Steering Column Assembly Removal And Installation: Removal

WARNING: Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with air bag (inflator) module face down and column vertical. Otherwise personal injury may result.

CAUTION: Never turn steering wheel while steering column with steering wheel is removed. Turning steering wheel more than about two and a half turns will break contact coil cable assembly.

Disconnect negative (-) cable at battery.
Disable air bag system. Refer to DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM (ADVANCED AIR BAG) or DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM (EXCEPT ADVANCED AIR BAG) .
Remove steering wheel and contact coil cable assembly. Refer to STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION and CONTACT COIL CABLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove instrument panel under cover (1) from instrument panel.

Fig 1: Identifying Instrument Panel Under Cover
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove immobilizer control module (ICM) referring to IMMOBILIZER CONTROL MODULE (ICM) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove lighting switch. Refer to LIGHTING SYSTEMS .
Remove washer switch referring to WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Disconnect connector from steering lock assembly.
For A/T vehicle, disconnect shift (key) interlock cable (1) from ignition switch with ignition switch turned at ACC position.
After disconnecting, turn ignition switch to LOCK position.

Fig 2: Identifying Shift (Key) Interlock Cable
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering upper shaft upper joint bolt (1) and nut (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Upper Shaft Upper Joint Bolt & Nut
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove column support bracket. (if equipped)
Remove steering column assembly (1) mounting bolts (2) and nuts (3).
NOTE: Do not move tilt lever before till mounting bolts and nuts are tightened completely.

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Assembly Mounting Bolts & Nuts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column assembly from vehicle.