Removal Procedure

If equipped, deactivate the steering column lock control module using the following procedure:
1. With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the ACCESSORY mode and unlock the steering column for 5 minutes.
2. Turn the steering wheel to verify the steering column is NOT locked.
3. Remove the fuse for the steering column lock control module. The fuse is found in the instrument panel fuse block and is labeled ESCL. Refer to Electrical Center Identification Views and/or Electrical Center Identification Views
4. With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the OFF mode and leave the steering column unlocked as long as the electrical connectors are disconnected.
Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling
WARNING: Refer to SIR Warning .

WARNING: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Warning .
Steering Column Lower Trim Cover (1)» Remove - Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement

Fig 1: Steering Column Lower Trim Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Instrument Panel Knee Bolster (1)» Remove - Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Replacement

Fig 2: Instrument Panel Knee Bolster
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
{If equipped} Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Bracket (1)» Remove - Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Bracket Replacement

Fig 3: Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side (1)» Remove - Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side

Fig 4: Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Steering Wheel (2)» Remove - Steering Wheel Replacement

Fig 5: Steering Wheel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
CAUTION:
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:
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
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 become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Bolt (1)» Remove

Fig 6: Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (2) @ Steering Column» Separate
Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as necessary.
Steering Column Nut (1)» Remove [4x]

Fig 7: Steering Column Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the steering column (1) from the vehicle.

Fig 8: Steering Column
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure.
If replacing the steering column, transfer components as necessary.
If replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the OLD steering column to the NEW steering column.