Removal Procedure

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:

• Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
• Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
• Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
• Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
• Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
  • Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
  • Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
• Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.

During removal and installation, all EPS components including mechanical and/or electrical is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping or prying on any EPS component may cause internal damage. If damage occurs or a part is dropped, the EPS component must be replaced.

Care must be taken during removal and installation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) components to not hit or break the EPS motor/controller module or module harness connectors. If the EPS motor/controller module or module connectors are damaged, the complete component must be replaced.

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:

• The steering column
• The intermediate shaft(s)
• The steering gear

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.