Steering Column
NOTE:
Before proceeding, see WARNING .
- Remove the steering column opening cover. Refer to REMOVAL .
- Remove the steering column cover reinforcement mounting screws (2). Remove the steering column cover reinforcement (1).NOTE: If equipped with a shaft lock module, the module cannot be removed from the steering column while the locking bolt is in the locked position without irreversibly damaging the column. Before attempting service, the ignition key must be inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. Once inserted, rotate the steering wheel from side to side. If the steering wheel can be rotated, the locking bolt is in the unlocked position. Leave the key in the ignition lock cylinder until shaft lock module removal has been completed.
- If equipped with a shaft lock module (2), perform the following steps.
- 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 is being removed.
- Insert a suitable drift or pin punch (no more than 4 mm (5/32 in.) in diameter) into each release hole (1) on the module mounting bracket. Insert each drift or punch until it bottoms and leave in place. This will depress the two spring clips that secure the shaft lock module to the mounting bracket.
- Slide (and wiggle) the module toward the base of the column far enough to disengage the module from the mounting bracket.
- Remove the module from the steering column.
- Leave the wiring connector in place, but support the module to keep it away from the column and avoid wiring harness overextension.
WARNING: When an undeployed airbag module is to be removed from the vehicle, first disconnect the battery ground cable and isolate it. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for a minimum of two minutes before starting any removal. - Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.
- Reposition the floor carpeting to access the steering column coupling at the base of the column.
- Position the front wheels of vehicle in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) at the base of the column can be accessed.
- Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Do not separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear pinion shaft (4) at this time.
- Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
- Remove the driver airbag (3). Refer to REMOVAL .
- Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.
- Holding the steering wheel firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (4) from the steering column shaft.
CAUTION: Threading the retaining bolt (2) back in the end of the shaft until approximately 13 mm (0.5 in.) of thread is showing between the wheel and the head of the bolt allows a safe reaction surface for the puller to work against.
- Thread the steering wheel retaining bolt (2) back into the end of the steering shaft until approximately 13 mm (0.5 in.) of thread is showing between the wheel and the head of the bolt.
- Remove the speed control screw (3) in order to install the steering wheel puller.CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.
- Install an appropriate wheel puller on the steering wheel over the steering shaft. See REMOVAL . CAUTION: Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain 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 remain 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 installing the steering wheel. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the puller. Remove the wheel retainer bolt (2) and the steering wheel from the column.
- Push the tilt lever (2) downward to the released position.
- Remove the three screws (1) attaching the lower shroud. After removing the screws, un-clip the upper and lower shrouds from one another by applying hand pressure along the seams where the shrouds connect on the sides.
- Remove the lower shroud.NOTE: The upper shroud can remain in place for the remainder of the procedure. It is attached to the instrument cluster, but not the column. Use when removing column.
- Push the tilt lever upward, locking the column in place.
- Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (2) at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (1).
- Disconnect all other wiring harness connectors at column components.
- If equipped, remove the three clutch pedal blocker mounting screws, then remove the blocker (1).
- Separate the intermediate shaft (2) at the base of the column from the steering gear pinion shaft (4).
NOTE: If the same steering column is to be reinstalled, clamp the tilt lever to lock the column in place so that it can be easily reinstalled in the same orientation.
- Remove the one mounting bolt (left lower) (2) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
- Remove the three mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
- To remove remaining components from the column, see DISASSEMBLY .