Steering Column - Removal and Installation

Removal

Disarm airbag before servicing steering column. Refer to MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG DEACTIVATION for disarming procedures.
Before removing the SIR steering column, the wheels of the car must be straight and the column in the Lock position. Care must be taken when handling column with a live inflator module. Never point bag deploy surface toward you, and never stand column on steering wheel. Accidental deployment in these positions may cause injury. Always face bag deploy surface toward open space to allow for unrestricted expansion.
1. Remove the inflator module as follows:
a. With the ignition switch in the Off position, disconnect battery ground cable..
b. Remove left side sound insulator.
c. Remove the Torx screws from the back of the steering wheel, then remove the inflator module from steering wheel.
d. Remove the horn contact by pushing lightly and twisting counterclockwise.
e. Disconnect the coil assembly connector from inflator module.
2. Remove steering wheel retaining nut and wheel from column using No. J 1859-03 or equivalent steering wheel puller.
3. Remove lower switch panel and dash lighter panel.
4. Disconnect hood release cable and remove lap air deflector.
5. Remove left lower dash trim panel and upper column mounting bolts, then allow column to drop down.
6. Remove the two piece column cover and disconnect necessary electrical connectors.
7. Disconnect backdrive cable from ignition switch, then remove pinch bolt from column knuckle.
8. Remove the two nuts from the lower column mount, then the column from vehicle.

Installation

1. Install column assembly into vehicle and secure with retaining nuts on lower column mount. Torque retaining nuts to 18 lb ft
2. Connect intermediate shaft to column and install pinch bolt. Torque pinch bolt to 30 lb ft
3. Connect backdrive cable to ignition switch and necessary electrical connectors.
4. Install two piece column cover and upper column bolts. Torque bolts to 18 lb ft
5. Install lower dash trim panel and lap air deflector.
6. Connect hood release cable, install lighter panel and lower switch panel.
7. Install steering wheel and retaining nut onto column and torque retaining nut to 25 lb ft
8. Install steering wheel inflator module as follows:
a. With ignition off, install horn contact, then connect coil assembly connector to inflator module.
b. Push coil assembly lead wires into channel in lower right portion of steering wheel, then install inflator module in steering wheel.
c. Torque screws holding inflator module to steering wheel to 25 lb in
d. Install left side sound insulator.
e. Connect battery ground cable.
f. When all service procedures have been completed, rearm airbag as outlined in MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ACTIVATION.