8 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHSteering wheel question
Reported or suspected cause
most people need
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
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0
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0
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Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
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Reported cause
The problem is most people need to turn the key on in order to rotate the wheel to get to the 2 screws in the back of the steering wheel because they use a long torx bit that is like a screwdriver.
Leading evidence: 'most people need' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'most people need' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Disconnect air bag without' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
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Suggestion
You can remove and disconnect the air bag without disconnecting the battery and not get an air bag warning light if the key is not on.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I searched the threads for instructions and everywhere they say you have to disconnect the battery.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Suggestion · Original poster
Removing the proper fuse (s) should do the same thing as disconnecting the battery or not?
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
The problem is most people need to turn the key on in order to rotate the wheel to get to the 2 screws in the back of the steering wheel because they use a long torx bit that is like a screwdriver.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
most people need
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause
The problem is most people need to turn the key on in order to rotate the wheel to get to the 2 screws in the back of the steering wheel because they use a long torx bit that is like a screwdriver.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
8 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T135432Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I am thinking of replacing the OEM 4-spoke steering wheel with a 3-spoke one. I searched the threads for instructions and everywhere they say you have to disconnect the battery. I don't have the radio code and I don't want to disconnect to battery. So is it possible to remove the fuse for the SRS and do the swap. Removing the proper fuse (s) should do the same thing as disconnecting the battery or not?
My fuse assignement does not have anything for SRS. Has anybody tryed this approach and if you know which one is the SRS fuse?
Thanks
The best solution is to go to the dealer and have them extract the radio code. Eventually you will need it.
Loren at Renntech:
"If you do not have the code a dealer can look it up for you with your VIN number and proof of ownership. Some dealers as well as Becker (radio manufacturer) now charge for this service so don't be surprised with they want you pay."
I can hunt down the SRS fuse for you when I get home, but I won't guarantee that will keep the SRS light from coming on, or at the worst, a face full of airbag.
NO!!! Even removing the fuse might detonate the airbag. The problem is not the direct power but the capacitor in the system that discharges the airbag after a specific amount of time. The usual rule is 20 min, but I let mine sit for 1 hour. The capacitor is in there in case of a Parked car collision where as you have just parked your car and you are hit by another. You are still protected.
As far as the radio code goes, simply get the radio serial number and give that to the dealer. Or, bring the car to the dealer to reset. I am sure it won't be that expensive.
Chad
Thank you both. Mitty don't worry about the fuse because I don't want to take any risks. I was just wondering if anyone has done it before with the fuse. I had to get the code for my BMW and the stealer chaged me $80, so for the porsche who knows what.
Thanks anyway
You can remove and disconnect the air bag without disconnecting the battery and not get an air bag warning light if the key is not on.
The problem is most people need to turn the key on in order to rotate the wheel to get to the 2 screws in the back of the steering wheel because they use a long torx bit that is like a screwdriver. The tool is so long that you need to rotate the wheel so that the screw is at the bottom, otherwise the handle end of the tool will hit the instrument cluster or dash.
I have a 3" T30 bit with a holder just like what some dealers use, that goes on the end of a 1/4" drive ratchet. With this tool I do not need to rotate the wheel in order to remove the air bag.
I did not even know there was a fuse to diable the air bag control unit. I will have to look at the wiring diagrams.
I have removed maybe 60 steering wheel air bags over the years at our work on cars days. For trip computer retrofits, to 3 spoke swaps. We always disconnect the battery, just in case. The bottom line is to get your radio code and disconnect the battery.
There is a guy on the Boxster side who said he cracked the Becker radio codes. All he needs is the last 4 digits of your serial number. If you push the right buttons on the radio it will display your serial number.
If you have a decent relationship with your dealer then the code is not a bid deal..... Stop by and ask the service writter.... They can easily access this information, take your car with you because they'll need to get the radio # to get you the right code.....
Don't pay..... it's not right...
Can't believe BMW charged you.... I got that for mine as well..... both FREE....
"BE NICE" when you go there.....
-Eli
Get the code, you will need it in the future. As for the battery disconnect it and wait at least 30 min-1 hr for the current to discharge. Last thing you want is to cut a corner to save cost or time and then have that airbag explode!
