replacing the dimmer switch

[dowellb]

Does anyone know if you have to remove the steering wheel when replacing the dimmer switch? If so how big of a job is that. Thanks for your help.

[Tominator2000]

Really easy! Some say you need a steering wheel puller, but I've never had a problem with a few wiggles and some muscle.

First, gently peel the middle/horn pad off the steering wheel. After a small amount of tugging it will come right off.

Use a 17MM socket to remove the center bolt and do the 'wiggle.' The wheel will come right off.

Under the dash panel below the steering wheel are two phillips screws. Removing them will let the panel swing down and it can be removed.

There are 5 phillips screws holding the column trim to the column and to the two halves of the trim. Notice three have different threads. Remove all.

Now you will see two 12MM nuts holding the column to the dash. Loosen both and allow the column to come down. This gains some clearance so the upper half of the trim comes out easily.

There are three phillps screws holding the switch to the ignition assenbly. Removing them allows the switch to be pulled.

Loosen the rubber retaining straps that hold the wires to the column and remove them. They are reusable. If damaged or replaced any thing will do as a substitute.

There are two plugs at the end of the wires. Push in the release and gently pull them from the female connector.

Reverse to reassemble.

[serenity]

What year is your car? Do you have an airbag to disarm? If you do you should power that down before trying to do any work on the stearing collum.

[Tominator2000]

Originally Posted by serenity

What year is your car? Do you have an airbag to disarm? If you do you should power that down before trying to do any work on the stearing collum.

And it's always prudent to remove the negative battery cable from the battery anytime there is electrical work, even just unplugging a seemingly innocent plug...

[Crvett69]

word of advice, never remove the center NUT all the way, always leave it on a few turn while you tug steering wheel toward you, if it pops loose suddenly you can smack yourself in the face with the wheel, if you leave nut on a few turns once you get it loose you just take it off rest of the way and remove wheel