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Section 12 (Steering System): Column: Removal: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
NOTE: Before proceeding, see Steering/Column - Warning .
NOTE: LHD model shown in illustrations. RHD model similar.
  1. Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.
    Fig 1: Removing/Installing Intermediate Shaft Coupling Bolt
    GC0084367Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  2. Reposition the floor carpeting to access the steering column coupling at the base of the column.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Do not separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear pinion shaft (4) at this time. 
  5. Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
    Fig 2: Removing/Installing Air Bag
    GC0082507Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  6. Remove the driver airbag (3). Refer to Restraints/AIR BAG, Driver - Removal .
    Fig 3: Disconnecting/Connecting Wiring Connector At Clockspring
    GC0082508Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  7. Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.
    Fig 4: Removing/Installing Air Bag
    GC0082507Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  8. While holding the steering wheel firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (4) from the steering column shaft.
    Fig 5: Removing/Installing Steering Wheel Puller
    GC0082299Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.
  9. Install an appropriate wheel puller with hooked legs (1) on the steering wheel over the steering shaft. See Steering/Column/WHEEL, Steering - 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 Restraints/CLOCKSPRING - Standard Procedure .
    Fig 6: Removing/Installing Steering Wheel Puller
    GC0082299Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  10. While holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the wheel puller (1). Remove the steering wheel from the column.
    Fig 7: Removing/Installing Air Bag
    GC0082507Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  11. Position the column tilt at the full-upward position.
  12. Remove the steering column opening cover (5). Refer to Body/Instrument Panel/COVER, Steering Column Opening - Removal .
    Fig 8: Removing/Installing Steering Column Reinforcement Panel
    GC0083940Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  13. Remove the steering column cover reinforcement panel (1) four screws (2).
    Fig 9: Removing/Installing Lower Steering Column Shroud
    GC0083150Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  14. Remove the two screws (4) attaching the upper shroud (1) to the lower shroud (2). After removing the screws, unclip the shrouds from each other by applying hand pressure along the seams where the shrouds connect on the sides, then remove the upper shroud.
  15. Push the tilt lever (5) downward.
  16. Remove the screw (3) attaching the lower shroud (2) to the steering column (6). Remove the lower shroud.
  17. Push the tilt lever (5) upward, locking it in place.
    Fig 10: Removing/Installing Shift Interlock Cable
    GC0084368Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  18. If equipped with an automatic transaxle, disconnect the ignition shift interlock cable at the steering column. To do so, insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn it to the ON position. Depress the tab on top of the interlock cable connector (2) and pull the cable out of the lock cylinder housing (1).
    Fig 11: Disconnecting/Connecting Wiring Harness Connectors At Steering Column Control Module (SCCM)
    GC0082509Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  19. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (2) at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (1).
  20. Disconnect all other wiring harness connectors at column components.
    Fig 12: Removing/Installing Intermediate Shaft Coupling Bolt
    GC0084367Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  21. Separate the intermediate shaft (2) at the base of the column from the steering gear pinion shaft (4).
    Fig 13: Removing/Installing Steering Column Mounting Bolts
    GC0082510Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    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.
  22. Remove the one mounting bolt (left lower) (2) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
  23. Remove the three mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
  24. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
  25. To remove remaining components from the column, see Steering/Column - Disassembly .
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