Yes, column lock is functional
C5 Steering wheel removal and replacement
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 21
From: Olathe, Kansas
C5 Steering wheel removal and replacement
Will be installing a Carbon fiber steering wheel and have a question regarding the airbag removal. First thing is to disconnect the negative battery terminal to deactivate the airbag charge. Then to remove the airbag screws, you have to turn the wheel
so the screws are in a vertical vs horizontal position. My question is, does disconnecting the battery deactivate the column lock so the wheel turns freely?
so the screws are in a vertical vs horizontal position. My question is, does disconnecting the battery deactivate the column lock so the wheel turns freely?
Last edited by Bills03Coupe; Apr 9, 2025 at 02:57 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,482
Likes: 1,173
From: Dyer, IN
Will be installing a Carbon fiber steering wheel and have a question regarding the airbag removal. First thing is to disconnect the negative battery terminal to deactivate the airbag charge. Then to remove the airbag screws, you have to turn the wheel
so the screws are in a vertical vs horizontal position. My question is, does disconnecting the battery deactivate the column lock so the wheel turns freely?
so the screws are in a vertical vs horizontal position. My question is, does disconnecting the battery deactivate the column lock so the wheel turns freely?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
You have to turn the key to the the run position in order to unlock the steering wheel and then disconnect the negative battery cable, I would also touch the positive and negative battery cables to discharge any charge left in the cars electrical system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
I'm scared $hitless when I have to work around air bags. I wear a motorcycle helmet until they are disconnected and out of the car.
I disconnect the battery and let it sit overnight. And touch the pos and neg cables together just for luck.
Still have my head.
I disconnect the battery and let it sit overnight. And touch the pos and neg cables together just for luck.
Still have my head.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 1,394
From: Orange County, CA
Through experience I've become numb to the alleged 'dangers' of airbags in our cars. I've had airbags out dozens of times across several cars (especially my C5) and haven't disconnected the battery when doing so in years.