Steering Column: Notes
WARNING:
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns. When an undeployed air bag assembly is to be removed from steering wheel, disconnect battery ground cable and isolate. Allow system capacitor to discharge for two minutes, then begin air bag removal. When handling an undeployed air bag module during servicing of steering column following precautions should be observed. At no time should any source of electricity be permitted near inflator on back of airbag module. When carrying a live module, trim cover should be pointed away from body to minimize injury if module accidently deploys. If air bag module is placed on a bench or other surface, plastic cover should be face up to minimize movement in case of accidental deployment.
CAUTION:
Wait for a minimum of 2 minutes before starting procedure to remove steering column from vehicle. This will allow airbag system capacitor time to de-energize. When installing bolts for steering wheel puller into steering wheel, be sure bolts are fully installed into threaded holes in steering wheel. If bolts are not fully installed into threaded holes, threads may be pulled out of steering wheel when puller is tightened to remove steering wheel. DO NOT bump or hammer on steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing steering wheel from steering column. DO NOT apply heat to steering wheel when removing steering wheel from steering column shaft. DO NOT attempt to remove clockspring from steering column before removing multi-function switch. The clockspring is retained by a tab located under multi-function switch. This tab will be broken off clockspring if it is not properly released.
NOTE:
If wiring harness is not long enough to allow removing clockspring with harness attached, remove wiring harness from clockspring. DO NOT put a strain on wiring harness when removing clockspring. Put a protective cover on seat of vehicle before lowering steering column onto seat to protect seat from damage.