Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Safety precautions must be followed when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag). After deployment, the inflator module (air bag) surface may contain a small amount of sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the deployment reaction, that is irritating to the skin and eyes. Most of the powder on the inflator module (air bag) is harmless. as a precaution, wear gloves and safety glasses when handling a deployed inflator module (air bag), and wash your hands with mild soap and water afterwards.

CAUTION: When you are carrying an undeployed inflator module:

Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector on the inflator module
Make sure the bag opening points away from you

When you are storing an undeployed inflator module, make sure the bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. When you are storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury may result.

CAUTION: Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module (air bag) face down and column vertical. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the inflator module (air bag) to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury could result.

NOTE: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect coil assembly wire and driver inflator module for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil or inflator module has been damaged, replace it.

Fig 1: View Of Steering Column Components And Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Cover driver seat to protect seat trim.

Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM in SIR.
Remove SIR coil assembly. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering .

Fig 2: Steering Column Opening Filler
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Protect front of console from being damaged by steering column filler panel.
Pull steering column filler panel assembly forward and set down.

Fig 3: Hood Release Cable At Lever
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect cable from filler panel. Pull hood release handle forward. Feed cable under hood release handle and slide pin out. Remove steering column filler panel.

Fig 4: Exploded View Of Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Device And Connectors
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device and disconnect connectors from lever control switch.
With SIR system disabled, remove lever control switch.
Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector at right steering column upper support bracket.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions, disconnect park lock cable from ignition module.
Disconnect pass lock sensor connector from ignition module.

Fig 5: View Of Chiseling Into Shear Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove ignition module shear bolts.
1. Use a hammer and chisel to bite into shear bolt head at a position offset from it's center.
2. Tap the chisel to rotate bolt and loosen it.
3. Repeat until bolt is loose enough to remove.
Remove ignition module assembly from steering column.

Fig 6: View Of Ignition Module Assembly And Steering Column
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove bolt from intermediate shaft and disconnect shaft from column.

Fig 7: Identifying Intermediate Shaft And Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove steering column lower support bracket nuts and bolts.
Remove steering column upper support bracket bolts and lower column.
Disconnect harness clamps from steering column.
Remove steering column from vehicle.