Steering System: Column: Removal
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.
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, UPPER, REMOVAL and SHROUD, STEERING COLUMN, LOWER, REMOVAL .
- Remove the driver air bag (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.
- Remove the Knee Air Bag (KAB) bracket. Refer to AIR BAG, KNEE BLOCKER, REMOVAL
.
- Remove the Sentry key antenna (2) from the lock cylinder housing, by disengaging the three tabs and position aside.
- Disconnect the three wiring harness connectors (1).
- Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (1) at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM).
- Remove the wire harness tie (1) from the lower shroud mount (2).
- 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.
- 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.
- Access and remove the two rear steering column pivot bolts (1).
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
- 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.