Airbag Removal From Xsara Picasso 53 Plate

[kennymcd]

I need to remove my drivers airbag (column with 3 stalks) and was told there are screws or clips behind the steering wheel which required to be removed but I can't see any holes / screws or clips at all behind the wheel. Does this type of airbag just lever off?. Can anyone help in the steps to change over this complete stalk system as it is very expensive and I don't want to get it wrong. Thanks in anticipation.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

(Note the following only applies to cars to RPO 09491, ones after this have different parts and procedures. Edited paul.h 17/11/2013)

 

It is probably worthwhile obtaining the Haynes manual for your car and the following is from it.

 

According to the Haynes manual (my copy is an old one covering 2000 to 2002 but is likely to still be correct, however, I would recommend you confirm this, copies are often available in libraries if you do not wish to purchase one) - 1st de-activate the airbag, there are 2 screws located at the rear of the steering wheel boss to undo (the wheel may need to be moved to access them). Then gently pull the air bag unit from the centre of the steering wheel. Carefully unclip the wiring connector from the air bag unit (use fingers only and pull the connector upward from the air bag unit). Where fitted, disconnect the additional earth lead from the air bag unit. Refitting is a reversal.

 

Before removing the airbag it must be de-activated and again based on the Haynes manual -

a) switch on ignition to ensure the airbag light comes on and goes off as normal switch off ignition

c) remove ignition key

d) switch off all electrical equipment

e) disconnect the battery negative terminal (if you have an aftermarket radio you may need a code when the battery is reconnected). Note when disconnecting the battery on some Citroens odd electrical things can happen if a procedure is not followed - there is one in the C3 Technical subforum in the Common Problems post that has worked for me. 

f) make sure the battery negative lead can not contact the battery (move it to one side)

g) wait at least 10 minutes before doing anything else.

 

To re-activate the airbag have the key out of the ignition, nobody in the car, connect the battery, open the driver's door, switch on the ignition and check the airbag light comes on and then goes off as normal - if not see a dealer before driving the car.

 

As for removing the wiper/lighting stalk unit, again based on Haynes -

 

- remove steering wheel (after air bag), 1st set wheels straight ahead and release steering lock (use white paint to mark its position on the shaft before pulling off), feed the air bag and rotary connector wiring through the wheel (on refitting align the 2 arrows on the rotary connector before fitting the steering wheel)

- remove steering column shrouds

- remove air bag rotary connector (first undo its electrical connector then undo its 3 screws - note wiring route)

- undo wiring connectors

- undo 3 screws securing switch housing to the steering column and remove the housing

- the relevant switch can be removed from the housing after removing its 2 securing screws.