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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Prizm Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Wheel And Steering Column >> Repair Instructions >> Steering Column Replacement >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

CAUTION: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:
  • Air bag deployment
  • Personal injury
  • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
  • Refer to COMPONENT LOCATIONS in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
  • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
NOTE: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.
NOTE: 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 .
  1. Disable SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

    Important:  In the event deployment has occurred, inspect the turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch with levers and inflatable restraint coil assembly for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the turn signal and headlamp dimmer switch, the windshield wiper and windshield washer switch, or the steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil is damaged, replace the damaged component. If more than one component is damaged, or the base of the assembly is damaged, replace the complete assembly.

    Important:  If you are servicing the steering column or any column- mounted component, remove the steering wheel. If you are removing the steering column simply to gain access to the instrument panel components, leave the steering wheel installed on the column.

  2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  3. Remove the knee bolster trim panel and the knee bolster. Refer to KNEE BOLSTER REPLACEMENT .
  4. Remove the 3 screws and the steering column lower trim cover (6).
    5. Fig 1: Removing 3 Screws And Steering Column Lower Trim Cover
    G01710767Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Remove the 1 screw and the steering column upper trim cover (7).
  6. Disconnect the following components:
    • The turn signal and headlamp dimmer switch connector
    • The windshield wiper washer switch connector
    • The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil connector C1 (BLK)
    • The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil connector C3 (YEL)
  7. Remove the following components:
    • The 3 turn signal base screws
    • The turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch with levers and inflatable restraint coil assembly (5)
  8. Remove the following components:
    • The left ventilation duct (3)
    • The clip
    Fig 2: Removing Left Ventilation Duct
    G01710768Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the following components:
    • The steering column upper dash cover (5)
    • The 5 bolts
  10. Cut the cowl foam 7.6 mm (3 in) at the base of the column in order to access the steering shaft coupling.
  11. Place a match mark on the steering shaft coupling and the steering gear pinion shaft.
  12. Loosen the upper steering shaft coupling bolt (1).
    13. Fig 3: Loosening Upper Steering Shaft Coupling Bolt
    G01710769Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the lower steering shaft coupling bolt (2).

    Important:  The ignition key alarm switch and the ignition lock cylinder solenoid utilize the same connector. If necessary, you may remove the solenoid wires from the connector.

  14. Disconnect the following components:
    • The ignition switch connector
    • The ignition key alarm switch and ignition solenoid connector
    • The 2 wire harness retainers
  15. Remove the following from the column assembly:
    • The 2 steering column lower support bolts (2)
    • The 2 steering column lower support nuts (3)
    16. Fig 4: Removing Column Assembly Components
    G01710770Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  16. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
  17. Mark the center of the 2 tapered head bolts (3, 4) with a centering punch.
    Fig 5: Marking Center Of 2 Tapered Head Bolts
    G01710771Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  18. Drill into the 2 bolts (1) with a 4 mm (0.16 in) drill bit.
    Fig 6: Drilling Into 2 Bolts
    G01710772Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Remove the 2 bolts with a screw extractor (2).
    20. Fig 7: Removing 2 Bolts With Screw Extractor
    G01710773Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  20. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case clamp from the column.
  21. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder (8).
    22. Fig 8: Inserting Ignition Key
    G01710774Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  22. Turn the key to the ACC position.
  23. Use a screwdriver in order to push in the stop pin on the underside of the lock cylinder case (7).
  24. Remove the ignition lock cylinder from the ignition lock cylinder case.
  25. Remove the following components:
    • The ignition lock cylinder case
    • The 2 screws and the ignition switch (6)
    • The 2 screws and the ignition lock cylinder solenoid (1)
    • The ignition key alarm switch (9)
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