DIY - RSX/S2K/EP3 Steering Wheel into an 03 CL
04-10-2010, 09:34 PM
#1
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
DIY - RSX/S2K/EP3 Steering Wheel into an 03 CL
I bought the parts to do this swap about 1.5 months ago but when I got the airbag the frame was bent so badly it wasn't safe to use. So after fighting with the seller, returning it, then waiting to find another clean airbag, I finally got around to installing it. Without further ado, heres how to go from this:
To this:
PARTS NEEDED
-Steering wheel; AP1 S2k has perforated leather, AP2 does not. None of the RSX wheels are perforated, neither are the EP3 Civics which use the same wheel.
-Airbag; All RSX airbags are dual stage. The AP1 S2ks are single, so you 01-02 CL/TLs can use that but it has the big [H] on it. Im not sure what the EP3 uses, but if I had to guess, Id say its dual stage.
If your wheel didn't come with it:
-The back plastic cover, PN 78518-S6M-N81ZA (black) or 78518-S6M-N81ZB (gray)
-Left side plastic cap, PN 78514-S2A-A61ZA (black) or 78514-S2A-A61ZB (gray)
-Right side plastic cap, PN 78515-S2A-A61ZA (black) or 78515-S2A-A61ZB (gray)
-Cruise Control Switch, PN 36770-S6M-A01ZA
-Airbag Bracket, PN 78540-S6M-N61
-Airbag Bracket bolts, PN 78524-S6M-N61 (x3)
-Airbag bolts, PN 90134-S04-A81 (x2)
TOOLS NEEDED
-Small flat head screwdriver for prying plastic covers off
-T30 Socket
-Socket Wrench
-Extension
-14mm Socket
-10mm Socket for battery
-Phillips head screwdriver if youre installing the rear plastic cover
-Solder iron with flux and shrink wrap for CC switch wiring
-Steering wheel puller and whatever sockets that needs
First step was to disconnect the battery and let the car sit for a few minutes as a precaution. Make sure the wheels are perfectly straight.
Next up, *carefully* remove the side plastic caps and the lower plastic cover with your flathead screwdriver.
Next up, grab your socket wrench, extension, and T30 socket (pictured below) and unbolt the airbag bolts. There is one on each side.
Carefully pull the airbag out alittle, the wires are still connected at the bottom.
The wires are routed into small plastic holders, just gently pull them out so you have more access to them.
Unplug the horn wire and the airbag wire. The yellow connector for the airbag doesn't just pull apart. There is a sleeve that you push in one direction then you can seperate them. Once you do that, you should see this.
Unplug the Cruise Control switch, and the Audio switch. The Audio has two plugs, seen below.
Next up is removing the bolt that holds the steering wheel to the column. Take the 14mm socket, the extension, and the socket wrench and loosen it. You may need a breaker bar if you cant break it loose. It should look like this.
You may be lucky enough to be able to just pull the wheel off. I was the first time I removed it, but this time required the steering wheel puller. There are two threaded holes on the steering wheel; one at 1 o'clock and the other at 7 o'clock. The bolts for the puller go there. You only need a few threads in there, if you go too far you run the risk of damaging the ribbon on the column (more on that later). Here it is mounted getting ready to pull it off.
Now, the bolts I had were too long and the center "push" bolt wasn't long enough to fit and apply pressure to the column so I had to come up with some sort of spacer. I had a 10mm socket that fit perfectly, so I used that. Whatever you do use, make sure it doesn't go into the bolt hole on the column, you could possibly damage the threads and that wont be fun to fix.
You should only have to turn the "push" bolt on the puller a few times until you hear a pop. Then you can pull the steering wheel off the column. If you're anything like me, you most likely will accidentally pull the ribbon off the column. The first time it happened I freaked out, but its not a big deal. Just roll it up (not tightly), and slide it back onto the column.
In a few of the RSX steering wheel threads, some people have mentioned that the cruise control switch is plug and play. It isnt. Maybe I ordered the wrong one, even though I couldnt find more then one part number for it across various models and years. Honda was super awesome and made all three wires the same, so I have no idea whats what. So far, I only have the Set/Decel button working, so clearly I have to switch two of them. Once I know which two, Ill post up further instructions.
*RESERVED FOR WIRING INSTRUCTIONS*
Now you can install the new steering wheel. Honda was nice enough to put a small mark on the column to tell you which way is up. Im not sure if all CLs have this, but mine did.
Carefully slide the new wheel onto the column and pull the wires through the hole. Next, torque the 14mm bolt down to 29ft-lbs. Dont forget to plug in the cruise control switch.
Here is the back of the airbag. You know its a dual stage bag because it has two connectors, indicative of the two triggers.
Plug the horn wire into the tab located near the bottom of the airbag.
Then fish the yellow connector to the left side of the wheel, like so.
Carefully slide the airbag onto the wheel, line it up with the bracket, and torque the bolts down on each side to 7ft-lbs.
Connect the yellow airbag connectors and clip them into the wire holder on the left of the steering wheel.
Install the side plastics caps and reconnect the battery. Start the car and go for a test drive to see how it feels. Did the airbag blow up in your face? No? Then pat yourself on the back, you installed it correctly.
Final product:
The S2k/RSX/EP3 wheel does have a smaller circumference compared to the CL/TL wheel. The wheel itself is slightly thinner between the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, while the at 9 and 3 it is thicker. It feels like it has grooves for your thumbs. I actually feel as though I have greater control of the car due to the smaller wheel. Not having the Audio controls doesnt bother me at all, especially since the controls on the other wheel were slow when working in tandem with my radio. I have no problem reaching the knob on my radio to change the track or volume.
I am going to work on the wiring and update this sometime this week, as it would be nice to have the Cancel and Resume/Accel buttons working. If you want to have an Audio switch, I believe some are using the 02 Odyssey buttons. Im not sure how it was mounted though.
Any questions, feel free to ask.
To this:
PARTS NEEDED
-Steering wheel; AP1 S2k has perforated leather, AP2 does not. None of the RSX wheels are perforated, neither are the EP3 Civics which use the same wheel.
-Airbag; All RSX airbags are dual stage. The AP1 S2ks are single, so you 01-02 CL/TLs can use that but it has the big [H] on it. Im not sure what the EP3 uses, but if I had to guess, Id say its dual stage.
If your wheel didn't come with it:
-The back plastic cover, PN 78518-S6M-N81ZA (black) or 78518-S6M-N81ZB (gray)
-Left side plastic cap, PN 78514-S2A-A61ZA (black) or 78514-S2A-A61ZB (gray)
-Right side plastic cap, PN 78515-S2A-A61ZA (black) or 78515-S2A-A61ZB (gray)
-Cruise Control Switch, PN 36770-S6M-A01ZA
-Airbag Bracket, PN 78540-S6M-N61
-Airbag Bracket bolts, PN 78524-S6M-N61 (x3)
-Airbag bolts, PN 90134-S04-A81 (x2)
TOOLS NEEDED
-Small flat head screwdriver for prying plastic covers off
-T30 Socket
-Socket Wrench
-Extension
-14mm Socket
-10mm Socket for battery
-Phillips head screwdriver if youre installing the rear plastic cover
-Solder iron with flux and shrink wrap for CC switch wiring
-Steering wheel puller and whatever sockets that needs
First step was to disconnect the battery and let the car sit for a few minutes as a precaution. Make sure the wheels are perfectly straight.
Next up, *carefully* remove the side plastic caps and the lower plastic cover with your flathead screwdriver.
Next up, grab your socket wrench, extension, and T30 socket (pictured below) and unbolt the airbag bolts. There is one on each side.
Carefully pull the airbag out alittle, the wires are still connected at the bottom.
The wires are routed into small plastic holders, just gently pull them out so you have more access to them.
Unplug the horn wire and the airbag wire. The yellow connector for the airbag doesn't just pull apart. There is a sleeve that you push in one direction then you can seperate them. Once you do that, you should see this.
Unplug the Cruise Control switch, and the Audio switch. The Audio has two plugs, seen below.
Next up is removing the bolt that holds the steering wheel to the column. Take the 14mm socket, the extension, and the socket wrench and loosen it. You may need a breaker bar if you cant break it loose. It should look like this.
You may be lucky enough to be able to just pull the wheel off. I was the first time I removed it, but this time required the steering wheel puller. There are two threaded holes on the steering wheel; one at 1 o'clock and the other at 7 o'clock. The bolts for the puller go there. You only need a few threads in there, if you go too far you run the risk of damaging the ribbon on the column (more on that later). Here it is mounted getting ready to pull it off.
Now, the bolts I had were too long and the center "push" bolt wasn't long enough to fit and apply pressure to the column so I had to come up with some sort of spacer. I had a 10mm socket that fit perfectly, so I used that. Whatever you do use, make sure it doesn't go into the bolt hole on the column, you could possibly damage the threads and that wont be fun to fix.
You should only have to turn the "push" bolt on the puller a few times until you hear a pop. Then you can pull the steering wheel off the column. If you're anything like me, you most likely will accidentally pull the ribbon off the column. The first time it happened I freaked out, but its not a big deal. Just roll it up (not tightly), and slide it back onto the column.
In a few of the RSX steering wheel threads, some people have mentioned that the cruise control switch is plug and play. It isnt. Maybe I ordered the wrong one, even though I couldnt find more then one part number for it across various models and years. Honda was super awesome and made all three wires the same, so I have no idea whats what. So far, I only have the Set/Decel button working, so clearly I have to switch two of them. Once I know which two, Ill post up further instructions.
*RESERVED FOR WIRING INSTRUCTIONS*
Now you can install the new steering wheel. Honda was nice enough to put a small mark on the column to tell you which way is up. Im not sure if all CLs have this, but mine did.
Carefully slide the new wheel onto the column and pull the wires through the hole. Next, torque the 14mm bolt down to 29ft-lbs. Dont forget to plug in the cruise control switch.
Here is the back of the airbag. You know its a dual stage bag because it has two connectors, indicative of the two triggers.
Plug the horn wire into the tab located near the bottom of the airbag.
Then fish the yellow connector to the left side of the wheel, like so.
Carefully slide the airbag onto the wheel, line it up with the bracket, and torque the bolts down on each side to 7ft-lbs.
Connect the yellow airbag connectors and clip them into the wire holder on the left of the steering wheel.
Install the side plastics caps and reconnect the battery. Start the car and go for a test drive to see how it feels. Did the airbag blow up in your face? No? Then pat yourself on the back, you installed it correctly.
Final product:
The S2k/RSX/EP3 wheel does have a smaller circumference compared to the CL/TL wheel. The wheel itself is slightly thinner between the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, while the at 9 and 3 it is thicker. It feels like it has grooves for your thumbs. I actually feel as though I have greater control of the car due to the smaller wheel. Not having the Audio controls doesnt bother me at all, especially since the controls on the other wheel were slow when working in tandem with my radio. I have no problem reaching the knob on my radio to change the track or volume.
I am going to work on the wiring and update this sometime this week, as it would be nice to have the Cancel and Resume/Accel buttons working. If you want to have an Audio switch, I believe some are using the 02 Odyssey buttons. Im not sure how it was mounted though.
Any questions, feel free to ask.
The following users liked this post:
CLSspeedx (08-09-2011)
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (02-26-2013)
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (02-26-2013)
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (02-26-2013)
04-11-2010, 12:12 AM
#5
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Thanks.
BTW, I got my airbag off ebay, the switch and plastic covers from Honda, and the wheel from a forum. Do a search on the forums as you will most likely find what you are looking for much cheaper then what eBay has it for.
BTW, I got my airbag off ebay, the switch and plastic covers from Honda, and the wheel from a forum. Do a search on the forums as you will most likely find what you are looking for much cheaper then what eBay has it for.
04-11-2010, 12:29 AM
#6
Regional Coordinator (Texas)
iTrader: (38)
od u know whats the radius or diameter difference b/w the wheels?
as far as removing the steering wheel, u dont really need the steering wheel puller, just grab on to the top part and rock it back and forth and it'll losen it up fast.
as far as removing the steering wheel, u dont really need the steering wheel puller, just grab on to the top part and rock it back and forth and it'll losen it up fast.
04-11-2010, 12:34 AM
#7
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Ill measure them up tomorrow and let you know. Just by eyeballing it I think its about an inch overall.
I tried rocking it back and forth, that didnt work. The first time I took the wheel off I hit it at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock and it slid right off. This time though it wouldn't free up, so instead of beating the shit out of it I took the easy way out
I tried rocking it back and forth, that didnt work. The first time I took the wheel off I hit it at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock and it slid right off. This time though it wouldn't free up, so instead of beating the shit out of it I took the easy way out
Trending Topics
04-11-2010, 12:59 AM
#8
GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
iTrader: (6)
Nice work!
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (02-26-2013)
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (02-26-2013)
04-11-2010, 12:29 PM
#10
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Thankyou for moving it 
04-11-2010, 03:48 PM
#12
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Yes, I haven't gotten out to the car yet today to measure the RSX wheel. Ill post dimensions later.
04-11-2010, 06:33 PM
#13
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
OEM Wheel - 387mm (15.25")
RSX/S2k/EP3 Wheel - 362mm (14.25")
RSX/S2k/EP3 Wheel - 362mm (14.25")
04-12-2010, 01:13 AM
#15
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
No problem
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (02-26-2013)
04-12-2010, 06:47 PM
#17
Nice tutorial. Yea it can bre a pain to find an rsx airbag that is scratch free and has an undamaged emblem. Is your airbag black or titanium color. It looks like titanium in the pics but so does mine. I installed mine yesterday and just left the cruise control unplugged for now. I will trial and error that later. I used the dc5 momo wheel instead of the ep3. I personally didnt want perforated and like the red stitching and momo wording on it.
The airbag color seems alot more off in the pics than in person. I am assuming yours is the same.
The airbag color seems alot more off in the pics than in person. I am assuming yours is the same.
04-12-2010, 08:49 PM
#20
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Yea, its black. Ive noticed interior panels always come out alittle funny in pictures for some reason. I went with the S2k wheel because I liked the perforated leather and I couldn't see spending so much on the DC5 wheel (I got mine for $70). Yours looks nice though.
Nice socks btw
Nice socks btw
04-12-2010, 09:30 PM
#21
Steering wheels look great, both of you guys. Yeah, the interior panels are as close as it gets in person but in pictures they never come out right. Looks a lot sportier, and IMO a 3-spoke wheel should have come with the CL from the factory.
In case none of you knew, this is I Go To Costco by the way
In case none of you knew, this is I Go To Costco by the way
04-13-2010, 01:03 AM
#22
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Yup, I saw you posting in Ramblings, love the new name 
And thanks, I agree that it shouldve had a 3 spoker.
And thanks, I agree that it shouldve had a 3 spoker.
04-13-2010, 12:55 PM
#24
04-13-2010, 02:16 PM
#25
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
If you use the single stage bags (AP1, EP3) they should plug right in. But you'll have the [H] on there instead of the (A).
04-14-2010, 12:04 PM
#26
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
04-14-2010, 12:36 PM
#27
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
04-18-2010, 10:29 PM
#29
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Its a boot screen Im running on my Pioneer.
04-18-2010, 10:30 PM
#30
GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
iTrader: (6)
04-19-2010, 01:00 AM
#33
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Dont see why not. It might look funny in there.
04-19-2010, 01:24 AM
#34
04-19-2010, 02:05 AM
#35
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Go for it.
04-20-2010, 08:46 AM
#37
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Airbag from the 98-99 plugged right into my 97, the only wiring I had to do was splicing the horn wires together because the plugs wouldn't connect
06-27-2010, 08:35 AM
#39
i know you mean civic but ill help answer. The best place to buy an rsx wheel would be car forums, most notably club rsx forum. You also have craigslist, ebay, local junk yards etc. I bought my wheel from a club rsx member and the airbag and cruise control piece from ebay.
06-27-2010, 02:43 PM
#40
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
The best place for the RSX wheel would be Club RSX.
If you want the perforated wheel, check out the S2k forums.
If you want the perforated wheel, check out the S2k forums.