Citroen C5 and Battery / Steering Wheel removal?

[kentc5]

Hello guys,

My car is a 2002 Citroen C5 2.2HDi Exclusive

I thought it is wise to ask before I do so... so here it goes.

Tomorrow planning to remove the steering and the stalks to reconnect the tape for my trip computer button back to the PCB.



Before I start removing steering, airbag etc .... any suggestions on what I need to look out for.

Also I am thinking of disconnecting the battery before I do anything to be safer with the airbag and wait about 30mins before I do anything?

[myglaren]

If you are going to disconnect the battery take a look here before starting.

May be possible to do it by removing the fuse for the airbag system but wait for someone who actually knows to confirm before proceeding.

[Citroenmad]

Yes, that guide is good to follow but a little long winded!

The airbag comes off very easily but make sure you have the battery disconnected 20-30 minutes before you remove it, just as you said.

If you have not removed a wheel before: Only undo the steering wheel bolt until it is slack and then pull the wheel hard. That way you dont get a black eye and your air bag wires stay in one piece

[kentc5]

Yes, that guide is good to follow but a little long winded!

If you have not removed a wheel before: Only undo the steering wheel bolt until it is slack and then pull the wheel hard. That way you dont get a black eye and your air bag wires stay in one piece

Not have removed a wheel before .... say that again lol ...? I will remove the bolts that hold the covers around the stalks ... remove them first
then remove the horn cover? and ... that will expose the airbag and bolts I guess, the one you are referring to is here?

sorry too many questions

[Citroenmad]

You can remove the steering cowling plastics first if you wish, though it doesnt matter if they come off first or after.

The 'horn cover' is actually the air bag module. To remove this there are two slots in the back of the steering wheel. Stick a screw driver in there and force it slightly one way to activate the clip. After doing so the airbag module should pop forward. Be very careful with this, I wouldn't drop it!

You will see a wire connecting to the airbag, undo this carefully.

Next unscrew the large nut in the centre, this is the nut you only unscrew until it is just about to reach the end of the thread, do not remove it fully. Then get hold of the steering wheel and pull it towards you, it normally takes a bit of force and its at this point you will be thankful for leaving the nut on!

Once the wheel is slack from its mounting remove the large centre nut full and while pulling the steering wheel off feed the airbag wire through.

The first time I did this on a C5 I was (luckily) replacing the comms2000 module. I took off the centre bolt and tugged at the wheel. It shot off, nearly hitting me in the face and it ripped off the plug from the airbag wire Fortunately that is part of the comms2000 so it was no big deal. But lesson learnt

[kentc5]

That is perfect ... thank God I read that as I would try to pull out the "hord cover" and would end up firing the airbag in my face in the best occasion!! lol lol
Will let you know how it goes tomorrow

[Citroenmad]

Ive just been to check the spare C5 wheel and 'bag I have in the garage. To release the front pop a screw driver in each slot on the back of the wheel and price towards the edge of the wheel, not the middle. You shouldn't have any problems

[kentc5]

All the advice was more than helpful guys thank you! had to take the steering wheel /airbag and stalks 3 times until everything works to the satisfaction lol ... an expert on Steering wheel removal now lol lol
I disconnected the battery as stated in myglaren's post this was really helpful as well.
First time I re-sat the tape in the PCB .... but this was not working still.
The disassebled the button housing and found out the little metal contact was broken ... a quick trip to the local scrap yard and I got a (used) end of the stalk with the button and tape wiring.
I have removed the metal plate from the new one and installed it on my one ... put everything back together and ... still not working.
Removed the steering for the 3rd time and now I replaced all the inside mechanism of the button including the tape from the new one... and put all back together.
Everything is working perfect!! long day but all good when things working as they should be.

[Citroenmad]

Pleased you got everything working in the end