Leather or woodgrain steering wheel with SRS airbag

Leather or woodgrain steering wheel with SRS airbag

Interior Steering wheel / airbag Verified Modification Required

Compatibility Overview

Source Vehicle

CL (2nd Gen), TL, or MDX

Years: 1998-2003

Target Vehicle

CL (1st Gen)

Generation: 1G (YA1/YA4)

Years: 1997-1999

Installation Difficulty

Easy Basic tools
Moderate Some experience
Difficult Skilled work
Expert Professional

Reference

LEA-MF6 specs → LEA specs → LEB-H5 specs → B18A1 specs → K24A8 specs → K24A4 specs → B18B1 specs → B18C2 specs → B18C7 specs → EA specs → EC specs → ED specs → EE specs → EG specs → EL specs → EM specs → EN specs → EP specs → ER specs → ES specs → ET specs → LEA2 specs →
The airbag used on 2nd-gen CL/TL and MDX wheels shares the same single-stage SRS connector as the first-gen CL, so the airbag itself is plug-and-play. The cruise and audio switch brackets, the cushion, and the rear trim transfer over from the original wheel. A 1997 CL cannot reuse its own airbag with a later wheel and needs a 98-99 or 2nd-gen airbag. Reportedly 94-97 Accord and DC Integra wheels also share the same airbag plug format and can fit. Torque the center bolt to 28 lb-ft on reassembly.
The wheel and its switch brackets bolt to the first-gen hub without cutting, but two fitment issues are common. First, a 1997 CL uses a different wheel and airbag than the 1998-1999 cars, so a 97 must also obtain a 1998-or-newer airbag to complete the swap; 1998-1999 CLs already run a compatible airbag. Second, the rear trim shroud of the donor wheel frequently rubs the steering column cover through part of its rotation. Owners reduce or cure this by grinding the trim edges and screw bosses, shaving the back trim, or adding a thin foam shim. To improve color match, the airbag cover can be repainted, for example with Krylon Fusion plastic/vinyl paint.

Important Caveats

  • • A 1997 CL requires a 1998-or-newer airbag; its original 97 airbag will not work with a 98/99 or 2nd-gen wheel.
  • • RSX wheels are generally not a drop-in: later RSX airbags are two-stage and use a different connector than the CL's single-stage system.
  • • The donor rear trim often rubs the column shroud; expect to grind, shim, or shave it for a clean fit.
  • • MDX leather and wood color may not match the CL interior or the airbag cover; painting the airbag cover may be needed.
  • • This is a live SRS component. Disconnect the battery, let it discharge, and handle the airbag with care.

DIY Installation Guide

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Community Verification

1
user verified this swap
By saiko_cl_duck via AcuraZine
Added 2 days ago

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Sources & References

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