Removal Procedure
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:
- Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
- Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
- Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
- Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
- Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
- Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
- Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
- Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.
During removal and installation, all EPS components including mechanical and/or electrical is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping or prying on any EPS component may cause internal damage. If damage occurs or a part is dropped, the EPS component must be replaced.
Care must be taken during removal and installation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) components to not hit or break the EPS motor/controller module or module harness connectors. If the EPS motor/ controller module or module connectors are damaged, the complete component must be replaced.
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Remove the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement .
- Remove the steering column lower trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement .
- If equipped, remove the steering column lock module. Refer to Column Lock Module Replacement .
- Remove the I/P knee bolster. Refer to Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Replacement .
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
- Remove the steering wheel airbag coil. Refer to Steering Wheel Airbag Coil Replacement .
- Remove the turn signal switch bracket. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement .
- Remove the ignition and start switch housing assembly. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Housing Replacement .
- Disconnect the electric connectors from the steering column.
Remove the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1).
Remove the steering column upper support bracket nuts (1).
- Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.
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 become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.