Removal Procedure
- Fully extend the steering column to allow clearance to remove the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt.
- { If equipped } Deactivate the steering column lock control module using the following procedure:
- With foot OFF the brake pedal and the vehicle in the PARK position, press and release the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the ACCESSORY mode and unlock the steering column for 5 minutes.
- Turn the steering wheel to verify the steering column is NOT locked.
- Remove the fuse for the steering column lock control module. The fuse is found in the instrument panel fuse block and is labeled ESCL. Electrical Center Identification Views
- Disable the SIR system. SIR Disabling and Enabling
Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator - Left Side (2) - Remove - Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator Replacement - Left Side
Instrument Panel Knee Bolster (1) - Remove - Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Replacement
- CAUTION:
The anti-rotation pin must be installed AFTER removing the steering wheel bolt. Removal torque of the steering wheel bolt may exceed the threshold of the steering column rivets and damage the steering column rivets, which will disable the telescoping mechanism. If the steering column rivets are damaged, a new steering column must be installed.
Steering Wheel Bolt (1) - Remove - Steering Wheel Replacement
- Steering Wheel (2) - Remove - Steering Wheel Replacement
Steering Column Lower Trim Cover - Remove - Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft (s)
- The steering gear
- Install an appropriate device to prevent the steering column from rotating.
- Mark the relationship between the steering column and the upper intermediate steering shaft using a grease pencil.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Bolt (1) - Remove - Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
- Intermediate Steering Shaft (2) @ Steering Column - Remove - Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
- Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as necessary.
- CAUTION:
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.
NOTE:Support the steering column while removing the steering column bolts.
Steering Column Bolt (1) - Remove [4x]
Steering Column (1) - Remove
- Transfer components as necessary.
- If replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the OLD steering column to the NEW steering column.
Refer to SIR Warning .
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.