LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2012 >> C/V >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering System >> Column >> Installation >> Steering Column
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Steering Column

  1. If the steering column is being replaced, assemble components on the steering column as necessary before column installation. Refer to COLUMN, ASSEMBLY .
    Fig 1: Steering Column & Mounting Nuts
    GC0125595Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    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 steering column (2) onto the mounting studs and install the mounting nuts (1) on the studs. Starting with the left upper nut and proceeding in a clockwise tightening sequence, tighten all four mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 2: Intermediate Shaft, Shaft Extension & Coupling Bolt
    GC0125593Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  4. Verify the front wheels of vehicle are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
  5. Collapse the intermediate shaft (2). Center it over the shaft extension (3), lining up the ends, then slide the intermediate shaft onto the shaft extension.
  6. Install the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (1). Tighten the bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 3: Wiring Harness Routing Clips
    GC0125594Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  7. Install the wiring harness routing clips (1) on the bottom of the steering column.
  8. Connect the wiring harness connectors to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM).
  9. Connect any other the wiring harness connectors.
    Fig 4: Adjustable Pedals Switch & Harness Connector
    GC0124437Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  10. If equipped, connect the wiring harness connector (1) to the adjustable pedals switch (3).
    Fig 5: Upper & Lower Shrouds, Screws & Tilt Lever
    GC0124436Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  11. Push the tilt lever (3) downward (released position).
  12. Position the column tilt at the full-upward position.
  13. Install the lower shroud (4) over the tilt lever and onto the column.
  14. Install the screw (2) attaching the lower shroud (4) to the steering column.
  15. Position the upper shroud on the column.
  16. Clip the shrouds to one another.
  17. Install the two screws (1) attaching the lower shroud to the upper shroud.
  18. Push the tilt lever upward, locking the column in place.
    Fig 6: Steering Wheel & Retaining Bolt
    GC0125592Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, 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 at this time. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before proceeding to avoid damaging clockspring. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

    NOTE:

    Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt, a new bolt must be used every time.

  19. Line up the steering wheel (4) with the steering shaft and install the steering wheel.
  20. Install a NEW  steering wheel retaining bolt (3) and tighten to 50 N.m (37 ft. lbs.). Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, INSTALLATION .
    Fig 7: Wiring Connector At Clockspring
    GC0125591Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  21. Connect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.
    Fig 8: Driver Airbag
    GC0125590Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  22. Install the driver airbag (1). Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, INSTALLATION .
    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.

  23. Reconnect the battery ground terminal following the Airbag System Test. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
    Fig 9: Slide Tabs, Mounting Bracket & Shaft Lock Module
    GC0118568Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  24. If the steering column being installed requires the installation of a shaft lock module, perform the following:
    1. If not present, insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. This will move the shaft lock module locking bolt to the unlocked position. Leave the key in the lock cylinder while the shaft lock module service is being completed.
    2. Make sure the wiring harness connector is properly connected to the module.
    3. Align the engagement and slide tabs (2) on the shaft lock module housing (1) with the slots and channels in the mounting bracket (3) on the steering column.
    4. Carefully slide the module toward the top (steering wheel end) of the column until it is in mounted position and the spring clips on the module have engaged the bracket, locking it in place.
    NOTE:

    If a NEW module has been installed, a NEW Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) must also be installed, then a diagnostic scan tool MUST be used to initialize the new module before the vehicle can be operated. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

    Fig 10: Steering Column Cover Reinforcement & Screws
    GC0124463Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  25. Install the steering column cover reinforcement (2) using the four mounting screws (3, 4).
    Fig 11: Steering Column Opening Cover
    GC0124462Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  26. Install the steering column opening cover and instrument panel end cap. Refer to COVER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, INSTALLATION and INSTALLATION . For RHD, refer to COVER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, INSTALLATION and INSTALLATION .
  27. Test the operation of the all column mounted components. If applicable, reset the radio and the clock as necessary.
  28. Road test the vehicle to ensure proper operation of the steering system.