Tools Required

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.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

2. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.




3. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the orientation.

Notice: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in a 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.

4. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
5. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
6. Remove the linear shift cable by pushing in on the retaining tab and pulling downward on the cable.
7. Remove the upper pinch bolt for the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .



8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the steering column.
9. Remove the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
10. Remove the upper mounting bolts (1) from the steering column (3).
11. Loosen the lower mounting bolts (4) from the steering column (3).

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.

12. Remove the steering column (3) from the vehicle.
13. Install the steering column onto J 41352 .

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.

1. Remove the steering column from J 41352 .



2. Install the steering column (3) to the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Tighten the lower mounting bolts (4) to the steering column (3).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

4. Install the upper mounting bolts (1) to the steering column (3).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

5. Install the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
6. Connect the electrical connectors to the steering column (3).
7. Install the upper pinch bolt for the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
8. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
9. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
10. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
11. Connect the negative battery cable.