Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. SIR Disabling and Enabling
Use a flat bladed plastic trim tool to depress the steering wheel airbag access hole cover detents to remove the left and right steering wheel airbag access hole covers (1).
Steering Wheel Airbag Bolt (1) - Remove [2x]
Use a flat bladed plastic trim tool to separate the steering wheel airbag bracket (1) from the steering wheel horn plate (2).
Pull the steering wheel airbag away from the steering wheel to expose the electrical connections.
- Release the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors.
- Steering Wheel Airbag (1) - Remove
- CAUTION:
During steering wheel bolt removal, observe the following precautions:
- Do NOT use heat on the steering wheel bolt, steering wheel, or steering column. Using heat could cause damage to the steering related components.
- Do NOT hammer or apply excessive downward force on the steering wheel bolt, steering wheel, or steering column. Hammering or applying excessive downward force could cause damage to the steering related components.
NOTE:- Steering wheel bolts installed during manufacturing require high torque efforts to remove.
- The ONLY acceptable bit for removing and installing the steering wheel bolt is a T50 Torx bit. Do NOT use any other size bit or a worn bit.
- If a power tool is used to remove the steering wheel bolt, the tool must have a minimum torque rating greater than 75 N.m (55 lb ft) and both the power tool and the T50 Torx bit MUST be positioned perpendicular to the bolt recess.
- Apply appropriate downward force to maintain engagement of bit to bolt recess during bolt removal.
Loosen the steering wheel bolt (1) until 2 to 3 threads are still engaged.
- Wiggle the steering wheel until the wheel disengages completely.
Steering Wheel Bolt (1) - Remove
- Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Steering Wheel (1) - Remove
Unclip the instrument panel steering column upper trim cover (1) from the instrument panel steering column lower trim cover.
Instrument Panel Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Bolt (1) - Remove [3x]
- NOTE:
Maneuver the instrument panel steering column lower trim cover around the steering column tilt and telescoping lever as necessary.
Remove the instrument panel steering column lower trim cover (1) from the steering column.
Disconnect the electrical connector. (1)
- Disengage the wiring harness clips (2).
Turn Signal Switch Bolt (1) - Remove [2x]
- Disconnect the electrical connector. (3)
Turn Signal Switch (1) - Remove
Disengage the left and right turn signal switch bracket retaining tabs (1).
Remove the turn signal switch bracket and steering wheel airbag coil together as an assembly (1).
Pull away a segment of the front side door weather-strip to clear the edge of the instrument panel outer trim cover (1).
- Using a flat-bladed plastic trim tool, release the retaining clips.
- Instrument Panel Outer Trim Cover - Left Side (1) - Remove
Hood Primary Latch Release Cable Handle (1) - Remove
- Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Bolt (2) - Remove [3x]
- Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Retainer (3) - Remove
- WARNING:
When removing, handling or installing this component wear protective gloves. The sharp edges on the component may be very sharp and may cause injury.
Using a flat-bladed plastic trim tool, release the retaining clips.
- Reposition the component to access the electrical connector.
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
- Instrument Panel Knee Bolster (1) - Remove
Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Bracket Bolt (1) - Remove [4x]
Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Bracket (1) - Remove
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Secure the steering wheel so it will not turn when the upper intermediate steering shaft and steering column are disconnected.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Bolt (1) @ Steering Column - Remove
Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (1) @ Steering Column - Separate
Remove the wiring harness clip from the steering column fastener stud. (1)
- Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Steering Column Nut (1) - Remove [4x]
Steering Column (1) - Remove
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.