Steering Wheel

This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering wheel on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including proper airbag disarming and steering wheel alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Airbag module (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Turn steering wheel to center position with wheels straight ahead
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal
5. Wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
6. Mark the exact center position of steering wheel relative to column with paint pen for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access airbag module fasteners
   Locate the airbag module access holes on the rear sides of the steering wheel. Insert a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool into the release holes on both left and right sides to release the airbag module spring clips. Some models have Torx screws instead of spring clips.
2. 2

   Remove airbag module
   If equipped with Torx fasteners, use T30 driver to remove the airbag module bolts from the rear of the steering wheel. Carefully pull the airbag module straight back away from the steering wheel. Support the module with one hand to prevent strain on wiring harness.
   ⚠️Handle airbag module with care. Place removed module face-up on a clean, flat surface away from work area.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Locate the yellow airbag connector and horn connector on the back of the airbag module. Press the release tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors. For the horn connector, note the wire routing for reinstallation. Set airbag module aside face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
4. 4

   Disconnect multifunction switch connectors
   Locate and disconnect any additional electrical connectors for steering wheel controls, including cruise control, audio controls, and paddle shifter connectors (if equipped). Note the position and routing of each connector for proper reinstallation.
5. 5

   Mark steering wheel position
   Verify the alignment marks made during preparation are clearly visible. Make an additional reference mark across the steering wheel hub and steering shaft to ensure exact reinstallation position. This is critical for maintaining clock spring alignment.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marking is critical. Misalignment will cause clock spring damage and airbag malfunction.
6. 6

   Remove steering wheel retention nut
   Using appropriate socket, remove the steering wheel retention nut from the center of the steering column. Keep the nut and any washers for reinstallation. Do not remove the steering wheel yet.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel
   Install steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel hub using the threaded holes provided. Tighten the puller gradually and evenly while supporting the wheel. Do not strike or pry the steering wheel. Once loose, remove puller and carefully pull steering wheel straight off the shaft, feeding wiring through the center opening. Immediately secure the steering column to prevent shaft rotation.
   ⚠Do not allow steering shaft to rotate after wheel removal. Use tape or zip tie to secure shaft to column if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new or serviced steering wheel
   Verify the clock spring is centered and the steering shaft has not rotated. Align the steering wheel with the alignment marks made during removal. Carefully feed all wiring harnesses through the center opening of the steering wheel. Slide the steering wheel onto the steering shaft, aligning the splines and ensuring all marks line up exactly.
9. 9

   Install steering wheel retention nut
   Install the steering wheel retention nut with any washers in their original orientation. Torque the nut to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify steering wheel is firmly seated and properly aligned with marks.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors including cruise control, audio controls, and paddle shifters (if equipped). Ensure each connector clicks securely into place and wiring is properly routed without pinch points.
11. 11

    Install airbag module
    Reconnect the horn connector and yellow airbag connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure connectors are fully seated with audible clicks. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting points. If equipped with Torx fasteners, install and torque the airbag module bolts in a cross pattern to specification. If equipped with spring clips, press firmly until clips engage with audible clicks on both sides.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative terminal. Before starting vehicle, turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes. If light remains on or flashes, do not drive vehicle and investigate airbag system fault.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
2. Verify steering wheel is properly centered with wheels straight ahead
3. Confirm airbag module is securely fastened with no gaps around perimeter
4. Check that all trim pieces are properly seated and secure

Verification

• Start engine and verify airbag warning light extinguishes after initial bulb check (approximately 6 seconds)
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Verify all steering wheel control functions operate correctly (cruise control, audio controls, paddle shifters)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to confirm proper steering operation and alignment
• If airbag light remains illuminated, scan for diagnostic trouble codes before returning vehicle to service

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle