Removing 2001 Taurus Steering Wheel

[ks1675]

Question: Does anyone know the proper procedure for removing the steering wheel of a 2001 Ford Taurus.

Reason: I'm trying to install cruise control. I bought an original cruise control kit from Ford. It comes with instructions, but there not very clear. My main concern is safety and my second concern is that I do not want to pop the airbag. The instructions don't show exactly what is needed or how to remove the steering wheel. Please help me. KEN.

[way2old]

Here is how to disable air bag. Then steering wheel is just bolted on. You either need a puller or some strong arms to pull wheel off.


Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering
Depowering Procedure

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: If a seat equipped with a seat mounted side air bag and/or a safety belt pretensioner (if equipped) system is being serviced, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) must be depowered.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
At the central junction box (CJB), located below the LH side of the instrument panel, remove the cover and the restraints control module (RCM) fuse F2.23 (10A) from the CJB. For additional information, refer to the Wiring Diagram Manual.
Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the air bag indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air bag indicator will remain lit continuously (no flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been removed. If the air bag indicator does not remain lit continuously, remove the correct RCM fuse before proceeding.
Turn the ignition OFF.
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.

The side impact sensors (if equipped) are located at or near the base of the B-pillars.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).