Cover, Steering Column Opening: Removal: 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 STANDARD PROCEDURE . 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 STANDARD PROCEDURE .

Fig 1: Hood Release Handle, Assembly & Retaining Tab

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
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.
Remove the two screws that secure the Knee AirBag (KAB) trim cover to the instrument panel support structure.
Reach up under and behind the KAB housing and instrument panel support structure to access and remove the two nuts that secure the outer studs of the airbag housing to the instrument panel. It is not necessary to remove the smaller nut from the center stud. This nut secures the airbag cushion retainer and inflator within the airbag housing. If it is removed inadvertently, it is a smaller flanged nut than those on the outer studs allowing it to pass through the center hole of the instrument panel support structure without interference.

Fig 2: Steering Column Trim Ring
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Using a trim stick or equivalent, separate the steering column trim ring (1).

Fig 3: Retaining Clips And Cover
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Remove the five screws (2).
Using a trim stick or equivalent, separate the retaining clips and loosen the steering column opening cover (1).
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. Depress the latches on each side of the connector insulator and pull the insulator straight out from the airbag inflator initiator to disconnect it from the connector receptacle.