Steering Wheel Cover

This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel cover on a 2005 Dodge Viper with 8.3L V10 engine, including disabling the airbag system and proper handling of the driver airbag module.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel cover × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key.
3. Turn steering wheel to center straight-ahead position.
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable, then positive battery cable.
5. Wait at least 2 minutes to allow airbag system capacitors to fully discharge.
6. Gather all tools and new steering wheel cover before beginning disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access Airbag Module Fasteners
   From behind the steering wheel, locate the fasteners or spring-clip retainers securing the driver airbag module. Consult the factory service manual for the exact fastener type, size, and location, as airbag retention on the 2005 Viper varies and must be verified before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove Airbag Module Fasteners
   Using a Torx T-50 driver, loosen and remove both airbag module fasteners. Support the airbag module with your other hand as you remove the second fastener to prevent it from falling. Set fasteners aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove Airbag Module
   Carefully pull the airbag module straight back away from the steering wheel approximately 2-3 inches. Locate the two electrical connectors on the back of the airbag module. Depress the locking tabs on each connector and disconnect both connectors. Remove the airbag module from the vehicle and place it face-up on a clean, padded surface away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up. Never store face-down.
4. 4

   Mark Steering Wheel Position
   Before removing the steering wheel, use a paint marker or masking tape to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and steering column shaft. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation and maintains clock spring centering.
5. 5

   Remove Steering Wheel Retaining Nut
   Locate the large steering wheel retaining nut at the center of the steering column. Verify the exact nut size against the factory service manual before selecting a socket, then loosen and remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Do not discard this nut as it will be reused. Note: Reinstall the retaining nut to the factory torque specification during reassembly; do not set it by depth.
   ℹ️Note the depth of the nut on the column shaft threads for proper reinstallation depth.
6. 6

   Disconnect Clock Spring Connector
   Before removing the steering wheel, locate the clock spring electrical connector behind the wheel hub. This is typically a yellow connector. Depress the locking tab and disconnect this connector. Route the connector through the steering wheel as you remove it.
7. 7

   Remove Steering Wheel
   Grasp the steering wheel firmly at 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Pull the wheel straight back off the column shaft while applying even pressure. The wheel may require moderate force to break free from the splines. Do not rock or twist the wheel excessively. Once removed, place the steering wheel on a clean work surface face-up to access the cover.
   ⚠Be careful not to disturb the clock spring centering. Keep the yellow locking tab engaged on the clock spring if present.
8. 8

   Remove Old Steering Wheel Cover Fasteners
   With the steering wheel face-up on your work surface, inspect the backside of the steering wheel to locate the fasteners securing the steering wheel cover. Inspect the backside of the steering wheel to identify the fasteners securing the cover, then remove all screws using the correct driver as specified by the cover manufacturer. Count the screws as you remove them to ensure all are reinstalled. Count the screws as you remove them to ensure all are reinstalled.
9. 9

   Separate Old Cover from Wheel
   Carefully separate the old steering wheel cover from the wheel core structure. Note the orientation and routing of any wire harness passages or clip locations. The cover typically fits over alignment pins or clips on the wheel core. If the cover is stuck due to adhesive or aged foam padding, gently pry using a trim removal tool at the edges.
10. 10

    Clean Wheel Core Surface
    Using a clean cloth, wipe down the wheel core structure where the new cover will mate. Remove any old adhesive residue, dirt, or debris. Ensure all mounting surfaces are clean and dry before installing the new cover.
11. 11

    Install New Steering Wheel Cover
    Position the new steering wheel cover onto the wheel core, aligning it with the mounting holes and any alignment pins or clips. Ensure the cover is properly oriented with the top center aligned to the wheel center mark. Press the cover firmly into place around its entire circumference to ensure proper seating.
    ℹ️Verify that any wire harness passages are properly routed through the new cover before securing fasteners.
12. 12

    Secure New Cover Fasteners
    Install all cover fasteners (Torx T-30 screws) finger-tight first, ensuring the cover is evenly seated. Then tighten all fasteners snugly in a cross-pattern sequence per the cover manufacturer's instructions; a factory torque spec is generally not published for the steering wheel cover screws. Verify the cover is uniformly secured around the entire wheel with no gaps or misalignment.
13. 13

    Reinstall Steering Wheel
    Route the clock spring connector through the center of the steering wheel. Align the steering wheel with your alignment marks made during removal and align the splines on the column shaft. Push the wheel firmly onto the shaft until it seats completely. The wheel should slide on until the hub is within approximately 5-10mm of the column housing.
14. 14

    Reconnect Clock Spring and Install Retaining Nut
    Reconnect the yellow clock spring electrical connector, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque to the value specified in the factory service manual for the 2005 Viper (do not use a generic guess; verify before final tightening). Verify the steering wheel is centered and aligned with your reference marks.
15. 15

    Reinstall Airbag Module
    Route the airbag module electrical connectors through the steering wheel center. Reconnect both airbag connectors to the back of the airbag module, ensuring both locking tabs click securely. Position the airbag module into the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Install both Torx T-50 fasteners and tighten securely by hand. Do not use power tools.
    ⚠Verify both electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before securing the airbag module.
16. 16

    Reconnect Battery and Test
    Reconnect the battery cables (positive first if both were removed, negative cable last). Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Verify the airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6-8 seconds then extinguishes. If the light remains on or flashes, do not drive the vehicle and diagnose the airbag system fault.
    ⚠️If the airbag warning light does not function properly, the airbag system may not deploy in a crash. Diagnose and repair before operating the vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Reinstallation follows the reverse order of removal.
2. Always torque airbag module fasteners by hand to proper specification. Never use impact tools.
3. Verify clock spring centering is maintained throughout the procedure to ensure proper airbag and steering wheel control function.
4. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before final assembly.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the airbag warning light performs its self-check (illuminates then extinguishes after 6-8 seconds).
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly to verify no binding or interference from the new cover.
• Verify all steering wheel controls (horn, cruise control buttons if equipped) function properly.
• Inspect the new cover installation for even gaps and proper seating around the entire circumference.
• Confirm the steering wheel is centered when driving straight ahead.

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