Cover, Steering Column Opening: Removal: Removal
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbags, airbag curtains, knee blocker, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Refer to WARNING . Disconnect the IBS/negative battery cable assembly from the negative battery post, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
To avoid serious or fatal injury when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag cushion and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
- Remove the kneeblocker air bag. Refer to AIR BAG, KNEE BLOCKER .
- Remove the hood release handle (4). Lift the retaining tab (2) and slide the handle forward to remove it from the steering column opening cover.
- Using a trim stick or equivalent, remove the driver side end cap (1).
- Remove the headlamp switch (Refer to SWITCH, HEADLAMP ) .
- Remove the screw (1) from the headlamp switch bezel.
- Using a trim stick or equivalent, separate the steering column gap hider (1).
- Using a trim stick or equivalent, remove the trim to the right and left the of steering column. Disconnect the wire harness connector.
- Remove the six screws (2), then pull by hand to release the retaining clips and loosen the steering column opening cover (1).
- Disconnect the wire harness connector(s) and harness retainers, then remove the steering column opening cover (1).