Steering Column

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

NOTICE: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections that 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. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering Wheel Service and Repair. Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered on, as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

NOTICE: Do not support the steering column by only the lower or upper support bracket. Damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.

IMPORTANT: In the event of a deployment, inspect the coil wire for any of the following signs of damage due to excessive heat:
- Scorching
- Melting
- Other damage Replace the coil, if necessary.





1. Disable the SIR system.

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
4. Remove the steering wheel.
5. Remove the left-hand instrument panel insulator.
6. Remove the trim panel below the steering column.
7. Remove the steering column knee bolster.
8. Remove the following components:
8.1. The shift indicator cable.
8.2. The casing from the shift cam.
8.3. The automatic control indicator adjuster or the park lock cable.

9. Disconnect the Automatic Transmission range selector cable from the ball stud on the steering column.
10. Remove the transaxle shift cable casing from the steering column bracket by depressing the two tabs.
11. Remove the lower steering column mounting bolts.
12. Remove the upper steering column mounting bolts.
13. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
14. Loosen the steering column electrical connector bolt.
15. Separate the two steering column electrical connector halves.

NOTICE: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

16. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.

IMPORTANT: It may be necessary to spread the coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool in order to withdraw the steering shaft.

17. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

NOTICE: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections that 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. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering Wheel in Service and Repair. Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered on, as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Position the steering column in the vehicle.
2. Insert the lower end of the steering column shaft into the steering column intermediate steering shaft coupling.
3. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
4. Tighten the electrical connector bolt in order to draw the two halves together.
5. Install the shift indicator cable.
6. Install the transaxle casing to the shift cam ball stud.
7. Install the column bracket or the park lock cable.
8. Install the Automatic Transmission range selector cable end to the shift cam.
9. Install the automatic transmission control indicator adjuster.

CAUTION: When installing the steering column to the intermediate shaft, make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage.

10. Loosely install the upper and lower steering column bolts.

CAUTION: in to help avoid injury to the driver in a crash, ALWAYS tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column and the column may not work well in a crash.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

11. Tighten the steering column bolts in the following sequence:
11.1. Right side lower bolt
11.2. Left side lower bolt
11.3. Left side upper bolt
11.4. Right side upper bolt
- Tighten the steering column bolts in sequence to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

12. Adjust the automatic transmission shift indicator.
13. Pull the intermediate shaft seal up over the lower column in order to lock the seal into place.
14. Install the steering column knee bolster.
15. Install the trim panel below the steering column.
16. Install the left-hand instrument panel insulator.
17. Install the steering wheel.
18. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
19. Connect the negative battery cable.
20. Enable the SIR system.
21. Inspect all of the steering column components for correct operation.