Replacing paddle shifters questions/comments

[Vertex]

Has anyone else replaced their paddle shifters with something else?

I started last night and spent over 3 hours trying to get the airbag off and then attempting to get things disconnected to swap over to the other paddles. The largest issue I had (well there were 2) was getting the damn air bag off. Obviously never doing it before I figured it wasn't going to be quick and easy, although, I didn't anticipate spending nearly 2 hours just trying to get that off.

The second and other large problem I've run into are getting the connectors disconnected for the paddles and also did have a small hiccup with the small white airbag one as well. I was able to get one of the paddles out after some time of tinkering around, however, the other side I've messed up unfortunately and hopefully can still get it disconnected. The good news is the part that is messed up is the paddle side of the connector and not the side that attaches to the switch so I won't have to replace anything I wasn't already going to replace as the paddles I got come with their own switches already on the paddle.

If anyone has any good tips for future people swapping paddles or to help me get that last one disconnected I'm all ears? I'm getting a small pick set today that will hopefully help with what I'm trying to do. My closest thing I had to work with was a set of allen wrenches and I used the smallest one which still didn't seem to help.

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[Wazza]

The airbag is awful to get off, I've had it off a few times for various reasons and every time it's not an easy thing to do.

Pushing in the airbag with one hand while pushing the release springs helps it release way easier, I use a long 4mm Allen key, but it's still very fiddly and can take a good 10-15 mins of trying.

The white connectors for the paddles are always a tight connection, you just got to be careful not to pull a wire out.

 

[Evolution]

Unlike others, I found the airbag to pop out with no issues. Took me less than 5 min. I used a tire valve stem remover. That way you dont slip off the spring since its got a notch. After that, dont unplug the air bag, just flop it off to the side (the cables are long enough to get it out of the way). No messing with those stubborn connectors. Then its as simple as unbolting the old paddles and installing the new ones.

 

[Wazza]

Unlike others, I found the airbag to pop out with no issues. Took me less than 5 min. I used a tire valve stem remover. That way you dont slip off the spring since its got a notch. After that, dont unplug the air bag, just flop it off to the side (the cables are long enough to get it out of the way). No messing with those stubborn connectors. Then its as simple as unbolting the old paddles and installing the new ones.

He's talking about the paddle connectors not the airbag connectors.

But nice tip on the notch method

 

[MyCorolla]

I’ve had to remove the airbag several times. The first time took about 15-20 minutes; subsequent times took less than five. Releasing the first clip is easy; the second takes a little more work. The trick is to press the airbag completely and hold it while you release the second clip.

When you put it back, make sure all wires are in their proper place.

 

[Vertex]

Unlike others, I found the airbag to pop out with no issues. Took me less than 5 min. I used a tire valve stem remover. That way you dont slip off the spring since its got a notch. After that, dont unplug the air bag, just flop it off to the side (the cables are long enough to get it out of the way). No messing with those stubborn connectors. Then its as simple as unbolting the old paddles and installing the new ones.

As another member stated, I am more referring to the paddle connectors. There's little to no room to work with and you can't really pull them out or even move them more than about a half inch. Going to try and borrow a pick today to see if that works but I just don't see on the one connector after getting it out how exactly you're supposed to get it to release from the other clip. I think I just got lucky on that one. I wish it was just the bolt but you also have to unhook the connectors too. Luckily the one that I damaged won't matter as I mentioned in my original post since my new ones come with everything and don't re-use the oem brains.

 

[Evolution]

As another member stated, I am more referring to the paddle connectors. There's little to no room to work with and you can't really pull them out or even move them more than about a half inch. Going to try and borrow a pick today to see if that works but I just don't see on the one connector after getting it out how exactly you're supposed to get it to release from the other clip. I think I just got lucky on that one. I wish it was just the bolt but you also have to unhook the connectors too. Luckily the one that I damaged won't matter as I mentioned in my original post since my new ones come with everything and don't re-use the oem brains.

I used a pick when I did it. It was the weird curvy end one, not a 90° or straight.

If anyone has any good tips for future people swapping paddles

And just saying, you did say this so my other post is relevant....

 

[Vertex]

I used a pick when I did it. It was the weird curvy end one, not a 90° or straight.



And just saying, you did say this so my other post is relevant....

I did and didn't have any ill intentions in my reply. Do appreciate your feedback and will definitely try a valve stem tool if I ever have to remove the wheel again. Only thing I didn't probably do "right" I should have tried was just keeping pressure on the air bag the entire time while trying to do both sides instead of letting up after getting a side loosened up and then dinking around with the other side. It was definitely a pain in the but to get the bottom one loose as well. Top left side seemed to pop off pretty easy but both bottom and right were a PITA!

 

[Scoopra]

Those little blue connectors were the worst part for me too. I tried a pick tool on them, but honestly just squeeze and wiggle seems to be the way.

 

[Vertex]

Those little blue connectors were the worst part for me too. I tried a pick tool on them, but honestly just squeeze and wiggle seems to be the way.

Funny but not funny. When I got home yesterday I was determined to get this done and get the last connector unhooked no matter how I needed to do it. I pulled it out of it's little pocket where it sits and the damn connector came right out. I was sooo mad but relieved at the same time. Took maybe 5 minutes to put everything back together with the new paddles.

Only thing that was a little weird after I hooked the battery back up was I was getting a parking assist malfunction warning. Backed the car up 20 or so feet and then back into garage, cycled ignition and it was fine

 

[J29DB03]

Funny but not funny. When I got home yesterday I was determined to get this done and get the last connector unhooked no matter how I needed to do it. I pulled it out of it's little pocket where it sits and the damn connector came right out. I was sooo mad but relieved at the same time. Took maybe 5 minutes to put everything back together with the new paddles.

Only thing that was a little weird after I hooked the battery back up was I was getting a parking assist malfunction warning. Backed the car up 20 or so feet and then back into garage, cycled ignition and it was fine

That parking assist malfunction is always crying wolf if you do anything electrical or coding wise. Pay no attention to it.

 

[exe36m3]

So to pull connectors from each other... needle nose pliers and maybe a small flat head screwdriver. The latter to gently lift the locking tab and then the pliers to GENTLY pull the male from the female connector.


Airbag... use an OLD flathead screw driver, but file a v "notch" into the middle. This will grab the spring better. When putting it into the hole... feel for the metal spring and gently push along the length of it until you feel it give a little. Then push in the airbag and push the screwdriver.

 

[Crisis]

For anyone lurking on this thread wondering about this as an upgrade:

Even with the struggles of the airbag, magnetic switched paddles are, by far, the best upgrade I've put into the car.

 

[Vertex]

For anyone lurking on this thread wondering about this as an upgrade:

Even with the struggles of the airbag, magnetic switched paddles are, by far, the best upgrade I've put into the car.

Yes, I did not mention how much more enjoyable the look and feel of the new Paddles I put on the car is. Highly recommend, just be ready to spend a couple hours unless you get really lucky or have pulled the airbag off before.

Really no good actual tips for doing this other than I should have maybe tried a couple different tools vs just the flathead screwdriver. Definitely will go with another tool next time

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