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Steering Column

Fig 1: COLUMN MOUNTING
GC0055544Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  1. If the steering column is being replaced, assemble components on the steering column as necessary before column installation. See ASSEMBLY .
    NOTE: When installing a tilt column, do not release the tilt lever from the locked position until after the column is installed on the instrument panel.
  2. Install the steering column through the steering column opening.
  3. Raise the column onto the mounting studs and install the three mounting nuts (1) on the studs and the 1 bolt (2).
    Fig 2: COLUMN TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
    GC0055546Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    NOTE: When tightening the fasteners in the following step, make sure there is no gap between the column flange and the instrument panel support at bolt (4).
  4. Starting with the left upper nut and proceeding in a clockwise tightening sequence ending at the bolt (left lower), tighten all four mounting fasteners to 28 N.m (21 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 3: LOWER COUPLING BOLT
    GC0055540Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  5. Verify the front wheels of vehicle are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
  6. Collapse the intermediate shaft (2). Center it over the steering gear pinion shaft (4), lining up the ends, then slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering gear pinion shaft. Do not install the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) at this time. The bolt can be more easily installed in a later step. 
    Fig 4: MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTORS
    GC0042949Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  7. Connect the wiring harness connectors (2) to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (1).
  8. Connect any other the wiring harness connectors.
    Fig 5: SHIFT INTERLOCK CABLE AT COLUMN
    GC0055543Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  9. If equipped with an automatic transaxle, connect the ignition shift interlock cable to the steering column. To do so, insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn it to the ON position. Push the interlock cable connector (2) into the lock cylinder housing (1) until it clicks into place. Make sure the ignition-shift interlock feature operates properly.
    Fig 6: Steering Column Shrouds
    GC0042953Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  10. Push the tilt lever (5) downward.
  11. Install the lower shroud (2) over the tilt lever and onto the column.
  12. Position the column tilt (5) at the full-upward position.
  13. Push the tilt lever (5) upward, locking it in place.
  14. Install the screw (3) attaching the lower shroud (2) to the steering column (6).
  15. Position the column tilt at the full-downward position and lock it in place.
  16. Install the upper shroud over the lower shroud, clipping the shrouds to one another.
  17. Install the two screws (4) attaching the upper shroud (1) to the lower shroud (2).
    Fig 7: REINFORCEMENT
    GC0053050Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  18. Position the column tilt at the full-upward position.
  19. Install the steering column reinforcement panel (1) and four screws (2).
    Fig 8: AIR BAG REMOVAL
    GC0053725Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  20. Install the steering column opening cover (5). Refer to INSTALLATION .
    Fig 9: AIR BAG REMOVAL
    GC0053725Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    CAUTION: When installing the steering wheel, the clockspring must be centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should be in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before proceeding. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  21. Install the steering wheel (2) and the retaining bolt (4). Tighten the steering wheel retaining bolt to 50 N.m (37 ft. lbs.). See INSTALLATION .
    Fig 10: STEERING WHEEL
    GC0055542Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  22. Install the speed control switch mounting screw (3).
    Fig 11: STEERING WHEEL WIRING
    GC0055541Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  23. Connect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.
    Fig 12: AIR BAG REMOVAL
    GC0053725Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  24. Install the driver airbag (3). Refer to INSTALLATION .
    Fig 13: LOWER COUPLING BOLT
    GC0055540Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  25. From center, rotate the steering wheel to the right approximately 90° or until the shaft coupling pinch bolt (3) can be easily installed.
  26. Install the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Tighten the bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft. lbs.).
  27. Reposition the floor carpet (1) in place.
  28. Straighten the steering wheel to STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
    WARNING: Do not connect the battery ground cable without following the proper procedure as indicated in the following step. Personal injury or death may result if the Airbag System Test is not performed first.
  29. Reconnect the battery ground terminal following the Airbag System Test found in Restraints. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
  30. Test the operation of the all column mounted components. If applicable, reset the radio and the clock as necessary.
  31. Road test the vehicle to ensure proper operation of the steering system.
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