How to Replace Steering Wheel Back Cover 1998-2012 Ford Ranger
Created on: 2016-09-15
How to remove, reinstall the rear streering wheel cover in an 01 Ford Ranger
-
Be cautious around the airbag or SRS system components for power or static charges
step 1 :Disconnecting the Battery
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal with an 8mm socket and ratchet
- Let the battery sit for 30 minutes
-
step 2 :Removing the Steering Wheel
- Pry off the trim buttons on the steering wheel
- Remove the two 8mm bolts
- Touch metal components
- Remove the air bag
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the bag
- Remove the T50 Torx bolt in the center of the steering wheel
- Disconnect the cable
- Work the wheel off
- Remove the two Phillips head screws on the back cover
-
step 3 :Installing the Steering Wheel
- Insert the back cover into place
- Tighten the two Phillips head screws
- Insert the steering wheel into place
- Connect the cable
- Tighten the T50 Torx bolt to the center of the wheel
- Torque the T50 Torx bolt to 30 foot-pounds
- Connect the air bag connector
- Insert the air bag into place
- Tighten the two 8mm bolts to the wheel
- Press on the trim buttons
- Turn the key to the on position
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step 4 :Reconnecting the Battery
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal
- Tighten the terminal with an 8mm socket and ratchet
- Check the airbag for deployment
Tools needed
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Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
Torque Wrench
Phillips Head Screwdriver
8mm Socket
Ratchet
T50 Socket
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks!
In this video, we're going to be working with our 2001 Ford Ranger. We're going to show you how to remove the steering wheel and remove the rear plastic cover. Sometimes these crack or you may need to remove it to access some other parts of the wheel. If you like this video, please click "Subscribe". We have a ton more information on this truck as well as many other makes and models. If you need any parts for your vehicle, follow the link in the description over at 1AAuto.com.
Here are the items you'll need for this repair: flat blade screwdriver, 8mm socket, ratchet, socket extension, T50 Torx, Phillips screwdriver, and a torque wrench.
When working with or around any components of the airbag or SRS system, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and allow the modules inside of the vehicle to fully power off for 30 minutes. SRS components can be identified by yellow wire harness wraps and yellow electrical connectors. Always be cautious around these components for power or static charges.
We're going to use an 8mm socket & ratchet to loosen the terminal on the battery or you can use a wrench. Loosen the clamp, wiggle it off of the terminal, and tuck it somewhere down to the side where it won't accidentally come back and complete the circuit.
To make it easier to show you, we're going to be working from the passenger side of the steering wheel here, but you'll have to repeat these steps on the passenger's side in order to remove the airbag. Pop this cover off with a flat blade screwdriver and the same one on the opposite side of the wheel. Remove the two 8mm bolts.
Be sure to touch metal components of the vehicle before removing the bag to make sure that there's no static charge on your body.
Disconnect the electrical connector at the back of the bag. Remove the T50 Torx bolt in the center of the steering wheel with the Torx bit, ratchet, and extension. Remove this connector. You may need to use a small flat blade screwdriver to get back there. Push the tab. Carefully wiggle this cable out. Now, you can use a steering wheel puller, but if you don't have access to one, you can normally hit the back of the wheel and work it back and forth. Carefully remove it so you don't tear out the clock spring. Remove these two Phillips head screws on the back cover of the steering wheel. Remove the back cover of the steering wheel.
Now, reinstall the back cover. Be sure that the ribbon doesn't get pinched anywhere while we're doing this and that the holes for the airbag is going to reconnect or clear. Reinstall your two Phillips head screws. Send the wire harness from the clock spring back through the steering wheel. Pull the ribbon out of the way so you don't get it pinched. There is an alignment tab so you can turn the wheel until you feel it seat in. Push it back into place.
Reconnect the ribbon connector to the clock spring. Reinstall the T50 Torx bolt in the center. Bring it down with a socket and ratchet. Torque the bolt to 30 foot-pounds.
Reconnect the electrical connector. Reinstall the airbag into the wheel. Be sure that all wiring is out of the way of the bag and its mounting points. Reinstall the two 8mm screws on the back of the airbag. Once the screws are tight, reinstall the plastic covers.
The safest way to check that you installed your airbag correctly to make sure that it doesn't go off with you in the vehicle, we'll put the key in the ignition, turn it to the ON position and then reconnect the battery. If there is an issue and the bag is going to deploy, it does so while wear outside the vehicle.
Reconnect the battery. Tighten the clamp back up. We're going to use an 8mm socket & ratchet or you can use a wrench. Ensure your connection is tight. You're ready to go.
Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helped you out. Next time you need parts for your car, please visit 1AAuto.com. Also check out our other helpful how-to and diagnosis videos.
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