screws in the hole ....

I appreciate all the help you guys have given me. but it turns out there are no screws...apparently these airbags are held in by to sping loaded snaps that are almost impossible for the amature to get off (i stopped by my local dealership to find the screws). as it turns out this will probably be covered by our extended warranty anyway.....

thanks again for your help and patience with a diy'er

[xeroinfinity]

Thats funny because both mine have screws...
Maybe it was just the new models to screw with people

I'll look at my frineds 05' SCT and see what his is held on with......