Removal Procedure
- Remove Steering Column Upper Trim Cover (1). Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement
- Steering Column Lower Trim Cover (2). Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement
- Ensure the steering wheel and the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
- With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position put the vehicle in the accessory mode. This will unlock the steering column for 5 minutes.
- Turn the steering wheel to verify the steering column is NOT locked.
- Disconnect the steering column lock control module electrical connectors.
- With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the OFF mode and leave the steering column unlocked as long as the electrical connectors are disconnected.
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- With the wheels of the vehicle in the straight ahead position, LOCK the steering column.
- Remove Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side (2). Refer to Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side
- Remove Instrument Panel Knee Bolster (2). Refer to Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Replacement
- Separate Intermediate Steering Shaft @ Steering Column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
- Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as necessary.
- Remove Steering Column Nuts (1) (Qty: 4)
- Remove the steering column (1) from the vehicle.
- Transfer components as necessary.
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.