Steering Column Trim/Bracket Replacement

STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER

REMOVAL

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discarge before performing further diagnosis or service. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Fig. 20 Steering Column Opening Cover:

2. Reach under the left end of the instrument panel to access and unsnap the rod end clip on the park brake release link and disengage the link from the back of the handle (Fig. 20).
3. Remove the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel structural support.

Fig. 21 Steering Column Opening Cover Remove/Install:

4. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper edge of the steering column opening cover just below the cluster bezel on each side of the steering column away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage each of the snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the instrument panel base trim (Fig. 21).
5. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discarge before performing further diagnosis or service. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

1. Position the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel (Fig. 21).
2. Align the snap clip retainers on the steering column opening cover with the receptacles in the instrument panel base trim.
3. Using hand pressure, press firmly on the steering column opening cover over the snap clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully engaged in its receptacle.
4. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the instrument structural support (Fig. 20). Tighten the screws to 2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
5. Reach under the left end of the instrument panel to access and engage the park brake release link to the back of the handle. Then snap the rod end clip over the park brake release link to secure the connection.
6. Reconnect the battery negative cable.