How to change the COM2000 (air bag & steering wheel removal)

[C3CAR]

How to remove the COM2000, includes 'How to remove the steering wheel' and 'How to remove the Air Bag' on a Citroen C3.
Our COM2000 tear down is here where you can see what is inside the com2000 unit after its been removed and disassembled.

Citroen C3 2002 Steering Wheel with cruise control

The COM2002/COM2002 is the unit that has the stalks behind the steering wheel - indicators, wipers and lights among many other functions. To access the COM2000 the steering wheel needs to be removed and to remove the steering wheel, the drivers air bag has to be removed.

The most tricky part is to remove the air bag. It can be fiddly and hopefully the pictures can show you what can't be seen while the air bag is still fitted to the car.

Firstly set the wheels straight and disconnect the live connection to the battery, then;

Locate the air bag locking catch access holes behind the steering wheel, there are two, one on each side

Air Bag fixing clip access holes

Insert a screwdriver into the hole and using the picture below, locate the hole in the air bag unit and get the screwdriver in there too. You will feel a spring resistance when pushing the screwdriver in if you have it right.

air bag removed, showing clip access point

Hopefully the picture shows what you need to find (arrowed) with the screwdriver tip. You know when its been found because you can push against the spring clip. With the spring clip under pressure one side of the air bag can be detached from the steering wheel with a good tug.

Do the same for the opposite side (locate the hole in the air bag unit and compress the spring clip by pushing the screwdriver in further and then tug the air bag away from the steering wheel).

The bottom of the air bag has no spring clip and just needs a tug to disengage from the steering wheel.

This image shows the location of the 2 spring clips the need to be disengaged, they can be quite difficult to find because it all has to be done by feel.

The two arrows indicate the spring clips to be disengaged for air bag removal

Click the image to see a larger view

Disconnect the 2 earth wires and the air bag connector by lifting the yellow tag on the plug, carefully lift away the air bag and put it somewhere safe.

Air Bag removed from the steering wheel of a Citroen C3

Use a T50 Torx (here) to slacken and release the centre steering wheel bolt.

T50 torx steering wheel bolt

Disconnect any extra plugs and sockets (cruise control).

You can now remove the steering wheel.

Steering wheel removed from a Citroen C3

To access the COM2002 unit, remove the cowling by unscrewing the two T15 torx screws from underneath (arrowed)

Remove the cowling around the COM2000

cowl removal from a Citroen C3 to access the COM2002

Unscrew the 10mm bolt to release the locking ring (view from below, bolt arrowed)

Arrowed - the 10mm bolt that locks the COM2000 to the steering column.

The COM2000 is also clipped in place to the steering column, easily released with a flat bladed screwdriver

10mm bolt and clip holding the COM2002 in place on the steering column

Pull the COM2000 away to revel the plugs and sockets on the rear.

The plugs and sockets on the rear of the COM2000

Disconnect them and remove the COM2000 unit. Replace with a new one, reconnect the plugs, engage the clips and tighten the clamp.

The steering wheel and shaft have alignment marks

steering wheel to shaft alignment marks

Reassemble the T50 torx

T50 torx steering wheel bolt

Reattach the air bag wires and any extra plugs and push the air bag back into the steering wheel.

Reconnect the battery and test. No need to configure with Lexia.

Find a replacement COM2000 on eBay (click here), match by model, or part number. The same COM2000 is used across different Citroen and Peugeot models.

[Citroen-Driver]

Setting the steering wheel splines on the steering column shaft correctly so the wheels point in the right direction.

There is a mark on the steering wheel and the steering column, just align the marks.

Citroen C3 steering wheel alignment

[ddedaniel]

Thanks!

[Ozvtr]

Ensure that your front wheels are straight ahead and the steering wheel is in the 12 o'clock position before you begin. This is important for correct alignment on installation.

When you reinstall your COMMs unit, ensure there is a "0" in the window before installation. If you are replacing your COMMs from a breakers or whatever, there is no guarantee the COMMs is in the correct position for installation. So check it.

You can rotate the center hub either way to get the 0 in the window. The indicator is geared, so it's rotation is not at the same rate as the hub. I.E. it might take a few turns of the hub to get the 0 in the window.

[lasvegas71]

It is very important to check BEFORE that the number 0 circled in green is in the right position! I foolishly mounted the light switch to replace the old damaged one and after a few days the spa airbag came on and the horn did not work .. I disassembled and I correct but it was too late ... the internal wires snapped off and I preferred to buy another one (now it's very cheap) ...

[lasvegas71]

does anyone know why it makes a plastic noise when turning after changing the com 2000? I don't know how to do it anymore I'm going crazy

[Ozvtr]

The shroud around the COM2000 is probably not installed correctly and the steering wheel is rubbing on the shroud.