Mk 6 Escort Airbag removal

[cmbatno1]

Hi everybody,

I run a 1997 mk6 Escort 1.8 Ghia. I've recently started to get a clicking noise from somewhere behind the steering wheel. The steering wheel sticks slightly at the 12 o clock position and then jumps free with a click. Tried removing the covers and took off the indicator/wiper switch but the fault is still there. I now want to remove the steering wheel to investigate further, but that's where I have a problem.

I previously had a 1995 escort which had two torx screws behind the steering wheel that you unscrewed to release the airbag module. I expected this one to be the same, but the newer car just has blank studs where the torx screws used to be.

Anybody know how you are supposed to get the airbag off???

Thanks, Colin.

[dave678]

Hi Colin,According to Haynes,remove the steering column upper shroud.Their are two retaining bolts at the rear of the steering wheel,which become accessible,when turning the steering wheel as necessary.Don't forget to de-activate the system first.

Switch off ignition.

Remove key.

Switch off all electrical equipment.

Disconnect battery neg. lead.

Wait for fifteen minutes before commencing work.