D3 Steering wheel Audio controls 'HOW TO' with Pics

[def90]

First of all thanks to Sniegy for his help on part sourcing and also reference and confidence that came from the Disco3 UK website.

Having been through this now, I can say its at first a daunting task but one thats well worth the effort. I have taken some pics that might help anyone contemplating the same project...so here we go....

First, Tools required:
- Pliers
- Special tool for tamperproof screws. I bought a small STANLEY kit from Bunnings that has the correct size.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/431.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/430.jpg

- Pulling tool. You need to make this one. See below for explanation.
Make you tool out of an old coat hanger or some strong wire. You will need a pair of pliers to cut the wire and also to bend the 5-6mm hook section at one end. the loop at the other provides a pulling point for disengaging the air module or clip that secures the center of the steering wheel.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/499.jpg

NOW THE PROCESS:

Step 1 - Undo the 2 screws on the RHS and LHS of the back of the steering wheel [total 4 screws]. These screws secure the volume controls to the wheel. You do need to release both sides, others you need force later to remove and install the Audio controls which is not recommended.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/500.jpg

Step 2 - Insert your tool (sounds wierd) into the small slot in the side of the wheel. This is the tricky bit. It may help to scroll ahead and look at the pictures where the wheel is disassembled. You then know what you are fishing around for.
There is a grove inside the wheel that the tool passes through. If the steering wheel is in a 'straight ahead' position, the hook on the tool should be facing towards to rear of the car and almost parallel with the steeing column. see pic for correct angle, (sorry a bit blurry).
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/501.jpg

Step 3 - The tool which is about 100mm in length, should go in about 60-70mm. you push it in, and then move the hook end slightly back toward the engine and then try and grab hold of the wire clip that holds one side of the airbag module/center of the steering wheel in. Once you can feel and grab the clip, pull the tool out and away from the center and the clip will release.

Here is a picture of the clip you are trying to grab and the location. Visualizing this might help you understand what you are trying to hook onto with your tool.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/502.jpg

You need to repeat the same on the other side, so either turn the wheel 180% and work it upside down or climb into the passenger seat.

Once you release both sides, the wheel center/airbag module will be sitting out slightly.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/503.jpg

With both hands, gently pull it out from the center to expose the audio controls.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/504.jpg

Step 4 - Remove the blank audio part and unclip the wires. you can do that by hand.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/505.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/506.jpg

Step 5 - reconnect the wires to your new AV controls and seat back in the original location.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/507.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/508.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/509.jpg

Step 6 - Replace the Airbag module in its place gently, get it centered correctly.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/510.jpg

Apply pressure equally and pop the center back in. you should hear both the LH and RHS clips grab. the wheel should sit flush again.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/511.jpg

Step 7 - replace the 4 screws and secure the wheel. Test it, it should work 100%!

I hope this helps....I am happy to help with any other advise on this project....

[sheckster]

awesome!, pics definitely will help, question though, how hard do you pull once you grab hold of the clips? I was trying it and I thought I grabbed something and started to pull but wouldn't move. again, great pics

[sniegy]

def90,
Just a helpful hint...;)
Only have to undo the 2 screws on the r/h/s of the s/wheel to loosen the Audio control switch pack at the rear. It doesnt hold anything else.
The coathanger wire releases the 2 clips that hold the airbag.

Cheers

[def90]

You are right Sniegy, it was just release the clip from both sides, no need to remove screws from both sides. I will edit if I can...

Cheers!