I need to change the cruise control buttons. Can i remove the steering wheel cover without damaging the air bag or can ford only do it?

Damage wires in steering wheel

why not say reason.. ??? is the actual shaft bad,
or just swapping out the whole thing.> with igntion switch and combo switch?
the whole inside parts?
are you removing the steering wheel ?

first hard part is air bags, very dangerous.
and the coil spring, in wheel hub. easy to damage that.
first off major work , you need the FSM. why not get it and read it.

if no bags , good. easier.
the other issue is the
there are 3 critical steps.
1: Bags.
2: ignition switch assy, anthieft screws.
3: collapsible shaft, possible damage.
4: the steering wheel puller and steps. the FSM covers each separately.

wheel. quote

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

1. Remove the air bag module retaining nuts from behind the steering wheel.
2. Remove the air bag module. Defeated first !!!!
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.
7. Remove the steering wheel using a suitable puller.
8. the palm smacking trick can get the wheel off if lucky.

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.
3. Pull the air bag and if equipped, cruise control wires through the larger hole and horn wire through the smaller hole. Ensure they are not pinched.
4. Install the steering wheel nut and tighten it to 45 ft. lbs. (61 Nm) while forcing the steering wheel down the shaft with the nut.
5. Connect the wire feed to the horn buttons.
6. Connect the feed wires and tighten the air bag retaining nuts to 90 inch lbs. (10 Nm). Ensure the air bag is completely seated. The latching clip arms must be visible on top of the connector housing on the module.
7. Enable the air bag system and connect the battery cable.
8. From the right side of the vehicle (in case of accidental deployment), turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
9. Check for proper air bag warning light operation.

end quote, get the FSM. there are many more pages, for
the COMBO section, and shaft.

there should be two skrews in backe of steering wheel may be dificuklt to see there may to plastic covers over the screws as well or may be four screws

YOU NEED TO DISABLE AIR BAGS.FIRST. TURN OFF RADIO THEN DISCONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE.WAIT 20 MINUTES FOR AIRBAGS DISCHARGE.THEN REMOVE AIRBAG IN THE STEERING BY REMOVING SCREWS BEHIND AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL.

On the back side of the steering wheel. there will be two small hole's at each end of the wheel, remove those bolt's, remove air bag and disconnect it.

1. Remove the lower steering column cover.
2. Remove the AIR BAG bolts from the back side of the steering wheel with a T-30 socket. Install the bolts back in the air bag for reassembly. The AIR BAG will snap into place when pushed down on carefully.
3. Remove 2 screws on the bottom of the steering wheel cover. The wires need to slide out so the switch can be removed.
4. Remove the cruise control switches.

The AIR BAG does not have to be disconnected to remove the switches, just don't let it flop around or stretch the wires.

Disconnect thr battery and wait 5 minutes to deactivate the airbag. Remove the 2 caps covering the 2 8mm screws holding the air bag on. set the airbag a side.Unscrew the old switches , gently pry the switches from the wiring connector with a small screwdriver. If the connector comes off without damage install new switches to connector. If the connector gets damaged you will have to replace the wiring.

Ford Taurus/Sable 1996-1999 Repair Guide
Steering Wheel
Removal & Instalation



Fig. 1: Remove the access covers for the air bag module retaining bolts



Fig. 2: Remove the air bag retaining bolts and...



Fig. 3: Carefully remove the air bag from the steering wheel to access the wiring connectors



Fig. 4: Detach the connectors...



Fig. 5: ... from the air bag module



Fig. 6: Remove the center bolt from the steering wheel



Fig. 7: Install a suitable puller and tighten the forcing screw to...



Fig. 8: ... remove the steering wheel

CONTINUE...

ave aproblem wit my air bag the light turn on and off quen you help me please

There is something called a clock spring in the column that is used for the airbag, horn and cruise control buttons. This clock spring if messed with will cause a/bag light to come on and possibly cause a/bag failure if there is a collision. DON"T mess with the wiring in the column. Run new wires in to the horn or install an a/market horn.