Service Procedure
The following procedure provides instructions for inspecting, and if necessary, replacing the steering column.Inspection
1. Tilt the steering column to the full up position.
2. Remove the cover from the end of the instrument panel (I/P).
3. Remove the four screws that attach the knee bolster cover to the I/P.
4. Lower the bolster cover and inspect the bar code label on the steering column.
^ If the LAST digit of the bar code is a "3", the steering column must be replaced. Proceed to the section titled "Steering Column Replacement."
^ If the LAST digit of the bar code is a "4" and the three digits just before the 4 are 033 or HIGHER (i.e. 033 4), NO repair is needed. Proceed to the next step.
^ If the LAST digit of the bar code is a "4" and the three digits just before the 4 are 032 or LOWER (i.e. 032 4), the steering column must be replaced. Proceed to the section titled "Steering Column Replacement."
7. Position the knee bolster to the I/P and install the four screws.
Tighten
Tighten the four screws to 2.5 Nm (22 lb-in).
8. Install the cover over the opening in the end of the I/P.
Steering Column Replacement
Tools Required (these are a part of your essential tool package and are used to support the procedures in the Service Manual)
^ J 1859-A Steering Wheel Puller
^ J 42578 Steering Wheel Puller Legs
^ J 44298 Driver Air Bag Remover
1. Position the front wheels straight ahead.
2. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the cover from the right side of the console and remove the AIR BAG fuse.
4. Disconnect the SIR connectors located behind the I/P end cover that was removed in the inspection.
5. Remove the lower closeout panel from under the left side of the I/P.
6. Finish removing the knee bolster cover.
7. Remove the three screws and remove the lower steering column cover.
8. Lift up and reposition the upper steering column cover.
9. Disconnect the five electrical connectors for the steering column multifunction switches and SIR coil.
10. Turn the steering wheel as necessary while using J 44298, Driver Air Bag Remover Tool, to remove the driver's air bag module.
11. Disconnect the air bag module electrical connections from the steering column/wheel. After the module has been removed, return the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
12. Remove the steering wheel nut.
13. Using J 1859-A, Steering Wheel Puller, and J 42578, Steering Wheel Puller Legs, remove the steering wheel and disconnect the electrical connections for the controls on the steering wheel.
14. Release the two clips and remove (pull straight off) both multifunction switch assemblies and the SIR coil.
15. Disconnect the electrical connector from the power steering assist motor/module.
16. Disconnect the two lower steering column electrical connectors.
17. Remove the bolt attaching the column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft. Do not reuse the bolt.
18. Separate the intermediate steering shaft from the column.
19. If equipped with adjustable pedals, remove the three bolts attaching the adjustable accelerator pedal motor to the accelerator bracket assembly.
20. Remove the long bolt that attaches the lower part of the steering column to the I/P support. The nut on the opposite end will come off when the bolt is removed.
21. Remove the two bolts (1) attaching the column to the I/P support.
22. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
23. With the steering column on a suitable working surface, release the clip (7) attaching the wiring harness to the motor bracket.
24. Remove the two E8 Torx(R) head screws (2). Do not reuse the screws.
25. Separate the motor (5) from the steering column (1).
Notice:
Once the plastic tie strap has been removed in the next step, care must be taken to prevent separation of the upper section of the steering column from the lower section.
26. Remove the plastic tie strap from the new steering column.
Important:
Before installing the motor/module assembly (2), verify that the rotor isolator bumper (1) is installed into the rotor isolator (3) in the motor/module assembly (2).
27. Align the splines and position the motor on the NEW steering column.
28. Install the two new E8 Torx(R) head screws.
Tighten
Tighten the two screws to 9 Nm (8 lb-in).
29. Clip the wiring harness to the motor.
30. Install the steering column to the vehicle and loosely install the two upper bolts to the I/P support. DO NOT tighten the bolts at the time.
31. Install the long bolt and nut that attaches the lower part of the steering column to the I/P support.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
Notice:
The two bolts attaching the steering column to the I/P support must be tightened in the proper sequence in the next step.
32. Tighten the LEFT side upper bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the LEFT side upper bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
33. Tighten the RIGHT side upper bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the RIGHT side upper bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
34. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering column and install the NEW bolt that came with the NEW steering column.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 49 Nm (36 lb-ft).
35. If equipped with adjustable pedals, position the adjustable accelerator pedal motor to the accelerator bracket assembly and install the three bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the three bolts to 2 Nm (18 lb-in.
36. Connect the electrical connector to the motor/module.
37. Connect the two electrical connectors to the lower steering column.
38. Install the SIR coil and both multifunction switch assemblies on the steering column and engage the two retaining clips.
39. Connect the five electrical connectors for the multifunction switch assemblies and SIR coil.
40. Position the upper and lower covers on the steering column and install the three attaching screws.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.5 Nm (13 lb-in).
41. Connect the electrical connectors to the steering wheel controls and position the steering wheel on the steering column shaft.
42. Install the retaining nut.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).
43. Connect the electrical connectors for the air bag module and install the module on the steering wheel.
44. Position the knee bolster to the I/P and install the four screws.
Tighten
Tighten to 2.5 Nm (2 lb-in).
45. Install the lower closeout panel under the I/P.
46. Connect the SIR connectors and install the cover over the opening in the end of the I/P.
47. Install the AIR BAG fuse and install the cover in the console.
48. Connect the negative battery.
Tighten
Tighten to 17 Nm (13 lb-ft).
49. Close the hood.
Important:
After the steering column has been replaced, the steering position sensor and the torque sensor must be calibrated using a Tech 2.
50. Using a Tech 2, build the vehicle, select:
^ Power Steering System
^ PSCM
^ Special Functions
^ Steering Position Sensor Calibration
^ Steering Tuning Selection
^ Torque Sensor Calibration
56. After programming is complete, press EXIT as necessary and disconnect the Tech 2.