How to Use the Small Hole Under the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
The small hole under the steering wheel is used for removing the steering wheel and replacing the airbag. The replacement method is as follows: 1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the small hole and rotate it clockwise; 2. After removing the screw, pull the steering wheel outward to detach it; 3. Disconnect the airbag clock spring inside the steering wheel and replace the old airbag with a new one; 4. Reassemble the steering wheel in the reverse order of disassembly. The steering wheel is generally connected to the steering shaft via splines, and its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. The steering wheel mainly consists of a frame, foam, and mounting clips or screw holes corresponding to the driver's airbag (DAB).
That day at the 4S shop, while learning car repair from the master, he pointed to a bean-sized hole under the steering wheel and said it was a life-saving design. Most cars hide the steering wheel lock release mechanism here, especially when the steering column of older cars gets stuck. Inserting a wire vertically until you hear a click will unlock it. Some cars also use this hole as an airbag removal access point—special tools must be inserted here when replacing the airbag, but beginners should never poke around randomly. Nowadays, some high-end cars integrate this hole into the electronic steering column lock module, serving a similar but smarter function. Last time I helped a neighbor tow a stalled car, it was by poking this small hole to release the steering wheel lock that we could shift into neutral.
