'08 Boxster S - airbag removal question

[Bob Z.]

I am removing the Black airbag and replacing it with a Red one. It has the "sport" steering wheel and I understand there are 2 screws holding it in place, on the rear. What kind of tool do I need to remove it? I am not the mechanical type but maybe this is something I can do myself (?).

Thanks in advance...Bob Z.

[White987S]

Bob, whatever you do, don't have the key in the ignition when working on the airbag.

[Bob Z.]

Bob, whatever you do, don't have the key in the ignition when working on the airbag.

Roger that! I found some instructions online but they don't describe what kind of tools I need. It also states that the battery be disconnected.

Thanks...Bob Z.

[Nick_USA]

Bob, whatever you do, don't have the key in the ignition when working on the airbag.

...and disconnect the battery first!!

[berty987]

Whoever told you there are two screws must have one missing themselves. The airbag is held in place by a spring clip that locks onto three points on the rear of the airbag. To release the spring from the three points you simply insert a long flat bladed screwdriver in the small hole on the bottom of the wheel on the rear side. Push hard against the spring resistance and the airbag simply unclips.

You need to put the key in the ignition (in the off position) before disconnecting the battery to ensure the alarm doesnt go off and so that the steering lock is disabled allowing you to turn the wheel.

Its easier if you turn the wheel by about 90 degrees so the hole in the rear of the wheel sits horizontal rather than facing towards the seat and floor.

Once the airbag is unclipped you need a small flat bladed screwdriver to remove the center locking lug from the yellow and green connectors on the rear. The connectors cam then be pulled out of the airbag along with the smaller black clip.

All told , you can swap and airbag in under 20 mins once you've done it a few times.

[Bob Z.]

Whoever told you there are two screws must have one missing themselves. The airbag is held in place by a spring clip that locks onto three points on the rear of the airbag. To release the spring from the three points you simply insert a long flat bladed screwdriver in the small hole on the bottom of the wheel on the rear side. Push hard against the spring resistance and the airbag simply unclips.

You need to put the key in the ignition (in the off position) before disconnecting the battery to ensure the alarm doesnt go off and so that the steering lock is disabled allowing you to turn the wheel.

Its easier if you turn the wheel by about 90 degrees so the hole in the rear of the wheel sits horizontal rather than facing towards the seat and floor.

Once the airbag is unclipped you need a small flat bladed screwdriver to remove the center locking lug from the yellow and green connectors on the rear. The connectors cam then be pulled out of the airbag along with the smaller black clip.

All told , you can swap and airbag in under 20 mins once you've done it a few times.

Perfect, and it appears that even I can do it myself - thanks! I'll be sure to post the results and a pic when I am done; however, the Red airbag has to come from Germany, on a slow boat.

[Bob Z.]

Whoever told you there are two screws must have one missing themselves. The airbag is held in place by a spring clip that locks onto three points on the rear of the airbag. To release the spring from the three points you simply insert a long flat bladed screwdriver in the small hole on the bottom of the wheel on the rear side. Push hard against the spring resistance and the airbag simply unclips.

You need to put the key in the ignition (in the off position) before disconnecting the battery to ensure the alarm doesnt go off and so that the steering lock is disabled allowing you to turn the wheel.

Its easier if you turn the wheel by about 90 degrees so the hole in the rear of the wheel sits horizontal rather than facing towards the seat and floor.

Once the airbag is unclipped you need a small flat bladed screwdriver to remove the center locking lug from the yellow and green connectors on the rear. The connectors cam then be pulled out of the airbag along with the smaller black clip.

All told , you can swap and airbag in under 20 mins once you've done it a few times.

Perfect, and it appears that even I can do it myself - thanks! I'll be sure to post the results and a pic when I am done; however, the Red airbag has to come from Germany, on a slow boat.

I just re-read the above posts - what is the order for the battery disconnect & key removal? There seems to be a conflict in what people have posted.

[berty987]

You do not remove the key from the ignition , just make sure that the key is not in the "ON" position , ie there are no lights on the dash before you disconnect the battery. Leave the key in the ignition until the battery is reconnected. I know this becuase I've fitted the multi function wheel controls on one occasion and a complete new wheel on a second occasion. These are the procedures in the workshop manual.

If you do not put the key in the ignition the alarm will sound on disconnection and reconnecting the battery . You will not be able to rotate the wheel once the battery is disconnected if the key is missing from the ignition , so you must make sure the wheel is positioned first so you can get to the airbag release mechanism. Unless there is something wildly different with the sport wheel it should be the same procedure as other 987/997 vehicles.

Edited April 5, 2008 by berty987