In 1993, Honda decided to equip its Accord with a passenger-side air bag. This makes it necessary to disable both the driver- and passenger-side air bags during replacement of the ignition switch. Failing to do so could deploy the air bags if you accidentally hit an impact sensor near the steering wheel. However, this task is not as dangerous as you may think. With the proper procedure, you can safely replace at home the ignition switch in your 1993 Accord model.
Set the front wheels to point forward and remove the key from the ignition.
Disconnect 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.
Reach 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.
Unfasten the three glove-box mounting screws and put the glove box aside using a Phillips screwdriver.
Unplug 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.
Pry off the small cover behind and on each side of the steering wheel using a small flat-head screwdriver.
Unfasten 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.
Unplug 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.
Make 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.
Unfasten 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.
Rock 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.
Remove the upper and lower steering column covers using a Phillips screwdriver.
Unplug the ignition switch connector.
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn the key to the “On” position.
Unfasten 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.
