Re: Fixing Horn in Steering Wheel w/Airbag.

[quinn@hns.com]

Mark <mconnor@frontiernet.net> wrote:

>Does anyone know off hand, what steps are necessary to gain access to
>the center hub on the steering wheel of a 1990 Audi with Airbag.   I
>just recently purchased the car and am trying to troubleshoot the horn.
>... As near as I
>can tell, you just unsnap the center cover by pulling it straight up
>towards you.  This should reveal the hub and wiring on the steering
>wheel - right?

First what MODEL Audi is it?

I had a 1990 90Q20v. To remove the hub on that you removed two allen
bolts at the rear of the steering wheel hub (at the 3 and 9 o'clock
positions).  The hub and airbag assembly then just lifts off.  Be
careful to remove the trigger-wire connector from the airbag unit
before pulling too far though!

There was also an airbag fuse in a little compartment under
the knee bolster just above the foot-pedals.  Pop off the little
cover and pull out the (yellow - if I remember) in-line fuse holder
and twist to disconnect.  The airbag should then be safe, though
NOTE: the recent recall suggesting the possibility of static
setting the airbag off means you should make sure you've grounded
yourself by touching metal on the car before you take off the
horn pad.

Having said all that though, you may find the horn problem stems
from the ring connector at the back of the 'wheel.  This is
accessible without removing the horn pad.  There is a metal ring
at the back of the wheel and a spring connector in the column
unit/cover.  Cleaning this might solve your problem.  Try using
switch contact cleaner (though this could melt plastic) and/or
slide a piece of thin-stiff card between the connector and the
ring and scrub/turn the wheel.  You could even try fine wet/dry
sandpaper instead of the card.  Be gentle.

Good luck,

-Mark Quinn