Service Precautions

Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, Refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION article and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bearing.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts to disassemble the tilting mechanism.

Fig 1: LOCATING STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Remove the steering column opening cover (2).

Fig 2: REMOVING/INSTALLING STEERING COLUMN OPENING REINFORCEMENT
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the steering column opening reinforcement (1).
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.
Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
Disable the airbag. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL) .
Remove the lower and upper shrouds (1 and 2).

Fig 3: REMOVING LOWER AND UPPER SHROUDS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 4: REMOVING KEY CYLINDER
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove key cylinder.

Fig 5: LOCATING TILT LEVER BRACKET
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever bracket (2).
Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws.

Fig 6: LOCATING IGNITION SWITCH
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of ignition switch (1).
Remove ignition switch mounting screws (2).
Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab and remove switch from steering column.