Steering Wheel Cover

This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel leather cover on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the airbag system and accessing the steering wheel assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel cover (leather) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hog rings (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Position front wheels in straight-ahead position
5. Ensure workspace has adequate lighting to inspect steering wheel mounting details

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove airbag module
   The 1992 Dodge Viper (RT/10) is not equipped with a driver-side airbag. Verify the specific steering wheel configuration before proceeding. If a center horn pad/cover is present, carefully release its retaining clips or fasteners from the rear of the steering wheel to access the wheel core. Confirm actual mounting hardware before removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect airbag connector
   If a horn or center-pad electrical connector is present, depress its locking tab and carefully disconnect it. Note that the 1992 Viper does not have an SRS airbag module. Set any removed pad in a safe location away from the work area.
3. 3

   Inspect steering wheel cover mounting
   Examine the steering wheel to determine how the leather cover is attached. Common methods include hog rings underneath the wheel rim, adhesive bonding, or a combination of both. On the 1992 Viper, inspect the underside of the steering wheel rim for hog rings or clips that secure the cover edges.
4. 4

   Remove hog rings or clips (if present)
   If hog rings are present, use hog ring pliers or needle-nose pliers to carefully compress and remove each hog ring securing the leather cover to the steering wheel frame. Work methodically around the entire steering wheel rim, noting the location pattern for reinstallation. If clips are used, carefully pry them free using trim panel removal tools.
5. 5

   Separate cover from steering wheel
   Once all mechanical fasteners are removed, carefully peel the leather cover away from the steering wheel core. If the cover is also adhered with adhesive, work slowly and apply even pressure to avoid tearing. Note the orientation and alignment marks for the new cover installation.
6. 6

   Clean steering wheel core
   Remove any remaining adhesive residue, old foam padding, or debris from the steering wheel core using a suitable adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before installing the new cover.
7. 7

   Position new steering wheel cover
   Align the new leather cover onto the steering wheel core, ensuring proper orientation with any spoke cutouts or airbag module clearance areas. Begin by centering the cover at the top (12 o'clock position) and work the leather evenly around the wheel in both directions.
8. 8

   Secure cover with hog rings or clips
   Using hog ring pliers, install new hog rings through the cover material and around the steering wheel frame at the same locations noted during removal. Work around the wheel in sequence, ensuring even tension and no wrinkles or bunching. If clips are used, snap them into place ensuring full engagement.
9. 9

   Inspect cover installation
   Check the entire steering wheel cover for proper seating, even tension, and absence of wrinkles or gaps. Verify that all hog rings or clips are fully secured and that the cover does not interfere with airbag module mounting area.
10. 10

    Reconnect airbag module
    Reconnect any horn or center-pad electrical connector until the locking tab clicks into place, then carefully position the center pad onto the steering wheel ensuring wiring is not pinched. Note the 1992 Viper has no airbag module.
11. 11

    Install airbag module fasteners
    Reinstall the original center pad/horn cover retaining hardware (verify fastener type and count for this vehicle) and torque to the manufacturer's specification if applicable. Ensure the pad is flush and properly seated against the steering wheel.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine) and verify the horn functions correctly and that all steering wheel controls operate normally. Note the 1992 Viper has no airbag warning light or SRS self-test.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hog rings or clips are fully engaged and the cover has even tension around the steering wheel rim
2. Verify airbag module connector is fully locked and wiring is not pinched
3. Confirm airbag warning light performs proper self-test after battery reconnection

Verification

• Airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 4-8 seconds during key-on self-test, then turn off
• Steering wheel cover should have no wrinkles, gaps, or loose areas around the rim
• Airbag module should be flush-mounted with no movement or rattles
• All hog rings or clips should be secure with no sharp edges exposed

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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