Cover, Steering Column Opening: Removal

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, 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.

WARNING:

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.

NOTE:

Review the recommended procedures for Handling Non-Deployed Supplemental Restraints. Refer to HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS . If the Knee AirBag (KAB) (also known as the Inflatable Knee Blocker/IKB) has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for Service After A Supplemental Restraint Deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. Refer to SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT

Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.

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From the inside of the vehicle, pull down the hood release handle (3), release the retaining tab (1) and slide the handle assembly (2) forward to release from the steering column opening cover.
Adjust the steering column to the full up position.
Using a trim stick or equivalent, remove the left instrument panel end cap.

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Using a trim stick or equivalent, separate the steering column trim ring (1).

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Remove the two push pins (1) and remove the left lower instrument panel close out panel.
Remove the headlamp switch. Refer to SWITCH, HEADLAMP, REMOVAL .

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Remove the screw (1) and remove the headlamp switch bezel.

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Using a trim stick or equivalent, remove the trim (1) to the right of steering column.

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Remove the six screws (1) that secure the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel support structure.

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Reach up under and behind the KAB housing and instrument panel support structure to access and remove the two nuts (1) that secure the outer studs of the airbag housing to the instrument panel.
Partially remove the steering column opening cover and the knee airbag as one unit from the instrument panel.

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Pull the steering column opening cover rearward far enough to access and disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector from the airbag inflator initiator connector receptacle on the right end of the airbag housing and the trunk release wire connector.