Removal Procedure

Important:  If the inflatable restraint module is deployed, inspect the SIR coil.

Replace the SIR coil if the SIR coil exhibits any signs of damage caused by excessive heat.

1. Disconnect the negative battery ground cable. Refer to BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE DISCONNECT/CONNECT PROCEDURE  in Battery.
   CAUTION: Refer to SIR CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  in Airbag.
3. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE)  in Airbag.
4. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT   . 
5. Remove the I/P left insulator.
6. Install J 42640  to the steering column.
   NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
7. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT   . 
8. Remove the transaxle shift cable from the steering column.
   Fig 1: Removing Transaxle Shift Cable From Steering Column

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
10. Remove the steering column bolts.
11. Remove the steering column nuts.
12. Remove the steering column anchor cable from the bracket stud.
    NOTE: 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.
13. Remove the steering column.
14. Install the steering column onto J 41352. 
    Fig 2: Removing Steering Column Bolts And Nuts

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.