Steering System: Column: 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 and isolate the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), disconnect the IBS connector first before disconnecting the negative battery cable.
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, REMOVAL .
Position the column tilt at the full-downward position.
Remove the upper shroud from the steering column. Refer to SHROUD, STEERING COLUMN, UPPER, REMOVAL .
Remove the lower shroud from the steering column. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). Refer to MODULE, STEERING COLUMN CONTROL (SCCM), REMOVAL .
Remove the steering column opening cover. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL .
Remove knee blocker air bag, if equipped. Refer to AIR BAG, KNEE BLOCKER, REMOVAL .

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Remove the gap hider screws (1), (2).

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Remove intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) and separate the intermediate shaft (1) from the steering gear pinion shaft (2). DISCARD the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3), it is not to be reused.

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Disengage the wire harness routing clip (1).

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Remove the two mounting bolts (1) and two nuts (2) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel.
Lower the steering column and disconnect the Electric Steering Lock (ESL) module wire harness connector (if equipped).
Remove the steering column with the gap hider.
Remove the Electric Steering Lock (ESL) module. Refer to MODULE, ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL), REMOVAL .
Remove the gap hider from the steering column.