Caution: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Important: If the SIR system deploys, inspect the coil assembly wire for any signs of the following conditions:

•

Scorching

•

Melting

•	Other damage due to excessive heat

Replace the coil if the coil is damaged.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

2. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
3. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
4. Remove the knee bolster and IP steering column reinforcement plate. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.



5. Disconnect the ignition wiring connector (3).
6. Disconnect the theft deterrent wiring harness connector (8).
7. Disconnect the 48-way connector.



8. Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft (5).
9. Remove the 2 lower support bracket bolts (7).
10. Remove the lower support bracket (4) from the vehicle.
11. Remove the 2 upper column support bolts.
12. Remove the upper column support from the IP.
13. Remove the column (1) from the vehicle.

1. Install the steering column (1) into the vehicle.
2. Install the 2 bolts to the upper support bracket. Do not fully tighten the bolts at this time.
3. Install the bolts (7) and nuts to the lower support bracket (4). Do not fully tighten the bolts at this time.
4. Install the steering column intermediate shaft (5) to the steering rack.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

5. Install the pinch bolt to the intermediate shaft (5).

Tighten
Tighten the pinch bolt and nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

•	Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

•	Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

6. Align the column with the instrument panel opening.

Place a small shim (wedge) between the instrument panel column support bracket. This will hold the column stationary while you tighten the upper support bolts.

Tighten

•	Tighten the lower and upper column support bolts and nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

•	Tighten the lower bracket-to-column screws to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

7. Connect the 48-way connector.



8. Connect the theft deterrent wiring harness connector (8).
9. Connect the ignition wiring connector (3).
10. Install the IP steering column reinforcement plate and knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
11. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
12. Connect the negative battery cable.
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.