Steering Wheel And Column Removal/Installation: Notes

WARNING:

Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)
If the steering mechanism is turned from lock to lock continuously or the steering rack terminal limit is reached repeatedly, such high-load steering action increases the temperature of the steering column (to approx. 85 °C {185°F}), causing severe burns. Be careful when handling the steering column.
If the steering column is dropped, the EPS CM could be damaged internally causing the steering mechanism to become inoperative, which could result in an unexpected accident. Always replace the steering column if it has been subjected to an impact.

CAUTION:

The EPS CM will not operate normally if the EPS configuration is not performed. If the steering column is replaced, always perform the EPS CM auto configuration so that the EPS operates normally.
If the steering column is dropped it could result in internal damage to the EPS CM, therefore be careful not to drop it. If the steering column receives an impact, replace the steering column.
If the steering column is stored in a humid place, the EPS system may not operate properly when installed to the vehicle. Store the steering column in a suitable place.
Be careful when handling the steering column because it weighs approximately 10 kg {22 lb} and it could fall off and be damaged while servicing.
If the intermediate shaft is connected to the steering gear (pinion) before installing the steering column to the dashboard member, the weight of the steering column could cause damage to the intermediate shaft slider/bush/yoke. Always follow the procedure in the Workshop Manual.
The universal joint could be damaged if subjected to an impact when the intermediate shaft (pinion) is disconnected. Perform the servicing carefully avoiding impact when disconnecting the intermediate shaft from the steering gear (pinion).
Do not release the lock of the adjusting lever when handling the steering column unless it is securely installed to the dashboard member. If the adjusting lever is unlocked with the steering column not securely installed, the steering column and other parts could be damaged.
A new steering column is shipped in a pre-set condition. Maintain this condition until the steering column is completely installed to the dashboard member so as to avoid damage during transportation and installation.
When removing/installing the steering column, keep the wiring harness away from the steering column installation area so as to prevent the steering column from being caught in the wiring harness and damaged.

NOTE:

The EPS CM prior to replacement stores the vehicle specification information.
A new EPS CM does not store any vehicle specification information.
When the ignition is switched ON (engine off or on) after the EPS CM is replaced, the EPS CM reads the vehicle specification information sent via CAN communication from the instrument cluster and stores it.
If the vehicle is driven in a straight line at a vehicle speed of approx. 10 km/h {6.2 mph} or more, the EPS CM detects the steering angle neutral position automatically. Until the self-learning of the steering angle neutral position is finished, the EPS CM performs assist control based on the steering angle recognized when the ignition is switched ON (engine off or on).
When installing a replacement part, be careful not to rotate the steering shaft until the installation has been completed.
In order to completely interrupt the EPS system power supply, do not disconnect the battery for 60 s or more after the ignition switch is turned off.
Do not replace the steering column (EPS system) with that of another vehicle even if they are the same model.
Before connecting the EPS CM connector, remove the fuse or disconnect the battery to interrupt the power supply completely.

Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)
Straighten the steering wheel.
Remove the lockbolt.

Fig 1: Steering Wheel Lockbolt Location
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the steering switch connector.

Fig 2: Locating Steering Switch Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the steering warmer control unit connector. (With steering warmer system)
Remove the steering wheel.
CAUTION:
- Do not try to remove the steering wheel by hitting the shaft with a hammer. The steering column will be damaged.
Remove the following parts:
1. Upper panel (See UPPER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Rear console (See REAR CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Console side panel (See CONSOLE SIDE PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Selector lever knob (ATX) (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT MECHANISM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Shift lever knob (MTX) (See MANUAL TRANSAXLE SHIFT MECHANISM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [C66M-R] .)
6. Shift panel (See SHIFT PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
7. Front console box (See FRONT CONSOLE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
8. CD player (See CD PLAYER REMOVAL .) (See CD PLAYER INSTALLATION .)
9. Side wall (See SIDE WALL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
10. Front console (See FRONT CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
11. Driver-side front scuff plate (See FRONT SCUFF PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
12. Driver-side front side trim (See FRONT SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
13. Hood release lever (See HOOD LATCH AND RELEASE LEVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
14. Fuel-filler lid opener lever (See FUEL-FILLER LID OPENER AND LEVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
15. Driver-side lower panel (See LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
16. Driver-side front heat duct (See FRONT HEAT DUCT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
17. AudioPilot ® microphone (With Bose ®) (See AudioPilot® MICROPHONE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Detach the wiring harness clips shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Locating Wiring Harness Clips
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Detach the wiring harness clip and connectors shown in the figure.

Fig 4: Locating EPS Control Module Connectors
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the following parts:
1. Column cover (See COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Clock spring (See CLOCK SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [TWO-STEP DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .) (See CLOCK SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [STANDARD DEPLOYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM] .)
3. Light switch (See LIGHT SWITCH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Wiper and washer switch (See WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Start stop unit (See START STOP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove in the order indicated in the table.
Install in the reverse order of removal.
If the steering column is replaced, perform the auto configuration using the following procedure.
1. Switch the ignition ON (engine off or on) and wait for 1 min or more.
2. Switch the ignition off and wait for 3 s or more.
3. Switch the ignition ON (engine off or on) and complete the EPS CM auto configuration.
4. Clear the DTC. (See ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) ON-BOARD DIAGNOSIS [ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS)] .)
5. Switch the ignition off and wait for 3 s or more.
6. Switch the ignition ON (engine off or on) and wait for 1 min or more.
7. Using the M-MDS, verify that DTCs U2300:54/U2300:55/U2300:56 are not displayed.
  - If DTCs U2300:54/U2300:55/U2300:56 are displayed, go to the DTC troubleshooting procedure. (See DTC U2300:54/U2300:55/U2300:56 [ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS)] .)