Not only Fiat: this guide also applies to all Abarth 500s and other cars of the FCA group

We often do this at rallies: we offer the opportunity to test the spacer on a Fiat 500, and to install it on site.

The procedure can be summarized in a few steps:

  • Disconnect the battery
  • Remove the airbag from the steering wheel
  • Pull the steering wheel out of the car
  • Insert the spacer onto the steering column
  • Refit the steering wheel to the spacer
  • Re-insert the airbag into the steering wheel
  • Reconnect the battery

WARNINGS:

1) Installing the hub without disconnecting the battery may not cause the airbag warning light to come on if the connector has been reconnected in the right way at the end of the procedure, but it is recommended to carry out the entire procedure with the battery disconnected.
2) There is no need to cut and stretch the wires: they are ALL long enough to be easily reconnected even at the end of the installation.
3) There is no need to worry about keeping the steering wheel straight during installation: both the steering wheel and the spacer are made in such a way that they are inserted on the steering column without the possibility of misalignment. If you try to insert the steering wheel or spacer crooked, it just doesn’t fit.

AIRBAG REMOVAL ON FIAT 500

There are many videos on the internet related to the disassembly of the steering wheel, it is recommended to watch a couple of them to make your work easier, especially to understand how to remove the airbag from the steering wheel. One was also made by us and you can find it on the product page.

1) Remove the 2 plastic covers that are located behind the steering wheel, respectively above and below the indicators/wiper levers. Start by unscrewing the 2 Phillips screws (on some machines they are torx) at the bottom of the circular seats visible from the bottom. Then separate the lower cover from the upper one by unlocking the joints on both sides. A lot of force can be needed and great care must be taken so as not to break the joints.

To remove the upper cover, unscrew 2 more screws identical to the previous ones, but which are located between the cover itself and the light switch, and must be unscrewed from the bottom, like the previous ones. Visualize them well beforehand by putting your head under the steering wheel.

2) Remove the airbag: use a flat screwdriver, no wider than 3 mm and no longer than 10-12 cm, and unlock the 3 clips (2 clips at the 3, 6 and 9 hour positions of the steering wheel) by inserting the screwdriver into the 3 rear holes of the steering wheel, made visible by removing the covers referred to in point 1. Be careful not to damage the dashboard in the same color as the screwdriver handle, it can help to unlock the steering wheel adjustment and push it all the way down. Leave the ignition key on so that you can rotate the steering wheel during operation.

 

AIRBAG REMOVAL ON ALFA ROMEO MITO and GIULIETTA

1) There are 2 holes in the rubber part on the sides of the steering wheel, behind the spokes, which can be accessed from underneath. Insert 1 flat screwdriver vertically from underneath, entering 65 mm, then, turn the screwdriver 90° to operate the release spring. Do this from 2 sides. It can be very difficult to find the 2 springs, it takes patience and many attempts.

AIRBAG REMOVAL ON ALFA ROMEO 4C

2) Insert a flat screwdriver, long enough, until you reach the release springs, which are of the staple type, like levers. Take your time and familiarize yourself with the movement, after a few attempts you will begin to feel the elasticity of the spring. It means that you have spotted it: press a little harder and the corresponding side of the airbag will go out by a few mm.

REMOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, WHATEVER THE CAR

3) Once the airbag is unlocked, disconnect all connectors on it and on the steering wheel. They all have a release lever/rivet, so don’t force them, especially the airbag ones. Do not disconnect the same wiring harnesses even where they attach to the rotary connector behind the steering wheel, integral with the car, and leave them dangling.
Place the airbag unit on the rear seats, where there is no one.

4) Unscrew the central nut of the steering wheel, without pulling it out completely, first make sure that the steering wheel slides along the ribs. If the steering wheel has never been disassembled, it may be a little hard to pull out and pulling it could suddenly pop out, and could, in addition to hurting you, tear the wires.

5) Once you have made sure that the steering wheel slides on the steering column, remove the nut and the steering wheel itself, smoothly sliding the wiring harnesses into the square slot.

INSTALLING THE STEERING WHEEL SPACER ON THE STEERING COLUMN

6) From now on, proceed in reverse, with the difference that you have to install the spacer first: insert the aluminum part of the spacer into the column.
The coupling between ribs is precise and there may be some play before tightening the nut. Slide the cables into the window just above the flat mill. Attach the aluminum part to the mast using either the original nut, tightening it to a torque of 60 Nm. See photo below.

7) Attach the steel part to the aluminum part, using the 5 Allen screws provided. Tightening torque 10 Nm, be careful not to strip the aluminum threads by using too much force.

REASSEMBLE THE STEERING WHEEL

8) Slide the steering wheel into the steel hub of the steering wheel spacer, passing the wires through the quadrangular slot, as originally, and screw the central nut back on at 60 Nm.
9) Reconnect all connectors to the airbag unit and steering wheel. There is no way to go wrong because they are all different and each has only one possible orientation.
10) Align the airbag with the steering wheel “in sight” and push it into the seats by snapping the clips. All it takes is the same force as when you press the horn. Make sure there are no wires pressed behind the steering wheel, otherwise your horn may sound perpetually once you turn the key. You should hear a reassuring “clack” every time one of the 3 clothespins clicks. It is still suggested to take a look at the videos on the internet.

Reconnect the battery if it is disconnected first. END.