Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

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.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

•	Air bag deployment

•	Personal injury

•	Unnecessary SIR system repairs

In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:

•	Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.

•	If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
2. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using J 42640 .
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
4. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.



5. Disconnect the steering column electrical connector.
6. Disconnect the body wiring harness connector from the steering column lower bracket.



7. Remove the LH HVAC floor duct (1) retaining screw (2).
8. Disconnect the LH HVAC floor duct temperature sensor and remove the LH HVAC floor duct.



9. Remove the intermediate shaft bolt from the steering column.



10. Remove the steering column mounting nuts.
11. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle and connect it to the intermediate shaft.

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.

2. Install the steering column mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column mounting nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).




3. Install the intermediate shaft bolt to the steering column.

Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).




4. Connect the LH HVAC floor duct temperature sensor and install the LH HVAC floor duct (1).
5. Install the LH HVAC floor duct mounting screw (2).

Tighten
Tighten the LH HVAC floor duct mounting screw (2) to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).




6. Connect the body wiring harness connector to the steering column lower bracket.
7. Connect the steering column electrical connector to the vehicle wiring harness.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column electrical connector center screw to 6 N·m (4 lb ft).




8. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
9. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
10. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the steering column lower trim cover access hole.
11. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.