Steering Column: Service Precautions

WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SERVICE PROCEDURE THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIR BAG, REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO POSITIVELY DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS. BEFORE SERVICING A STEERING COLUMN EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP 8M, ELECTRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE SERVICE PROCEDURES.








CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not remove ignition locking link, shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will damage the column.

CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on steering column shaft and gear shift tube must be avoided during all service procedures.

NOTE: Safety goggles should be worn at all times when involved with steering column service.