How do you get the air bag off steering wheel so I can replace key cylinder

If you have a tilt wheel or have an air bag in the steering wheel you'll need special tools and disconnect the actuating wire to the bag before going after the ignition cylinder. I would let a shop do it because if the air bag goes off the shop will have to eat the cost of a new air bag.

That is not the key part of the switch, it is the electruical switch the key cylinder operated.
Instructions

• Set the front wheels to point forward and remove the key from the ignition.
  
• 2Disconnect the black battery cable and then the red battery cable, in that order, using a wrench unfasten the two torx bolts securing the lower lid on the steering wheel using a ratchet and torx bit. Pull off the red shorting connector from the underside of the lid and put the lid aside.
  

4Reach through the steering cover opening, unplug the air-bag electrical connector and insert the red shorting connector to the air bag side of the unplugged connector.

5Unfasten the three glove-box mounting screws and put the glove box aside using a Phillips screwdriver.

6Unplug the passenger air-bag electrical connector and insert the red shorting connector located next to the connector into the air-bag side of the unplugged connector.

7Pry off the small cover behind and on each side of the steering wheel using a small flat-head screwdriver.

8Unfasten the torx bolts under the small covers using a ratchet and a T30 torx bit and remove the bag assembly from the steering wheel. Place the bag in a safe place away from your working area with the cover facing up.

9Unplug the horn connector located on the upper side of the steering wheel assembly and the cruise control switch located off center and towards the right of the steering wheel assembly.

10Make alignment marks on the steering column shaft, at the center of the steering wheel, and the steering wheel assembly so that you can reinstall the steering wheel in the same exact position. Use a marker.

11Unfasten the steering-wheel retaining nut on the center of the assembly using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Hold the steering wheel steady with one hand as you remove the retaining nut.

12Rock the steering wheel carefully from side to side as you pull the wheel off the center shaft. If the steering wheel is stuck, install a steering wheel puller on the assembly and detach the wheel from the shaft.

13Remove the upper and lower steering column covers using a Phillips screwdriver.

14Unplug the ignition switch connector.

15Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn the key to the "On" position.

16Unfasten the two ignition-switch mounting bolts from the steering column using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Then remove the switch from the steering column

Hi, odds are your clockspring has broken. You'll have to remove the steering wheel to access the clockspring, which will require the use of a steering wheel puller. I have pasted procedures below from autozone.com. After removing the airbag and before removing the steering wheel, you can verify that the clockspring has failed, if desired, by testing the continuity of the wires from the airbag to the bottom of the steering column. Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for using FixYa.
Removal & Installation CAUTION The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before removing the steering wheel. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Turn the ignition key cylinder to the LOCK position and remove the key. Turn the steering wheel a half turn toward the left until the steering column becomes locked in position.
3. Remove the 3 bolts attaching the air bag module to the steering wheel. Remove the air bag module.

CAUTION Disconnect and isolate the negative (ground) battery cable. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes before continuing with the removal procedure. This will disable the air bag system.

Fig. The airbag is attached to the steering wheel by three fasteners


Fig. After the airbag is unbolted from the steering wheel . . .


Fig. . . . reach behind and unplug the electrical connections

4. Disconnect the wiring connectors from the air bag module, horn switch and speed control switches.
5. Remove the routing clip for the wiring harness from the air bag module studs.
6. Remove the steering wheel mounting nut from the steering column shaft and remove the steering wheel damper from the steering wheel.

Fig. Always hold the airbag away from your body when transporting it to a storage area


Fig. With the airbag removed, the steering wheel retaining nut can be removed


Fig. After the nut is removed, set aside the damper plate . . .


Fig. . . . and use a paint marker to matchmark the steering wheel shaft with the wheel

7. Using a steering wheel puller tool, remove the steering wheel from the steering column shaft. Do not thread the steering wheel puller tool bolts into the steering wheel more than a 1/2 in. or damage to the SRS clockspring will result. Do not hammer or bump the steering column or shaft when removing the steering wheel
8. Remove and replace the clockspring.


Fig. A steering wheel puller must be used to remove the wheel from the shaft


Fig. Once the wheel is free of the shaft, carefully route the wires through the wheel

To install:
1. Before installing the steering wheel, the clockspring must be centered . Center the clockspring as follows:
a. Disengage the lock mechanism by depressing the 2 plastic locking pins.
b. Turn the clockspring rotor clockwise until it stops, while the lock mechanism is disengaged. Do not use excessive force.
c. From the end of the clockwise travel, turn the clockspring rotor counter-clockwise. The clockspring wires should be at the top. Engage the clockspring locking pins.
d. Turn the clockspring a 1/2 additional rotation counter-clockwise from the center locked position. This should put the clockspring wiring at the bottom.
e. The clockspring is now correctly positioned for installation of the steering wheel.

2. Install the steering wheel onto the steering column shaft. Make sure the master splines of the steering wheel and steering shaft are in correct alignment. Be sure the flats on the steering wheel align with the formations on the clockspring. All wiring leads from the clockspring must be routed correctly.
3. Install the steering wheel damper onto the steering wheel in its original position.
4.Install the steering wheel-to-steering shaft retaining nut. Torque the retaining nut to 45 ft. lbs. (61 Nm).
5. Reconnect the horn switch wiring lead from the clockspring, onto the steering wheel horn switch wiring.
6. If equipped with speed control, reconnect the speed control wiring from the clockspring onto the speed control switch.
7. Install the wiring lead from the clockspring onto the air bag module. Make the wiring connection onto the air bag module, by pressing straight in on the connector. Be sure it is fully seated.
8. Install the air bag module to the steering wheel and then install the 3 air bag module attaching nuts. Torque all 3 air bag module attaching nuts to 100 inch lbs. (11 Nm).
9. When reconnecting the battery on a vehicle that has had the air bag removed, the following procedure should be used:
a. Connect the DRB or equivalent scan tool, to the ASDM diagnostic 6-way connector.
b. Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit the vehicle with the DRB, and install the latest version of the proper diagnostic cartridge into the DRB.
c. Make sure there are no occupants in the vehicle and reconnect the negative battery cable.
d. Using the DRB, read and record active or stored fault codes. Take appropriate actions to correct any faults.
e. Erase stored fault codes. If problems remain, fault codes will not erase.
f. From the passenger side of the vehicle, turn the ignition key to OFF and then ON , observing the instrument cluster air bag lamp. It should go ON for 6-8 seconds, then go out. This will indicate that the air bag system is functioning normally.

WARNING If the air bag warning lamp fails to light, blinks ON and OFF or goes ON and stays ON, there is an air bag system malfunction.

g. Test the operation of any steering column functions such as the horn, lights or speed control system.
h. Road test vehicle. Be sure the speed control and steering systems are functioning properly

You need the proper tool. A steering wheel puller will remove it with ease. It has a center shaft to push on the column and bolts to the wheel itself. When you turn the center shaft it pulls the wheel right off. Try to remove a steering wheel without a puller can damage the column.

Welcome to Fixya

Here's the procedure on how to remove and install the ignition switch.


Removal
1.1
Disconnect the car's negative battery cable.
2.2
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the Accessory position--turn it to the left. Make sure the front wheels are facing straight ahead before you do this.
3.3
Pry off the covers on the sides of the steering wheel concealing the air bag's mounting screws. Remove the screws with a Torx wrench, pull the air bag off the wheel and disconnect its electrical connectors.
4.4
Remove the steering wheel--unplug the electrical connector to the horn and cruise control, remove the wheel's retaining nut with a wrench, mark the hub's relationship to the steering shaft with tape and remove the wheel with a steering wheel puller.
5.5
Remove the steering column covers by removing the two Phillips screws on the sides and separating the two halves of the covers.
6.6
Unplug the electrical connectors for the ignition switch.
7.7
Unscrew the retaining screws for the ignition switch with a screwdriver and pull the switch out of the lock cylinder's housing.
Installation
8.1
Insert the replacement ignition switch into the lock cylinder housing--the lock cylinder must still be in the Accessory position--and secure it with the retaining screws. Connect the electrical connectors to the switch.
9.2
Connect the steering column covers to the column and secure them with their Phillips screws.
10.3
Install the steering wheel to the column, then connect the air bag to the wheel with its electrical connector and Torx screws.
11.4
Re-connect the battery cable.

Thank you for using Fixya!

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/elixirjose_00375ea24bd8141b

Hello, You may have a ignition lock cylinder failure, The two wires coming off the lock cylinder will break and the resistence signal from the key will not get to the computer. To repair you need to replace the lock cylinder, get a new key with the same resistence value as your old key. This is not a simple task. The driver air bag. steering wheel, air bag coil, signal light switch, key buzzer switch have to come out, The wires from the lock cylinder run down inside the steering column. Hope this helps you.

you need a steering wheel puller, you must remove the air bag first. dont forget to disconnect the battery .

Removal
Remove steering wheel and combination switch. See STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG and
COMBINATION SWITCH . Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Using a chisel and screwdriver,
back out bolts at steering lock bracket. Insert key into steering lock cylinder, and turn to ACC position. Using a
small Phillips screwdriver, push cylinder lock pin inward. On all models, remove ignition switch, steering lock
and bracket.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW steering lock bracket and bolts. Temporarily install ignition
switch and steering lock cylinder onto steering column. Ensure ignition switch functions normally, then tighten
steering lock cylinder bolts. Tighten lock bolts until heads twist off. To complete installation, reverse removal
procedure.
If you need anymore info let me know.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO RATE!!!!

Some models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SRS components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SRS, as described in Section 6.


Before continuing with this procedure, make sure to have available a new steering wheel retaining bolt and two lock cylinder retaining bolts. Once removed, these parts lose their torque holding ability (or retention capability) and must not be reused.

1. If equipped, disarm the air bag system and disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the steering wheel.
   
3. Remove the combination switch.
   
4. Unplug the wiring connector to the ignition switch.
   
5. Remove the ignition and shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt and position the assembly to one side.
   
6. Remove the four steering column bracket bolts and lower the steering column.
   
7. Cut a groove in the ignition cylinder bracket bolts with a chisel and hammer or use a similar method.
   
8. Using a screwdriver, remove and discard the bracket bolts.
   
9. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder and bracket.
   

Unfasten the ignition and shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt, and position the assembly to one side



Use a chisel and hammer to cut a groove in the ignition cylinder bracket bolts-1991-96 models shown; 1997-99 models similar

To install:

1. Install the new ignition switch and the bracket into position on the steering column tube.
   
2. Install the new lock cylinder bolts and tighten the bolts enough to hold the switch in position.
   
3. Check for proper switch operation by rotating the key to each position. If necessary, reposition the lock cylinder until it operates properly.
   
4. If positioned properly, tighten the retaining bolts until the bolt head shears off.
   
5. Raise and position the steering column. Tighten the bracket bolts to 80-124 inch lbs. (9-14 Nm).
   
6. If equipped with tilt column, remove the upper mounting bracket retaining pin.
   
7. Position the interlock cable bracket. Install and tighten the retaining bolt to 35-53 inch lbs. (4-6 Nm).
   
8. Attach the wiring connector to the ignition switch.
   
9. Install the combination switch.
   
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
    
11. Confirm operational status of the air bag system by turning the ignition key to the RUN position and visually monitoring the air bag indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. The indicator lamp should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If the indicator lamp does not illuminate, stays ON, or flashes at any time, a fault has been detected by the air bag diagnostic monitor.
    
12. Check the steering wheel, horn and combination switch functions for proper operation.
    

This first post is WITH AN AIR BAG:



With Air Bag Before removing the steering wheel, disable the air bag system
Disarming the System To disarm the air bag system, simply disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Isolate the battery cable by taping up any exposed metal areas of the cable. This will keep the cable from accidentally contacting the battery and causing deployment of the air bag. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes, although 10 minutes is recommended, to allow for the dissipation of any residual energy.

CAUTION Before removing the steering wheel, disable the air bag system (refer to Section 6). Failure to do so could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible injury.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and disable the air bag system.
   
2. Set the front tires in a straight-ahead position.
   

Exploded view of the air bag module mounting

1. Remove the air bag module retaining nuts from behind the steering wheel.
   
2. Remove the air bag module.
   
3. If equipped, remove the cruise control switch.
   
4. Disconnect the horn wiring.
   
5. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
   
6. Scribe a line mark on the steering wheel and steering shaft if there is not one already.
   

Use a puller to separate the wheel from the column

1. Remove the steering wheel using a suitable puller.
   

To install:

1. To install, align the scribe marks on the steering shaft with the steering wheel.
   
2. Ensure the wheel compresses the 2 locktabs on the clockspring.