Hello everyone, I just recently purchased a 2004 S60R from a dealer in Massachusetts. I went into it expecting to fix a few issues that I knew it had, and have money set aside for anything else that should come up.

However, yesterday something very disconcerting transpired...I went to push the horn and found that not only did it not work (not a huge deal, but will need to be fixed before it can be inspected), the area in the middle of the steering wheel where I would expect to find some firmness from the airbag felt hollow. Is this common on these cars, or should it be firm?

There is no airbag light, so I didn't think to check them...who does? I would love to take the wheel apart and look at the airbag myself. Is that an easy process? I would assume that disconnecting the battery would effectively disarm the bag, correct? If it isn't there and has somehow been tricked to think it is, that opens up a whole new can of worms...

 

Hopefully you bought it from a reputable dealer as a certified Volvo. If not, I would be concerned. Hollow middle usually means no airbag. Steering wheel covers can be purchased separately from the airbag. It does not need to be replaced but the SRS light should be on. If off, it was purposely shut off. Reasons are obvious, try to hide tell tale signs of a serious previous accident or repair. Let us know the outcome. Good luck.

 

Didn't buy from a Volvo dealer, but it's from a dealer, with a dealer license... Wasn't a shady guy or anything, and he's been pretty accessible since the sale. No light on, Car Fax turned up no accidents at all. But it definitely seems hollow...

I found directions on how to remove the cover from the wheel. Is it pretty straight forward from there how to tell if the bag is still in there?

Swedespeed Forums - removing s60 steering wheel airbag?

 

That is what it's like to push it.