Steering Column

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2011 Chrysler Town & Country. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Before proceeding. Refer to COLUMN, WARNING .

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Column Opening Cover

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Remove the instrument panel end cap and steering column opening cover (1). Refer to COVER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, REMOVAL or COVER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL .

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Cover Reinforcement And Mounting Screws
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Remove the steering column cover reinforcement mounting screws (3, 4). Remove the steering column cover reinforcement (2).
NOTE:
If equipped with a shaft lock module, the module cannot be removed from the steering column while the locking bolt is in the locked position without irreversibly damaging the column. Before attempting service, the ignition key must be inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. Once inserted, rotate the steering wheel from side to side. If the steering wheel can be rotated, the locking bolt is in the unlocked position. Leave the key in the ignition lock cylinder until shaft lock module removal has been completed.

Fig 3: Identifying Shaft Lock Module - 3.0L Diesel
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If equipped with a shaft lock module (2), perform the following steps.
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. This will move the shaft lock module locking bolt to the unlocked position. Leave the key in the lock cylinder while the shaft lock module is being removed.
2. Insert a suitable drift or pin punch (no more than 4 mm (5/32 in.) in diameter) into each release hole (1) on the module mounting bracket. Insert each drift or punch until it bottoms and leave in place. This will depress the two spring clips that secure the shaft lock module to the mounting bracket.
3. Slide (and wiggle) the module toward the base of the column far enough to disengage the module from the mounting bracket.
4. Remove the module from the steering column.
5. Leave the wiring connector in place, but support the module to keep it away from the column and avoid wiring harness overextension.
WARNING:
When an undeployed airbag module is to be removed from the vehicle, first disconnect the battery ground cable and isolate it. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for a minimum of two minutes before starting any removal.
Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.
Position the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position. This action will help keep the clock spring properly centered for reinstallation.

Fig 4: Identifying Driver Airbag Mounting
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Remove the driver airbag (1). Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, REMOVAL .

Fig 5: Identifying Steering Wheel Wiring Harness Connector
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Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.

Fig 6: Identifying Steering Wheel Mounting
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While holding the steering wheel (4) firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (3) from the steering column shaft.

Fig 7: Identifying Steering Wheel Puller
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CAUTION:
Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.
Install an appropriate wheel puller with hooked legs (1) on the steering wheel over the steering shaft. Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, REMOVAL .
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

Fig 8: Identifying Steering Wheel Puller
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While holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the wheel puller (1). Remove the steering wheel.

Fig 9: Identifying Tilt Lever, Screws, And Lower Shroud
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Push the tilt lever (3) downward to the released position.
Remove the two screws (1) attaching the upper shroud to the lower shroud. After removing the screws, un-clip the upper and lower shrouds from one another by applying hand pressure along the seams where the shrouds connect on the sides.
Remove the upper shroud.
Remove the remaining screw (2) attaching the lower shroud (4) to the column.
Remove the lower shroud.
Push the tilt lever (3) upward, locking the column in place.
Disconnect the wiring harness connectors at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM).

Fig 10: Identifying Wiring Harness Connector, Adjustable Pedals Switch, And Retaining Tab
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If equipped, disconnect the wiring harness connector (1) at the adjustable pedals switch (3).

Fig 11: Identifying Intermediate Shaft Coupling Bolt, Intermediate Shaft, And Shaft Extension
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Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (1).
Separate the intermediate shaft (2) at the base of the column from the shaft extension (3).

Fig 12: Identifying Wiring Harness Routing Clips
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Remove the wiring harness routing clips (1) from the bottom of the Steering Column.

Fig 13: Identifying Steering Column And Mounting Nuts
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NOTE:
If the same steering column is to be reinstalled, clamp the tilt lever to lock the column in place so that it can be easily reinstalled in the same orientation.
Remove the mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column (2) to the instrument panel.
Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
To remove remaining components from the column. Refer to COLUMN, DISASSEMBLY .