Important: Remove the steering column only if:

Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice in the Preface section.

Important: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Adjust the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.

Caution: The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
3. Remove the steering column covers and the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .
4. Remove the screws and the lower instrument trim panel.
5. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
6. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
7. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .




Important: Do not drop the key interlock solenoid spring.

8. Remove the key interlock solenoid screws and the key interlock solenoid.



9. Remove the key reminder switch screws and the key reminder switch.



10. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.



11. Remove the pinch bolt from the upper steering shaft coupling flange.



12. Remove the nuts holding the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket.



13. Remove the bolts holding the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

14. Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.

Important: For proper installation of the steering column, ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Place the alignment bushing onto the end of the steering column shaft.




Important: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

2. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the coupling flange.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Install the pinch bolt into the non-threaded hole of the flange.

Tighten
Tighten the pinch bolt to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

4. Slide the alignment bushing into the steering column housing.



5. Install the nuts for the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).




6. Install the bolts for the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).




7. Connect the ignition switch electrical connector.



8. Install the key reminder switch and the key reminder switch screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).




9. Install the key interlock solenoid and the key interlock solenoid screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

10. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
11. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
12. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
13. Install the lower instrument trim panel and the screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 3 N·m (27 lb in).

14. Install the steering column covers and the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .
15. Verify the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position. Refer to Straight Ahead Inspection .
16. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .