Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.

CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

This steering wheel and column section covers the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) procedures and specific On-Vehicle Service procedures. When servicing a vehicle equipped with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint, pay close attention to all NOTICES and CAUTIONS. For descriptions and additional information regarding the SIR system, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. The locking, energy absorbing column includes three important features in addition to the steering function.

The column is energy absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision to lessen the chance of injury to the driver.
The ignition switch and lock are mounted on the column. With the column-mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the car.
The multifunction lever provides for control of the headlamp beams, turn signals and cruise control.

The column may be removed, disassembled and assembled with relative ease. It is important to use only the specified screws, bolts and nuts, and tighten them to the specified torque in order to ensure the proper energy absorbing functions. When the column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care must be taken in handling it. Using a steering wheel puller other than the one recommended in this manual, striking sharply on the end of the steering shaft lever, leaning on the assembly or dropping the assembly could shear off or loosen plastic fasteners which maintain column rigidity. Apply a thin coat of lithium grease to all friction parts when reassembling.