Steering Column - Removal and Installation

WARNING: Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Service Precautions/Technician Safety Information/Supplemental Inflatable Restraints (SIR).

1. Remove steering wheel. Refer to, Steering Wheel/Service and Repair., then remove Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil assembly as described under Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags/Clockspring Assembly/Service and Repair. Steering Wheel Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable
2. Remove steering column lower filler panel screws and loosen Data Link Connector (DLC) screws, then pull filler panel outward and down.
3. Disconnect hood release cable from handle as follows:
a. Release cable housing retainer.
b. Pull cable and housing downward until cable can pass through cutout in handle, then slide cable out of handle.
4. Remove steering column lower filler panel, then remove multi-function switch.
5. Remove intermediate shaft bolt and disconnect shaft from column, then remove column assembly from vehicle.
6. If a new column is to be installed, ignition module must be removed as follows:
a. Place steering column in a suitable soft-jawed vise; then, using a center punch, mark center of ignition module shear bolts.
b. Drill a 1/8 inch hole in bolts at each center mark, then remove bolts and separate ignition module from column.
7. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. When installing ignition module, use new shear bolts and tighten until bolt heads break off.
b. Torque intermediate shaft bolt to 30 lb ft