Chevrolet Repair: steering wheel removal, negative battery cable, supplemental restraint system

Question
Hey Robert,
I have a 1996 Chev S10 Blazer,and the ignition key won't turn back to the off position. I was told that to remove the lock cylinder that the steering wheel had to be removed. The problem I have is I can't figure out how to remove the airbag from the steering wheel so I can remove the steering wheel. I hope you can tell me how to get the airbag out. Thanks

Answer
Models With An Air Bag

See Figures 9 through 26

  
 CAUTION

These models 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 Chapter 6 .  
  
  

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Disable the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (SIR). Refer to Chassis Electrical of this repair guide for this procedure.

Position the steering wheel so that it is in the horizontal position and the front wheel are straight.

Remove the air bag system inflator module as follows:

Make sure the air bag system is disabled and the negative battery disconnected.

Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees, this will enable you to gain access to the rear shroud holes-to-inflator module.

Insert a prytool and push the leaf spring to release the pin.

Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees to access the remaining shroud holes, then repeat the procedure to release the pin using the prytool.

Tilt the inflator module rearward from the top to access the module electrical wiring, then disengage the wiring from the module and the steering wheel.

Unplug the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer from the module.

Remove the steering wheel retaining nut and the horn plunger contact.

Since the steering column is designed to collapse upon impact, NEVER hammer on it!

Matchmark the relationship of the steering wheel to the steering shaft. Some models may already be equipped with one or more alignment marks. If not, make your own using a permanent marker.

Using a suitable steering wheel puller, such as No. J-1859-03 or equivalent, carefully draw the wheel from the steering column.

To install:

Align the matchmarks and carefully fit the wheel onto the steering shaft.

Install the retaining nut and tighten to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).

Install the inflator module as follows:

Attach the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer to the module.

Attach the inflator module wiring to the steering wheel and to the module.

Install the inflator module by pressing it into the steering wheel enough to engage and latch all four notched pins in the leaf spring. Make sure the wires are not pinched.

Connect the negative battery cable.

Enable the air bag system. Refer to Chassis Electrical of this repair guide for this procedure.