T4 gauges are really screwed up.

Hi there. been having issues with the guages in my T4 transporter. At first the fault was intermittent but now the guages are permanently screwed up. I found an online resource written step by step to remove the guages and troubleshoot the likely cause of the issue. (They say these models are prone to dry joint on the circuit board).

Anyhow, the guide says I need to remove the steering wheel to get the gauges completely out. Unfortunately my van has a drivers airbag in the wheel. The manual I found worked on a model without airbags.

I've never attempted to deactivate or remove an airbag in the steering wheel.
Is it a major drama? Can anyone give me guidance on how to do it?
The manual should help with the guages and if they can't be fixed I can always replace them but I've never touched or removed the airbag before. Need tips.

I have replaced the steering wheel in my VW Caddy van, no problem with the airbag as it comes off with the wheel and the only connection was one spade type electrical connection which I simply disconnected and reconnected the new unit, I would assume the T4 is the same.

I have a 2 book set of the Bentley manuals for sale if you are interested.Please Pm

detach the battery.