anyone switch to a non-airbag steering wheel?

cobra11182

Founding Member
Oct 19, 2000
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Baltimore, MD
I switched my 90 GT airbag wheel to a 86 svo wheel. Anyone ever done this, or knows what needs to be done with the airbag? I was getting beeps when I turn the key over from the airbag power unit under the dash, so I put a jumper wire in the airbag harness, which stopped the beeps, but now something is killing my battery overnight. Does anyone know why this would happen? Has anyone switched to a non airbag and not had any problems?
 
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I don't think that the draining of the battery is being caused by the airbag removal unless that jumper you installed is somehow using power, which I would doubt. Just remove the jumper you installed, remove the cover that surrounds the heat/air controls, remove the four hex bolts for the heat/air control panel, pull it out as far as you can (the cables will only allow it to come out so much), then squeeze your hand in there and disconnect the wiring connector at the blue box (airbag computer). This will stop the dinging sound and will make the "airbag" light stay on constant, instead of flashing. If you want the airbag light gone altogether, you'll have to remove the gauge pod and cluster and take out the bulb for the light from behind.
As for the draining battery, I'd start looking for other reasons.... I've never heard of an airbag removal causing that. Maybe the battery it'self is old? Did you install anything else rescently that may be draining it? Stereo, amp, gauge, etc? I've removed the airbags in both of my Mustangs like I described above and didn't have any problems.
Hope this helps some and good luck with it!
 
I am wanting (and have been wanting) to change out my stock airbag steering wheel (90 LX) to a non-airbag wheel but can't find the right installation kit/wheel to do this and I really don't want to change out the steering rack to do this....any suggestions?
 
Today I removed both the blue airbag control boxes from behind the dash, as well as the airbag light from the cluster (you can get them both by removing the glove box). I have no warning beeps, and I am going to have to wait for tomorrow morning to see if the battery stays charged. (Its a brand new battery, as I thought that might be the problem). Scorpion, I changed my wheel and airbag for a 3 spoke 86 SVO wheel, which I like alot more than the tractor trailor style airbag wheel. If you can get the wheel, and a 87-89 column, with a 90 or later multi function switch, the swap is strightforward, and the 87-89 plastics fit great. anyone have any suggestions on common battery drainers? I havent installed anything since the problem started. Thanks