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Steering Column - Removal and Installation

CAUTION: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED WHEN HANDLING A DEPLOYED INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG). AFTER DEPLOYMENT, THE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) SURFACE MAY CONTAIN A SMALL AMOUNT OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE, A BY-PRODUCT OF THE DEPLOYMENT REACTION, THAT IS IRRITATING TO THE SKIN AND EYES. MOST OF THE POWDER ON THE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) IS HARMLESS. AS A PRECAUTION, WEAR GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN HANDLING A DEPLOYED INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG), AND WASH YOUR HANDS WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER AFTERWARDS.

CAUTION: WHEN CARRYING A LIVE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG), MAKE SURE THE BAG AND TRIM COVER ARE POINTED AWAY FROM YOU. NEVER CARRY INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) BY THE WIRES OR CONNECTOR ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE MODULE. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT, THE BAG WILL DEPLOY WITH MINIMAL CHANCE OF INJURY. WHEN PLACING A LIVE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) ON A BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, ALWAYS FACE BAG AND TRIM COVER UP, AWAY FROM THE SURFACE.

CAUTION: NEVER REST A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) FACE DOWN AND COLUMN VERTICAL. THIS IS NECESSARY SO THAT A FREE SPACE IS PROVIDED TO ALLOW THE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) TO EXPAND IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT. OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.

IMPORTANT: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect coil assembly wire and driver inflator module for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil or inflator module has been damaged, replace it.





REMOVAL

NOTICE: Cover driver seat to protect seat trim.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING THE SIR SYSTEM. Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming
2. Remove SIR coil assembly. Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable
IMPORTANT: Protect front of console from being damaged by steering column filler panel.





3. Remove screws and loosen screws holding data link connector near the bottom of steering column filler panel assembly. Pull steering column filler panel assembly forward and set down.





4. Disconnect cable from filler panel. Pull hood release handle forward. Feed cable under hood release handle and slide pin out. Remove steering column filler panel.





5. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device and disconnect connectors from lever control switch.
6. With SIR system disabled, remove lever control switch.
7. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector at right steering column upper support bracket.
8. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, disconnect park lock cable from ignition module.
9. Remove bolt from [1][2]intermediate shaft and disconnect shaft from column.





10. Remove steering column lower support bracket nuts and bolts.
11. Remove steering column upper support bracket bolts and lower column.
12. Disconnect harness clamps from steering column.
13. Remove steering column from vehicle.
14. Position steering column in a vise at the upper bracket. Using a center punch, mark the center of the shear bolts on ignition module assembly.





15. Drill a small hole (1/8 inch drill bit) in the shear bolts at the center mark. Remove the shear bolts with a screw extractor, and remove the ignition module assembly from the column.

INSTALLATION
1. Use new shear bolts to install ignition module assembly on steering column. Torque shear bolts until heads break off.
2. Install steering column upper and lower bolts, but do not tighten.
3. Connect [1][2]intermediate shaft, install bolt.

Torque: 47 Nm (34 lb ft)

4. Torque lower steering column support bracket bolts and nuts.

Torque: 25 Nm (19 lb ft)

5. Torque upper steering column support bracket bolts.

Torque: 35 Nm (26 lb ft)

6. Install harness clamps on steering column.
7. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, connect park lock cable to ignition module.
8. Install lever control switch by fitting into bottom locating holes on ignition module.
9. Connect connectors to lever control switch. Install CPA devices.
10. Connect ignition switch electrical connector at right steering column support bracket bolt.
11. Pull hood release handle forward. Feed cable under hood release handle and slide pin in. Connect cable to filler panel.
12. Install steering column filler panel and Data Link Connector (DLC).
13. Install and torque screws.

Torque: 3 Nm (26 lb in)

14. Install SIR coil assembly. Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable
15. Enable SIR system. Refer to ENABLING THE SIR SYSTEM. Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming
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