Re: Fixing Horn in Steering Wheel w/Airbag.

[Mark <mconnor@frontiernet.net>]

Mark

	Thanks for the response!  The car I am trying to fix is a 1990 v8
Quattro. When I tried tackling the horn over the weekend I first
disconnected the battery and started poking around on the steering
wheel.  It looks like there is a mechanical "hook" on the bottom of the
steering wheel which allows the airbag to hinge up and out.  I did not
try to unlatch the hook for fear of not being able to get the apparatus
back in again. 

Do you know is there any risk of setting the airbag off when the battery
is disconnected?  

Thanks

Mark

'82 Audi 5K-S
'86 Audi 5K-CS
'87 Audi 5K-TQ
'90 Audi V8






quinn@hns.com wrote:
> 
> 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