How to replace or refit airbag, steering wheel and steering column stalk on Citroën and DS DS3

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 2/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS YOU SPEND $10 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 1 HOUR TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH FROM A PYROTECHNIC DEVICE, SEE BELOW!
BEFORE YOU START​
​
  • WARNING: NEVER TEST THE AIRBAG ITSELF OR TRY TO MEASURE ITS RESISTANCE WITH AN OHMMETER. RISK OF TRIGGERING THE PYROTECHNIC DEVICE AND DEPLOYING THE AIRBAG ! 
  • This intervention must occur while both battery terminals are disconnected.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

Removing the driver's airbag on the Citroën DS3

Click on the below link for the driver's airbag removal on Citroën DS3:

Refitting the stalk switches assembly on ​the Citroën DS3

Slide the stalk assembly on the steering column while making sure that the airbag clockspring is its central position, and until it can no more be pushed in then tighten the screw of its holding clamp as shown in the second picture.

Refitting the steering column panel trims on the Citroën and DS DS3

With patience, let the lower steering column trim pass around the starter switch and the radio controls stalk so it goes in its intended place.
Make sure the steering wheel adjustment lever is down as this facilitates the refitting of the trim.
Also pay attention to the central "leg" of that lower panel, which should slide in its intended notch on the steering column as shown in the third picture below.
Once the lower plastic trim is well inserted, you may bring the upper one on top of it and tighten the two fixing screws that hold them together.

Replacing / refitting the steering wheel and driver's airbag on the Citroën DS3

To refit your steering wheel, simply proceed as follows:
  • Push the steering wheel onto the steering column
  • Pass the airbag and control wires through the steering wheel body as shown in the first picture
  • Continue pushing the steering wheel till the end
  • Refit the central bolt of the steering wheel after applying a drop of threadlock
  • Connect the airbag / horn assembly and push it on the steering wheel until the three legs are well anchored behind their fixing springs. See our airbag removal tutorial for a better understanding.

See also our other tutorials in relation with airbags...

...and buy your DS3 accessories from our partners' stores: