Steering System - 500L: Column: Removal: Removal

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, refer to COLUMN, WARNING .

Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.
Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds. Refer to SHROUD, STEERING COLUMN, LOWER, REMOVAL and SHROUD, STEERING COLUMN, UPPER, REMOVAL .

Fig 1: Steering Wheel & Airbag
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Remove the driver airbag (2). Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, REMOVAL .
Remove the steering wheel (1). Refer to 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 STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING .
Remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL .

Fig 2: Instrument Panel Brace
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Remove the bolts securing the instrument panel brace (1).

Fig 3: Ignition Switch & Wiring Harness
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Disconnect the wiring harness connectors at the ignition switch (1).

Fig 4: Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) & Wiring Harness Connectors
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (1) at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM).

Fig 5: Wire Harness Tie, Lower Shroud Mount & Screws
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Remove the wire harness tie (1) from the lower shroud mount (2).

Fig 6: Wire Harness Tie & Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Disconnect the electrical connectors (2) and wire harness tie (3) at the electric power steering module.
Remove the two mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel.

Fig 7: Pinch Bolt, Intermediate Shaft & Steering Gear Shaft
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Remove intermediate shaft pinch bolt (2) and separate the intermediate shaft (1) at the base of the column from the steering gear pinion shaft (3). Discard the pinch bolt (2); it is not to be reused.

Fig 8: Rear Steering Column Pivot Bolts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Access and remove the two rear steering column pivot bolts (1).
Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Fig 9: Wire Harness Tie, Lower Shroud Mount & Screws
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
If necessary, remove the bolts (3) securing the lower shroud mount (2) to the steering column and transfer it and any other parts needed to the new steering column.