The plastic cover that's behind the steering wheel, that has a top part and a bottom part seems like it's not fit properly. The top part seems a little loose and causes 2 small gaps on both sides that is closer to the steering wheel. This is the cover where the key hole, signal stalk, and wiper stalk are located.

How hard is it to remove the top and bottom cover? I think the clips are broken. Can someone scan from the service manual on how to remove them? Thanks.


Also, are the two hex bolts that are on the left and right side of the steering wheel, that holds the steering wheel cover/airbag assembly supposed to be exposed? I know it's in there deep. Is there supposed to be a cover? Just wondering.

 

WHy mess with it, TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!

 

Most of the times, the dealer makes it worse. They will fix something but will damage something else. Also I rather try to fix it myself.
Just like rattles. I rather fix the rattles myself than bring it to a dealer.

They get paid to fix your car, and they could careless how they treat it. No one will ever treat your car the way you treat it.
The only way get things done to your satisfaction is to do it yourself.

 

My 2004 also has this same gap on the plastic cover behind the steering wheel. I just got my car back from the dealer to have some rattles fixed and forgot to mention this. Would you please keep this thread updated with any fixes?

Thanks.

 

Sure

 

The service manual doesn't say anything about how to remove the two pieces, probably because it is a simple procedure. A scan wouldn't tell you much more than this.

There are only 3 screws holding the bottom piece on. One is on the piece closest to you on the right hand side, one is halfway down the mddle of the left side, and the third one is all the way at the end.

It looks like the top piece just clips into the bottom one.

 

Ron A: Thanks. I only saw 2 screws. I couldn't find the 3rd one. I was thinking the top piece just clips into the bottom one also.

 

To unscrew the third screw at the back (or at least to screw it back in), you have to remove the panel at the driver's knees. The one with the trunk pop button on it. That one has one screw at the bottom right. Then you just pull outwards away from the car all over the place.

 

Thanks zax123.

Does anyone know if the two hex bolts that hold the airbag cover/assembly is supposed to be exposed? I mean is there a plastic cover covering the two holes?

 

yes it looks as if the bolts are supposed to be exposed.

also it very easy to ermove the plastic trim, take off the 3 screws and pull, they are just clipped together

 

I've had this column cover replaced 3 times at the dealer. I would take it in to have them fix it. According to them, once it's broken you have to replace the entire cover (both bottom and top pieces) to fix it otherwise the clips don't match or something.

 

Lore: Why did you have the cover replaced 3 times? Does it get loose easily?

rbf351: Thanks. I just thought there was a cover and the factory forgot to put mine on.

So you have to remove the panel at driver's knees. How easy will that piece break?

The upper costs $8.42 and the bottom costs $15.00.

 

It's been replaced three times because the first two times, the dealer only replaced the piece that was coming loose (either the top or the bottom). However, they finally figured out that they need to replace the entire assembly as one unit.

Once you install it together it should be fine, but once you open one of the covers up you'll have a problem getting it to stick again -- and will have to install it together again.

They had opened it up before to work on a steering wheel rattle and tried to put it back together, but by then the cover was already deformed so it kept opening up.

 

I have the same problem with my steering wheel column cover. The dealer just told me that the new one would have the same problem. It is plastic.

 

The dealer broke mine when fixing a rattle they heard in the steering column. I noticed it a couple days later as I saw 1/4 inch gap between the pieces. I asked if they could just fix it, but they said they had to replace it. They did, and it's fine. So, for whatever reason, if it gets messed up, it seems to need to be replaced...and if it's replaced, it is ok.

 

mine had a gap in it and the dealer replaced it under warranty. on the paperwork, it showed that it took them three tries before they could find a set that fit properly. it might be worth it just to have the dealer take care of it the next time your car is in service

 

I guess the mechanic had a hardtime getting it back together properly.

The steering wheel covers on other Honda models is also this finicky (Odyssey 2000 to 2004).

It is really easy to break the clips if you force it. This is a part that needs tender loving care and patience if you are going to mess around with it. Brute force here will cost you.

Best regards

frenchnew

 

Mine also has this gap between the mating edges. I was thinking about using a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the bottom cowl then mold it to mate a bit closer. Hair dryers are pretty safe but a heat gun can burn plastics pretty quickly so I have not tried it yet.