Questions about Steering Wheel Air Bag Removal

[Bigg G]

I have to replace the multifunction switch in my 95 Silverado and the air bag has to be removed before I can remove the steering wheel. I already know that some claim this can be done without pulling the steering wheel but from what I've seen so far I'm pretty positive that's not possible with 96-98 models because the switch is different than earlier year models. Before doing so I have a few questions.

1) How do you remove the air bag from the sTeering wheel without damaging it ?

2) Is it possible to re-install the steering wheel cover without the air bag installed or will that trigger the computer and cause the air bag dash light to stay on ?

[d_johnsen]

on my 95 here is what i did,

look under the lower trim beneath the column for wiring with a yellow sheath that is your airbag wiring find the connector with an orange lock in it, that have to be removed b4 u can disconnect the connections

turn steering wheel so the 12:00 is turned to 3

feel the back of the steering wheel for 2 holes (pin type latches) or 2 slots (rod type latches) there will be 2 of the same holes/slots on the 9:00 side as well

for the pin type latches, insert a punch tool into the hole while pushing in on the wheel(might wanna disconnect horn :) if done correctly you will feel the airbag release from the latch u just released repeat for the other side, rotate wheel..repeat

for the rod type latches they rest in a channel (rod-> ===0== )
the rods have to be pryed out of the channel stud=== ^
then the airbag will be released

hope this makes sense

[Bigg G]

I have the 4 holes (2/per side) with the pins but they are stubborn as sh*t and won't release but I'll try to keep at it until it does.

Also, once I get this darn thing off can I re-install it without the air bag wire (yellow) connected ?

[BHB]

Just make sure you have your battery disconnected during this whole procedure.

[Bigg G]

I'm not the smartest and I'm darn sure not the dumbest.
The 1st thing I did was disconnect both battery terminals from the battery.

Next, I followed that yellow wire down the steering column and pulled that safety tag and then disconnected that wire.

thanks for QQn out though brother.