Steering Column: Service Precautions

CAUTION: The procedures listed must be followed in the order listed to temporarily disable the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System and prevent false diagnostic codes from setting. Failure to follow procedures could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury, or otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

CAUTION: Before removing or installing any electrical unit or when a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with "live" exposed electrical terminals, disconnect the negative battery cable to help prevent personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or components. Unless instructed otherwise, the ignition switch must be in the "off" or "lock" position.

NOTICE: Once steering column is removed from vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping steering column assembly on its end could collapse steering shaft or loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on steering column assembly could cause jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair steering column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of shaft be hammered on as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain steering column rigidity.

CAUTION: When performing service on or around SIR components or SIR wiring, follow the procedures listed below to temporarily disable the SIR system. Failure to follow procedures could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury, or otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

The DERM in 1993 and previous Driver-Only SIR systems can maintain sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned "OFF", the battery is disconnected or the fuse powering the DERM is removed.

The DERM in 1994 and later Driver-Only and the DERM in all Driver-Passenger SIR systems can maintain sufficient voltage to cause a deployment for up to 2 minutes after the ignition switch is turned "OFF", the battery is disconnected or the fuse powering the DERM is removed.
Many of the service procedures require removal of the AIR BAG fuse, and the disconnection of the inflator module from the deployment loop to avoid an accidental deployment. If the inflator module is disconnected from the deployment loop as noted in the "Disabling the SIR System" procedure that follows, service can begin immediately without waiting for the 10 minute or 2 minute time period to expire.