i have the leather wheel from my sunfire i want to put in my cavalier, i know the airbags are compatible, but the flippin wheel in the cavalier isnt budging, all the procedures ive seen say to remove the 2 torx screws in back of the wheel, all it does is loosen the back trim peice, anyone here ever remove the "small" airbag in the 03-05 cavalier?

Once, but it took the ass end of a Camry

Posted by nostra-YOUPPI! i have the leather wheel from my sunfire i want to put in my cavalier, i know the airbags are compatible, but the flippin wheel in the cavalier isnt budging, all the procedures ive seen say to remove the 2 torx screws in back of the wheel, all it does is loosen the back trim peice, anyone here ever remove the "small" airbag in the 03-05 cavalier?

unplug the battery.
pull the fuses AND relays for the airbag module from both the underhood panel and the dashboard fuse panels.
undo the screws on the backside of the steering wheel.
pull.
once the airbag is off, move the mounting bolts that hold the wheel to the steering shaft.
you MAY need a puller to get the wheel off the shaft (i did with my 96 Cavalier)

Posted by Samurai unplug the battery. pull the fuses AND relays for the airbag module from both the underhood panel and the dashboard fuse panels.

jeeeeezus... live on the wild side for once!

Posted by Samurai unplug the battery. pull the fuses AND relays for the airbag module from both the underhood panel and the dashboard fuse panels. undo the screws on the backside of the steering wheel. pull. once the airbag is off, move the mounting bolts that hold the wheel to the steering shaft. you MAY need a puller to get the wheel off the shaft (i did with my 96 Cavalier)

sam, thats the procedure for the pre 2002 steering wheel(ive done it a million times), in 2003 they put a wheel in that the 2 screws on the back only hold the back cover on the wheel off, i got the wheel off my 01 following your instructions. I spoke to my neighbor who works at a gm dealer, the 03-05 has 3 clips in back that you need a little pry tool to get out.

Looks like you need a special tool:


# Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
# On vehicles with tilt steering columns, remove the upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
# On vehicles with non-tilt steering columns, remove the lower trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement
177348.jpg (9 kb, 677x610)
# Turn the steering wheel until two of the four openings on the back of the steering wheel are accessible.
# Adjust and install J 44298 into the 2 openings.

Important: Fully seat the air bag removal tool.
# Pull the handle toward the steering wheel. Release the 2 spring-loaded fasteners.
# Turn the steering wheel. Repeat the same steps for the remaining two openings.


Click here for detailed picture of above image.
# Gently pull the inflator module (1) from the steering wheel.
# Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) from the yellow SIR electrical connector.
# Disconnect the yellow SIR electrical connector from the back of the steering wheel inflator module.
# Rotate the horn contact lead counterclockwise ¼ turn. Remove the horn contact lead from the steering column cam tower.

i either saw that tool at princess auto or carquest, im sure of it. even had the instructions on the package.

thanks bandi! i just called the dealer, they said its gms way to combat airbag theft!

You need to leave the battery connected while removing an airbag. Everyone knows that.

if you see wires with yellow tape i recommend you jump them with a current of some sort

Posted by steponmebbbboom i either saw that tool at princess auto or carquest, im sure of it. even had the instructions on the package.

I was thinking the same. it was red or blue.

I'm thinking I for some reason I might have it in my mystery tool collection!

dont you love those 1 time tools you buy, i have a steering wheel puller that set me back 2.50$ about 5 years ago, sure i have to keep all the parts in a pencil case but it works