According to hmaservice.com, you do have to remove the steering wheel. You can try to do it without removing it, but I think the screws for the switch may be covered by the wheel.

As for removing the covers: From their site, it seems like its just the screws on the bottom which hold it on.


I'd recommend joining hmaservice.com, but here are their instructions anyway:
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the steering column shroud.
4. Disconnect the harness connectors.
5. Remove the 3 straps.
6. Remove the multifunction switch assembly by loosening the 4 screws shown in the illustration.
7. Installation is the reverse order of the removal procedure.

 

My 97's steering column cover had two screws on the bottom piece, and the top piece just popped off the bottom piece. The two halves just snap together.

 

QUOTE (sartech @ Apr 20 2010, 10:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=315056

Hello,

I have a 1997 Accent GT DOHC. I have a new multi-function turn signal assembly that I want to install myself. (Hyundai said anywhere from $110 - $220 for them to do it).
I searched on this forum and everywhere for an answer to this question: How do I remove the steering column cover(s)? Do I have to remove the whole steering wheel? It doesn't look like it from looking at it, but I don't want to screw anything up by just winging it.
(There are 2 screws underneath the lower cover.)

Realistically... is this something I can do once I get the covers off? Looks like it just plugs in. If the whole steering wheel needs to come off, I don't feel comfortable doing it myself.

Please help me if you can!

Kristine

.............. Hi and :00000732: to the forums too :grin:

 

Thanks for the replies...
Found out the steering wheel had to be removed when I dug right in to do it... lol. So, I just hooked the battery back up and took it over to Hyundai. Wasn't about to tackle THAT myself. Why the heck they wouldn't put the plug-in part right there by the switch to make it easy is beyond me.
Now on to the next project... finding a replacement pop-out sunroof!
Thanks again!