T4s are old. Over the years, gunk can accumulate behind the steering wheel. When using the wiper stalk in particular, this can result in whisps of smoke emerging from the shroud behind the steering wheel as a charge passes through the gunk — quite alarming! The solution is to remove the steering wheel and clean everything.
This sounds dramatic, but honestly, if I can do it, anyone can do it! Here’s what you’ll need and how to go about it.
What you’ll need
- Ratchet and 24mm socket
- Small torx screwdriver
- Good electrical contact cleaner (I used Holts)
- Toothbrush or something else slightly abrasive to remove gunk
How to
Disconnect the battery’s negative terminal*
* If you have an airbag, I believe you have to wait 15 minutes before doing anything else — please check and proceed at your own risk.
- Best to make sure the wheels are straight before you begin
- Pull off the horn push; squeeze and wiggle it a bit
- If you can avoid doing so, there’s no need to disconnect the short wire behind the horn push, as it’s a pain to reconnect to the spade connection in the back of the steering wheel
- Remove the springs behind the horn push and keep them safe
- Mark the position of the bolt that fixes the steering wheel to the column
- Undo the bolt with the 24mm socket; this might require some force, especially if the wheel’s never been off before
- Keep the bolt and washer safe
The steering wheel may need a few knocks to encourage it off. Some people say leave the bolt and washer loosely attached until the wheel’s loose, to avoid hitting yourself in the face when it finally comes off!
To change or clean the switches
Remove the screws under the steering column shroud and separate the two halves.
- Remove the 3 small torx screws holding the indicator and wiper switches in place and keep them safe
- Remove the indicator arm by pulling it gently towards you
- Unplug the connections in the back of the wiper stalk and remove it — the connections can be tricky, but just look how they’re fitted and you’ll work it out
- Clean the switches, copper connections and remove any grease; spray with a good contact cleaner and allow to dry; wipe with cotton buds or similar
- Reverse the process and check that everything works as it should.
This YouTube video shows most of this process when fitting a cruise control stalk.
Like I said, removing the steering wheel sounds dramatic, but I’ve done it a couple of times now, and I can barely hold a screwdriver. Have everything you need ready, take your time, and you should be OK.
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Disclaimer: proceed at your own risk; I take no responsibility for any damage or injury caused if you choose to undertake this process.
Great write up there. Have had this on a previous car and it is quite alarming do have smoke coming from the column.
As I say, great write up and very handy guide for anyone that experiences this
