Removal Procedure
- If equipped, deactivate the steering column lock control module using the following procedure:
- With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position, press and release the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the ACCESSORY mode and unlock the steering column for 5 minutes.
- Turn the steering wheel to verify the steering column is NOT locked.
- Remove the fuse for the steering column lock control module. The fuse is found in the instrument panel fuse block and is labeled ESCL. Electrical Center Identification Views
- Disable the SIR system. SIR Disabling and Enabling
Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Nut (1) - Remove [2x]
- Instrument Panel Lower Airbag - Driver Side (2) - Remove
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
With a flat bladed plastic trim tool, start at the front and work your way back to release the clips holding the left side instrument panel outer trim cover (1).
- Instrument Panel Outer Trim Cover - Left Side (1) - Remove
Disconnect the hood primary latch release cable end retainer from the hood primary latch release cable handle (1).
Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator Retainer (1) - Remove
- Instrument Panel Insulator Bolt (2) - Remove [2x]
- Instrument Panel Insulator Nut (3) - Remove [2x]
- NOTE:
Use a plastic trim tool if necessary.
Release the tabs from the instrument panel lower trim panel insulator (1).
Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator (1) - Remove
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
Move the steering column up so you can access the lower left corner of the instrument panel center trim pad (1).
- Start with a flat-bladed plastic trim tool in the lower left corner of the instrument panel center trim pad (1) and work your way clockwise.
- Instrument Panel Center Trim Pad (1) - Remove
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
Data Link Connector Bolt (1) - Remove [2x]
- Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Bolt (2) - Remove [3x]
Release the clips with a suitable tool.
- Disconnect and reposition harness as necessary.
- Clear the instrument panel knee bolster deflector studs when removing the instrument panel knee bolster (1).
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft (s)
- The steering gear
- Install an appropriate device to prevent the steering column from rotating.
- Mark the relationship between the steering column and the upper intermediate steering shaft using a grease pencil.
Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt (1) @ Steering Column - Remove
- Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (2) @ Steering Column - Separate
Mid Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt (3) - Remove
- Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (2) @ Mid Intermediate Steering Shaft (1) - Separate
- Carefully slide the upper intermediate steering shaft (2) through the intermediate steering shaft outer boot and the intermediate steering shaft inner boot and remove it from the inside of the vehicle.
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
After separation, collapse the upper intermediate steering shaft as far as possible.