No, you don't have to take the wheel off. Just have to take the cover off between the wheel and the dash. Once that's off, then you will have access to the ignition. The only thing is, when you get your new ignition in, you will have to take it to a Honda dealer and have the ignition and key coded together. It will save you some money to put it in yourself, but you will have to tow it wherever the closest dealer is for you.