It is really a 10 minute job if you know what you are doing. I use a tool like in post #5. Like I mentioned earlier, you can unlock the wheel with the key. You will need to rotate the wheel here and there to get the best access. When you have both screws loose (mine don't fall out, they stay in the steering wheel) and you can pull the airbag free from the wheel while still plugged in. Now loosen the main 24mm nut in the center. Now center up the steering wheel (line you are going straight). Now, with the wheel loose, centered and the old airbag plugged in, turn off the ignition. You can now unplug the airbag. Then do not turn the key again until the new bag is plugged in later. Now remove the center 24mm nut and keep the wheel centered. Now put the new wheel on as mentioned above. Put the 24mm nut on and plug in the new airbag. At this point all you need to do is screw in the new airbag torx screws and you are good to go. After the airbag is plugged in, you can turn the key and rotate the wheel as needed.
Disclaimer, I'm not saying this will work for you BUT it has worked for me on several 993's, 996's, M3's etc. Do this at your own risk or if you drive to my house Ill gladly do it for you OR, you can just unhook the battery and reset your radio code. This isn't rocket science.

 

yet another person for the ignore list.

bye.

 

If the negative terminal on the battery is off, you can have the key turned on in the ignition. Just let the car sit for at least a half hour after you unhook it. FYI.

--Michael

 

Thanks for great feedback. Will work on this w-e on post result ...

 

Want me to PM you my cell # if you have a question?

 

One extra note; If you plan to reuse the airbag contact unit it is easier when putting on the new wheel to hold the unit in correct rotation position with a long strip of electrical tape and then pulling the tape out through the steering wheel when the wheel is in proper place. I would discard the clip and spring gadget that comes from the factory on the contact unit to do this. Also if you happen to snap off the little contact unit pin that lines up with the steering wheel you can fix it with a short length of fish tank air tube sliding the broken off pin into the tube at one end and the stub stalk on the unit at the other and gluing the inside of the tube with 3M trim adhesive or some other flex glue. If the procedure uses an updated contact unit the above probably still applies.
Andy :-)

PS Durametric Software can reset the airbag light under the 964 menu.

 

Good instructions Mark, I made a small correction above.

I'm still advocating unplugging the battery for several reason. You don't need any accidental electricity and it also prevents that "damn" moment when, inevitably, the key is turned and SRS light is set ($40-$120 worth of reset).

 

<sniff>
Baaaaahaaahaaaa...Sorry, just considering the source

Hmm, my first recommendation was correct despite Quadcammers, ignorant post with no knowledge, experience, or research ont the subject...This is just gonna kill him...
bye bye Quadcammer, you'll be missed...NOT!

 

I've done it with the battery connected. I'm a rebel.

 

Absolutely...No one suggested it "couldn't" be done with the battery connected.
Its always better safe than sorry; unless of course, you happen to have a PST-2 or equivelent readily available for resetting the air bag light should an "oops" occur. Can you dig it?
BTW, how is life on the edge; you rebel you?

 

Quadcammer and nine9six: You guys are tiresome!!