Diagnosis And Testing - Steering Column
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
If the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployed the column must be inspected. This inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the column mounting capsules visually and manually push and pull, them to check for separation or fractures. If capsules are fractured or have moved the column MUST be replaced. ( Figure )