Removal - Steering Column Opening
WARNING:
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. SEE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
ARTICLE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
- Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
- If the vehicle is so equipped, move the tilt steering column to the fully raised position.
- Remove the two screws that secure the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel structural support.
- Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the top of the steering column opening cover away from the instrument panel on each side of the steering column far enough to disengage the two snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the instrument panel base trim.
- If the vehicle is so equipped, roll the top of the steering column opening cover downward far enough to access and disconnect the wire harness connector for the headlamp leveling switch from the switch connector.
- Pull the top of the steering column opening cover rearward far enough to disengage the hinge hook formations on the lower edge of the cover from the hinge pins on the lower edge of the instrument panel.
- Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.