TL-S steering wheel swap on 6th gen Accords DIY instructions
08-27-2002, 02:21 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2002
Location: OH
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TL-S steering wheel swap on 6th gen Accords DIY instructions
Okay, there was quite a few who wanted this, so McChad did the text and I took the pictures. Here you go 
Many 6th gen Accord owners have the bomb ride. But if you have an EX non-leather or LX, DX model life may seem a little plain with the budget cheap injection molded vinyl wheel. Feeling the blues from not having the swankness of a leather wheel? Have no fear there is something even better then the OEM leather wheel cover, how about the OEM leather wheel?
The following install will work with any Honda Gen 6-leather wheel. This particular application uses an Acura type-S (TL/CL) wheel installed in a LX sedan (Schmiddy’s Car). These wheels can be purchased at your local dealer cheap, how? Many Acura customers upgrade to the wood grain wheel. The dealer will sell you the old ones if they have it, just call and ask. The same applies to Accord, Odysseys, and the like.
Here's the wheel before install:
[Make sure front wheels are perfectly straight!]
First remove the airbag: Unplug the battery and wait 3 minutes for the system to drain. Then remove caps from the side of the wheel in front of the turn and washer switch arms & remove cover on bottom of the wheel. Disconnect the air bag and horn connection from the panel under the wheel.
Remove the torx bit screws from the side access panels and remove the air bag.
Many 6th gen Accord owners have the bomb ride. But if you have an EX non-leather or LX, DX model life may seem a little plain with the budget cheap injection molded vinyl wheel. Feeling the blues from not having the swankness of a leather wheel? Have no fear there is something even better then the OEM leather wheel cover, how about the OEM leather wheel?
The following install will work with any Honda Gen 6-leather wheel. This particular application uses an Acura type-S (TL/CL) wheel installed in a LX sedan (Schmiddy’s Car). These wheels can be purchased at your local dealer cheap, how? Many Acura customers upgrade to the wood grain wheel. The dealer will sell you the old ones if they have it, just call and ask. The same applies to Accord, Odysseys, and the like.
Here's the wheel before install:
[Make sure front wheels are perfectly straight!]
First remove the airbag: Unplug the battery and wait 3 minutes for the system to drain. Then remove caps from the side of the wheel in front of the turn and washer switch arms & remove cover on bottom of the wheel. Disconnect the air bag and horn connection from the panel under the wheel.
Remove the torx bit screws from the side access panels and remove the air bag.
08-27-2002, 02:22 PM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2002
Location: OH
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Part II:
With the airbag cover removed disconnect all factory wire connections. Remove factory wheel lock nut. Now with a steering wheel puller remove the stock wheel.
(pic with steering wheel puller on the wheel: )
(wheel is off the column: )
Now transfer all hardware from the old wheel to the new leather one. When placing the cruise and volume switches back on the new wheel test fit the airbag and make sure gap for switches is as before. If not, loosen screws and readjust. If using a cast aluminum leather wheel you will need to get new screws to hold the rubber balancer weight on top as the stock steel wheel’s will not fit with factory screws.
Now reinstall the new wheel by centering it on the shaft and tightening down the lock screw to 40-45 ft-lbs. Reinstall wire clips. Reinstall airbag in reverse order. Be sure to hook up horn and airbag connections.
Check fit and finish. When satisfied reconnect battery.
Some finished pics
Mine:
MrChad's:
I know every step is not pictured but you get the idea
[Typs-S wheels will fit on Preludes but requires the purchase of Gen 6 airbags and cruise control switch. As stock Lude parts won’t fit the new wheel. All other wires are the same and will direct plug. This applies to Gen 5 Accords (CL’s) as well.]
(Note: If you are unfamiliar with airbags and such do not attempt this yourself. I assume no responsibility for your inability to do this install should something go wrong. Don’t call me when you mess it up. This is a disclaimer.)
With the airbag cover removed disconnect all factory wire connections. Remove factory wheel lock nut. Now with a steering wheel puller remove the stock wheel.
(pic with steering wheel puller on the wheel: )
(wheel is off the column: )
Now transfer all hardware from the old wheel to the new leather one. When placing the cruise and volume switches back on the new wheel test fit the airbag and make sure gap for switches is as before. If not, loosen screws and readjust. If using a cast aluminum leather wheel you will need to get new screws to hold the rubber balancer weight on top as the stock steel wheel’s will not fit with factory screws.
Now reinstall the new wheel by centering it on the shaft and tightening down the lock screw to 40-45 ft-lbs. Reinstall wire clips. Reinstall airbag in reverse order. Be sure to hook up horn and airbag connections.
Check fit and finish. When satisfied reconnect battery.
Some finished pics
Mine:
MrChad's:
I know every step is not pictured but you get the idea
[Typs-S wheels will fit on Preludes but requires the purchase of Gen 6 airbags and cruise control switch. As stock Lude parts won’t fit the new wheel. All other wires are the same and will direct plug. This applies to Gen 5 Accords (CL’s) as well.]
(Note: If you are unfamiliar with airbags and such do not attempt this yourself. I assume no responsibility for your inability to do this install should something go wrong. Don’t call me when you mess it up. This is a disclaimer.)
08-27-2002, 03:32 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2002
Location: OH
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by EliteAccord
So the 5th Gen Accord uses the Acura CL steering wheel?
So the 5th Gen Accord uses the Acura CL steering wheel?
08-27-2002, 07:45 PM
#8
it ain't easy
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I buy a new wheel, does it come with a new airbag? Cause I have an ivory interior (looks like MrChad does also) and the center of my wheel is that tannish color. Can I get an "ivory" wheel, or do I have to use all black?
08-28-2002, 03:12 AM
#10
THE RED 6th GEN Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a coupe--Coupes are all black, airbag too.
The type-S wheel will fit 94-97 Accord/CL and Ludes 97-01 but will require you to purchase the airbag also. As the airbags from these cars won't interchange with the new wheel. You will also need a new set of cruise switches and maybe a backing plate. However all the wires are the same as gen 6 cars so no splicing should be needed.(this is really hardcore for Gen5 cars as they need to find an airbag $$$$)
Type-S wheels will fit all 98-2002 Accord and works with their airbags.
If your airbag is not already black you will need to find one of those too. However, its most economic to reuse your airbag$$
A Steering wheel puller can be found at any Autoparts store around $10bucks. Bolts to aid in pulling wheel may not be included for the sides, locate any hardware store $0.52 cents. Being able to remove any wheel you want, priceless
In addition, to the install above I forgot to mention:
If you move or bump the rotary cable housing that all the wires are housed in and it spins you will need to reset the turn signals. Its easy, turn the cable assembly all the way clockwise until it stops. then turn it back 2 1/2 times until the arrow is pointing up and remount the steering wheel and tighten down the lock nut to spec.
I may have a Type-S wheel (no airbag) for sale. $75.00 plus you pay shipping. Please e-mail, first come first serve. When that one is gone I may be able to find a few more for the same price if you are willing to wait.
The type-S wheel will fit 94-97 Accord/CL and Ludes 97-01 but will require you to purchase the airbag also. As the airbags from these cars won't interchange with the new wheel. You will also need a new set of cruise switches and maybe a backing plate. However all the wires are the same as gen 6 cars so no splicing should be needed.(this is really hardcore for Gen5 cars as they need to find an airbag $$$$)
Type-S wheels will fit all 98-2002 Accord and works with their airbags.
If your airbag is not already black you will need to find one of those too. However, its most economic to reuse your airbag$$
A Steering wheel puller can be found at any Autoparts store around $10bucks. Bolts to aid in pulling wheel may not be included for the sides, locate any hardware store $0.52 cents. Being able to remove any wheel you want, priceless
In addition, to the install above I forgot to mention:
If you move or bump the rotary cable housing that all the wires are housed in and it spins you will need to reset the turn signals. Its easy, turn the cable assembly all the way clockwise until it stops. then turn it back 2 1/2 times until the arrow is pointing up and remount the steering wheel and tighten down the lock nut to spec.
I may have a Type-S wheel (no airbag) for sale. $75.00 plus you pay shipping. Please e-mail, first come first serve. When that one is gone I may be able to find a few more for the same price if you are willing to wait.