Steering Wheel Press-Type Buttons Now Available from GRP!

[GRP]

In their website, GRP direct's you to their new Steering Wheels' removal/installation for the instructions, but you only need to follow 3 of the initial steps for the button module removal. It's a fairly easy DIY job. The only step that I found to be missing in that pictured instruction is the one of the removal of the piano black plastic crown after the removal of the airbag module, which essentially involves lifting the 3 plastic tabs on that plastic crown with a thin screwdriver (1top/2 bottom) and pulling it out. Should take only 20 minutes at first try. Hope this helps somewhat.

This^
And yeah, the piano black trim removal is missing from those steps but easy enough to pop out so the job remains nice and easy to do.
Thanks!

 

[crestima]

In their website, GRP directs you to their new Steering Wheels' removal/installation for the instructions, but you only need to follow 3 of the initial steps for the button module removal. It's a fairly easy DIY job. The only step that I found to be missing in that pictured instruction is the one of the removal of the piano black plastic crown after the removal of the airbag module, which essentially involves lifting the 3 plastic tabs on that plastic crown with a thin screwdriver (1top/2 bottom) and pulling it out. Should take only 20 minutes at first try. Hope this helps somewhat.

Forgot to mention that the oem haptic modules have 2 tiny torx screws you need to remove and are not needed on the new button modules. You may want to refer to the earlier post of Aug 30th on this thread for further detail on that.

 

[Finbarqs]

Been trying to get the airbag out for the last hour or so. No success. Maybe my screw driver is too short??? I have no idea, but I sure as heck don’t feel a spring at all…

Maybe I’m one of those un-handy people

 

[Aero]

Been trying to get the airbag out for the last hour or so. No success. Maybe my screw driver is too short??? I have no idea, but I sure as heck don’t feel a spring at all…

Maybe I’m one of those un-handy people

make sure you're keeping the flat end at 90 deg (to the dash/fwd) as you push into the hole. See GRPs instructions for pics of the little release rods. If you dont the screwdriver will slip past that rod and not do anything. Youll feel a bit of resistance if that happens.

 

[GRP]

Been trying to get the airbag out for the last hour or so. No success. Maybe my screw driver is too short??? I have no idea, but I sure as heck don’t feel a spring at all…

Maybe I’m one of those un-handy people

Sorry to hear about the trouble!
Have you looked at the pictures on our instructions?
The screwdriver only needs to be about 4" long at most to make contact with the spring clip.
Here is the link for those if you havent seen them already - GRP Steering wheel Instructions

 

[Finbarqs]

I’ve seen those, and I even went at different angles with the flat completely flat (widest at the bottom - 180 degrees) and even when that didn’t work, I did it the other way just to make sure…. Am I suppose to hear an audible pop? Or feel an audible pop?

 

[GRP]

I’ve seen those, and I even went at different angles with the flat completely flat (widest at the bottom - 180 degrees) and even when that didn’t work, I did it the other way just to make sure…. Am I suppose to hear an audible pop? Or feel an audible pop?

The opening is tiny but you may be able to peek in there with a flashlight to help align the screwdriver

 

[Finbarqs]

The opening is tiny but you may be able to peek in there with a flashlight to help align the screwdriver

I think it's because the longest screw driver I have is 50mm (about 2") for a flat head. The longer shaft ones are quite a big bigger being 1/4"+ so I'm going to get a 3mm/ 1/8th" screw driver with a 4" shaft from home depot/lowe's to see if that helps! Thanks guys!

 

[crestima]

I think it's because the longest screw driver I have is 50mm (about 2") for a flat head. The longer shaft ones are quite a big bigger being 1/4"+ so I'm going to get a 3mm/ 1/8th" screw driver with a 4" shaft from home depot/lowe's to see if that helps! Thanks guys!

Make sure you push straight down "inward" on that spring. It took me a few tries as well as initially I thought I was supposed to pull left or right on the spring. Ultimately, it released fairly easily when I pressed inward.

 

[Finbarqs]

Make sure you push straight down "inward" on that spring. It took me a few tries as well as initially I thought I was supposed to pull left or right on the spring. Ultimately, it released fairly easily when I pressed inward.

Good thing I’m renting my office from a friend who owns a body shop. Got it replaced!!! Told me it was just like the dodge’s airbag retention spring. So he got it out in like 10 seconds, put painters tape over the hole like a pro, and then the NEXT biggest challenge: removing the steering wheel trim. There are 3 retention clips on top, and 2 clips on the bottom, and then there’s the “mushroom head” pins that require some force to get out! We couldn’t get the top (hidden clips) and we thought it was screwed down. BUT, he went in from the back and got them off! The center you can see, but the top left, top right you can’t.

Then there’s buttons themselves weren’t a walk in the park either: they’re pressed in with the “mushroom head pins” which he had a prying tool to get leverage and pried them off (after the removal of the 2 torx).

After everything, I’d give this a 8-9/10 in difficulty for installation if you’re not the best around a vehicle. I’ve changed my oil on my old Mazda before, changed tires, repaired a flat tire, and replaced my Elise’s stock radio via clutchfield’s wire harness. I’ve also removed the Elise’s steering wheel as well to refinish the trim that was showing age.

Those are WAAAAYY easier compared to this! Like I said, I’m a noob. I may have eventually figured it out, but it would’ve taken me 4-5 hours+ with my knowledge. Also, I’m trying to be super super careful because it’s the most expensive car I have ever bought!

But now I know what to feel for should I replace the steering wheel! Also, he said it’s MUCH easier than dodge’s airbag!

 

[GRP]

Can someone please explain to me like I’m 5 how to get the OEM buttons off. I have removed the two torx screws, and have tried prying it out by using a big screwdriver leveraged on the torx screw underneath, but it doesn’t seem to budge, and I’m afraid to break something.

A photo of the underside of the oem button assembly would be immensely helpful to know how it’s attached to the wheel, but just a thorough explanation of the process would help too.

Does it come outward from the wheel or slide to the side. Do I need to remove the third screw on the assembly too?

Getting desperate

Did you get it figured out? They pull straight outward. It takes a bit of force because they have pins that are pressed into some dense foam.

 

[dotjdk]

Did you get it figured out? They pull straight outward. It takes a bit of force because they have pins that are pressed into some dense foam.

Yes, I managed to get them loose. It took a bit more prying force than I was comfortable with at first. But once I got them lifted a bit, I could pull up on the trim around them while prying from the bottom and they finally came out

 

[Finbarqs]

Yes, I managed to get them loose. It took a bit more prying force than I was comfortable with at first. But once I got them lifted a bit, I could pull up on the trim around them while prying from the bottom and they finally came out

Yeah, 3 on top, 2 on bottom! I accessed the “hidden” 2 from the back

 

[dotjdk]

Yeah, 3 on top, 2 on bottom! I accessed the “hidden” 2 from the back

I was asking about the actual button panels. But yes, the trim around the airbag was a pain to get off too

 

[Finbarqs]

I was asking about the actual button panels. But yes, the trim around the airbag was a pain to get off too

Oh yeah they are attached via those mushroom push pins, so get something with leverage! I think they make a prying tool that assist with getting those off!

P.S. does your wiper fluid work? Mine doesn’t

 

[Jjrho]

I've just installed the new non haptic buttons n it's easy once you figure it out but the instructions on GRP site was not clear....

1. AIR BAG REMOVAL was easy.... see the picture, while pushing the spring tab in, pull the bag out on that side n while holding that side out, goto the other side n push the spring Clip in, to release the mushrooms head retention screw on that side....

2. Removing the round "air bag collar" was difficult to figure out but basically, I used some force to push/ bend the plastic ring inward to release the tension clips, 1 top, 2 bottom while pulling the whole ring towards you..... it feels like it could break, but that's how hard you gotta force it.... kinda scary.... but.... it will come out n press fit when reinstalling...

3. The removal of the original haptic switch is another issue.... it's held in by pressure n 3 retention legs ; you have to use a small plastic pry bar to slowly work it out , from the sides.... the 3 T6 screws have NOTHING to do with holding the switches in there.... I removed one side by mistake n basically made it useless cause I separated the fine flat wiring and the intricate spring mechanism in the oem buttons... not that I care cause I ll never use em but.... and install is opposite, just press fit...
THEN put the bag trim ring back on n then reconnect the yellow harness for airbag n snap the air bag assembly back in....


Here's some pictures.....

 

[Blackthought_]

I've just installed the new non haptic buttons n it's easy once you figure it out but the instructions on GRP site was not clear....

1. AIR BAG REMOVAL was easy.... see the picture, while pushing the spring tab in, pull the bag out on that side n while holding that side out, goto the other side n push the spring Clip in, to release the mushrooms head retention screw on that side....

2. Removing the round "air bag collar" was difficult to figure out but basically, I used some force to push/ bend the plastic ring inward to release the tension clips, 1 top, 2 bottom while pulling the whole ring towards you..... it feels like it could break, but that's how hard you gotta force it.... kinda scary.... but.... it will come out n press fit when reinstalling...

3. The removal of the original haptic switch is another issue.... it's held in by pressure n 3 retention legs ; you have to use a small plastic pry bar to slowly work it out , from the sides.... the 3 T6 screws have NOTHING to do with holding the switches in there.... I removed one side by mistake n basically made it useless cause I separated the fine flat wiring and the intricate spring mechanism in the oem buttons... not that I care cause I ll never use em but.... and install is opposite, just press fit...
THEN put the bag trim ring back on n then reconnect the yellow harness for airbag n snap the air bag assembly back in....


Here's some pictures.....View attachment 55980View attachment 55981View attachment 55982View attachment 55983View attachment 55984

Very helpful! I just did mine too. A few more pointers that helped me as I just installed my GRP buttons


For taking out the airbag, when I keep seeing “push inward” I thought it was push inwards toward the front of the car… you literally have to push this spring straight down (so toward where the airbag is sitting). You will feel the spring tension

For taking off the collar, I haven’t seen any posts highlighting the retention clips so I’ve included that here. I simply put a screwdriver to lift up the clips and yank out carefully (1 clip on the top and 2 on the bottom)

Overall the installation is 9.5/10… just kidding haha. It literally took me 30 minutes and the buttons are a game changer. Another winner by GRP. Love em!

 

[grezex]

Found this. Seems like his buttons aren't clipped in tight like some of the photos here, making it easier to remove (maybe different versions?):

 

[Blackthought_]

Found this. Seems like his buttons aren't clipped in tight like some of the photos here, making it easier to remove (maybe different versions?):

Mine weren’t terribly hard to remove with a pry tool. They were snug in there but I don’t think I could have gotten them out by hand. I wonder if the poster removed it first off camera and then put them back in and removed it for the sake of the tutorial

 

[brainf18]

There are two issues with the stock steering wheel that I really didn't like. (1) The "square" top and (2) the haptic touch buttons. My car was recently in for service so while there, I had the shop install the GRP Steering Wheel with push buttons. We removed the factory alcantara wheel with the haptic touch controls and installed the replacement wheel pictured below. Its constructed with leather and has red stitching to match the seats. Haptic controls swapped for push buttons. I opted for the round top with flat bottom for the new wheel. Overall impressions, much improved with OEM quality and feel for both the wheel on control buttons. The wheel feels natural in the hand when driving and the infotainment doesn't have a mind of its own like before with the haptic buttons. Well worth it!