Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
- Remove the left instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement .
- Remove the driver knee bolster panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement .
- Turn the steering wheel as needed to gain access to the intermediate steering shaft nut and bolt.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft nut (1) and bolt (2).
- Turn the steering wheel back until the vehicle wheels are in the straight ahead position. Lock the steering column.
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Insert J 42640 steering column lock pin (1) into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft assembly (1) from the steering column.
- If equipped, remove the steering column telescope actuator motor assembly. Refer to Telescope Motor Assembly Replacement .
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the instrument panel (I/P) wiring harness.
- Remove the upper steering column bracket bolts (1) from the upper reinforcement assembly.
- Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.
If the steering column connectors are disconnected with the ignition in the ON position, the BCM will enter a fail enable mode and prevent steering column lock operation. The PCM will also inhibit vehicle motion by disabling fuel. To clear the BCM fail enable mode, disconnect the BCM fuse #25 for 15 seconds.
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:
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 became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
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 in this section.