2000 Blazer. Going to swap out the Multi Function switch. Should I just pull the Battery Cable or is there another way to turn off the airbags?

I'll give these instructions a shot. I still do not know if just a few Torx Screws will release the Upper and Lower Covers. Or if there is more to it.

http://www.justanswer.com/chevy/2l6s...placement.html

 

To those instructions I'll add: (in no particular order) Bottom cover is ordinary torx, you'll need an E6 torx socket for the single screw holding on the top cover. (basically it's a screw with a T-20 bit for a head) Easiest way to disable SIR is unhook the battery like you said. Make SURE the directional is in center position both when you remove it and putting the new one in. Just grab the tilt lever and pull it out of the column when the time comes, it just snaps in. Personally I removed the steering wheel first, both covers extend into it. (after disconnecting battery) Turn the wheel 90 degrees to the left, there's now a square hole on the back side of the wheel sticking straight up. Slide a straight screwdiver into it - tip angling toward the inside (center of the wheel), you'll feel a spring, slide the screwdriver under it. Pry up on it and pull out that side of the airbag assembly. Rotate the wheel 180 degrees and do the other side. Disconnect airbag, disconnect horn wires by pushing in the white plastic sleeve and turning it 90 degrees and mark your wheel/shaft alignment. (mine had an arrow on the wheel and a notch on the shaft)

 

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=577320

Do you need to really take off the Cluster Bezel to get te Upper and Lower Cover off the Column?

 

theres a diy posted in the diy forum.

but be careful, just undoing the battery or unplugging the harness' may not deactivate them as they have their own capacitors that store a certain amount of energy!

they say to let it sit for a while to let them discharge.

and to answer your question. on my 98 jimmy there is one under the steering colume and one behind the glove box. take off the hush panel by the drivers feet and look for a yellow harness. all airbag harness' are yellow. the 2 sensors for them are bolted or riveted to the frame under the bumper. which are also yellow on my 98

 

OK, I 'll let it discharge a bit. I did find info on the Yellow connector with some Orange Locking device.
Getting all kinds of mixed info on how far of a disassembly must be done to get to this switch. Some are Pulling the Steering wheel, some are pulling the Entire Cluster Bezel. It would have been nice if the Column cover was a simple Clamshell design that come apart with a few screws to gain access to the Multi Function switch.

 

perfect for making a diy for us

 

I was thinking the same thing. Cut through all the mysteries and set the procedure straight.
When I see the car again ( it's my daughters) and I have a few hours to stumble through it, I will make sure the tools include a digital camera and note pad.

I'm no stranger to this. I have made my mark in other venues. http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/

 

give the air bags a min of 15-30 min to discharge before pissing around with them - worst thing in the world would be attempting this and having an air bag pop you right up side the head!

 

You don't have to remove the cluster bezel, you have to remove the knee bolster. Actually push it out of the way, the parking brake release cable will keep you from removing it. The biggest risk in disconnecting the battery vs. removing fuses and SIR connectors in my opinion is actuator motor in the heater box. If the gear is cracked and brittle there's a chance it'll break itself cycling to recalibrate itself. (I opted to unhook the battery and my heat is still working great but I have to admit I had fear in my heart while removing the airbag)