Combination switch replacement

[joaks]

So this weekend I am going to try to replace my combo switch on my second gen. I have the Haynes manual and some online pieces here and there for instruction. I *think* I know how to do this but I come to ask for any tips or suggestions from someone who has been there already! Pretty nervous about this one just because I've heard it is difficult (??).

[mike-tracy]

The first time I did it, I rented a steering wheel puller as mine was on there really tight.

Make sure you disconnect the battery and step on the brakes for a few seconds to discharge any residual electricity in the system.

Park the car with the wheels straight.

If you have airbags, you'll need a special torx bit to get it off.

On the legacy, the combo-switch has a long wire that goes down the steering column. When I figured out which one it was, I cut the head off so I could pull out the wire bundle easily. Otherwise you'll have to snip the zip ties and redo them. Might want to do that anyways since you'll need to secure the new wires.


Under the steering wheel is what's called a clock spring:
http://www.slidegood.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5a2c14e15267eac9cad207bd7b2f8bbe/i/m/image_34025.jpg

On it are written warnings and directions on how to reinstall it. It says something along the lines of, turn clockwise all the way, then counter clockwise 2.5 turns. Make sure you follow the instructions exactly! Otherwise you'll break the clockspring and your airbag system will be disabled till you get a new clockspring...

It is not hard to do, but I was a little nervous my first time working around the airbag.

[Regardie]

I can add some things. You need a torx t30 to remove the airbag screws. If it is a 95, bonus time, it is security t30. The screws are captive.

The airbag connector has a double latch, release the latch then release the connector. The latch includes an airbag present signal. When I reinstalled mine I failed to click the latch and got an airbag warning and had the go in and figure out what I did wrong.


You don't have to pull the clockspring I found out as well. There are three harnesses that run down the steering column, one clockspring (airbag, cruise control), one combination switch, and one headlight stalk. Pull the covers off the top and bottom of the steering column and cut the cable ties, they are easy enough to replace. I believe there was an inner lower cover as well.

The combination switch is held to the back of the clockspring by 2 Phillips screws that you should be able to get to with a stubby Phillips screwdriver. Then trace the harness down to the matching connector under the dash, separate it,and work the harness free.

On removing the steering wheel, if you don't have a steering wheel or gear puller, loosen the nut holding the wheel on, leave it on the shaft at the end, and try to work the wheel off by tugging on it, side to side. Then try a rubber mallet, side to side. It should come off with a big thump. That's why you leave the nut on there, to keep from getting a face full of steering wheel.

Be careful with the bolts on your puller, the wheel has an odd size, maybe m8, and the puller I bought in a hurry at an AZ had 2 sets of bolts, which neither fit a Subaru wheel. Didn't matter on the junkyard wheel I was pulling to get the combination switch, but I did strip out the wheel pretty badly. Worth a trip to the Napa to get the right size bolts to not harm your wheel.

And everything Mike said was spot on as well.

Have fun.

-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities

[Regardie]

Oh, and a paint pen on the shaft and the wheel can help you get the alignment right when you put the wheel back.

-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities

[joaks]

Not off to a good start. Trying to get the torx out. Very tight! Its a 97 so should need nothing special.

[joaks]

I failed. Got one but starting to strip the other :-(

[Dead91silvia]

You can maybe take it to a shop and see if they can crack them lose for ya.

[joaks]

That is what I shall do. Don't want to do more damage!