Steering Column

Steering Column


















Notice: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in the "LOCK" position when removing or installing the steering column. Failure to do so may cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR system repairs.

Important
- In the even deployment has occurred, inspect the coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil has been damaged, replace it.

Notice: The steering column should never be supported by only the lower or upper support bracket alone - damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.

Remove or Disconnect

1. Disable the SIR system. Service and Repair
2. Air cleaner and duct assembly, if necessary to access battery cable.
3. Negative battery cable.
4. SIR inflator module. Air Bag
5. Steering wheel, if required. Steering Wheel
6. Left-hand instrument panel sound insulator.
7. Trim panel below steering column.
8. Push top of intermediate shaft seal down for access to upper intermediate shaft coupling and upper coupling pinch bolt.
9. Upper coupling pinch bolt.
10. Shift indicator cable end and casing from shaft cam and PRNDL adjuster or park lock cable if equipped with floor shift.
11. Transaxle shift cable from ball stud on steering column. Then remove transaxle shift cable casing from steering column bracket by depressing two tabs.
12. Lower steering column bolts.
13. Upper steering column bolts. Lower column to the seat.
- With column in this position, some unit repair operations may be performed.
14. Electrical connector. Loosen screw and separate the two halves.
15. PASS-Key II wiring connection.
16. Withdraw lower end of steering column shaft from upper intermediate shaft coupling. Remove column.
- It may be necessary to spread coupling clamp with a screwdriver to withdraw steering shaft.

Important
- Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the energy absorbing feature becomes vulnerable. Special care must be taken when handling the steering column. Dropping the column or hammering on the shaft would collapse the shaft or shear the plastic injections. The would impair the column's collapsible design.

Install or Connect

1. Column back into vehicle and insert lower end of column shaft into upper intermediate shaft coupling.
2. Column electrical connector. Tighten screw that draws the two halves together.
3. PASS-Key II wiring connection.
4. Transaxle shift cable and transaxle shift cable casing to shift cam ball stud and column bracket or park lock cable if equipped with floor shift.
5. Transaxle shift indicator cable end and casing to shift cam and PRNDL adjuster.
6. Loosely install upper and lower steering column bolts.

Tighten
- Bolts to 24 Nm (18 lb. ft.).

Caution: When installing the steering column to 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.

7. Upper coupling pinch bolt into upper intermediate shaft coupling.

Tighten
- Pinch bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb. ft.).

8. Pull up intermediate shaft seal over lower column until it locks in place.

Adjust
- Shaft indicator.

9. Trim panel below steering column.
10. Left-hand instrument panel sound insulator.
11. Steering wheel if removed.
12. SIR inflator module.
13. Negative battery cable.

Tighten
- Bolt to 15 Nm (11 lb. ft.).

14. Air cleaner and duct assembly, if removed.
- Bolt to 5 Nm (44 lb. in.).
15. Enable the SIR system. Service and Repair