Removal/Installation

On Chrysler models equipped with the Driver Airbag Restraint System, it is necessary to follow special procedures when servicing steering column components. These procedures are necessary to avoid accidental deployment of airbag which may cause damage or personal injury.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then remove instrument panel lower trim cover.

Fig. 13 Instrument Panel Support Rod:

2. Remove instrument panel support rod.

Fig. 14 Bulkhead Connector:

3. Disconnect column electrical connector, and remove screw holding steering column wiring harness bulkhead connector.

Fig. 15 Disconnecting Shift Cable:

4. Disconnect automatic transaxle shift cable with a screwdriver.

Fig. 16 Disconnecting Cable Retainer:

5. Disconnect shift cable from steering column. Compress cable retainer tangs with pliers, then slide out of column bracket.
6. Remove shift indicator bracket mounting screw, and lift indicator wire off the pin.
7. Unsnap the steering column boot and slide down the steering column.
8. Scribe reference marks on steering column shaft and intermediate shaft U-joint for assembly reference.

Fig. 17 Intermediate Shaft Hold-down Bolt:

9. Remove hold-down bolt from intermediate steering shaft, then remove bolts and nuts holding steering column to instrument panel.
10. Carefully lower steering assembly and separate steering column shaft from intermediate shaft, then remove from vehicle.

Fig. 18 Steering Shaft Boot Installation:

INSTALLATION

1. Align and insert steering column shaft in intermediate steering shaft U-joint using the marks made during disassembly, then install but do not torque U-joint bolt.
2. Position column and install nuts and bolts attaching column to instrument panel and torque to 35 ft. lbs.
3. Tighten intermediate shaft U-joint bolt.
4. Loop shift indicator wire on mounting pin, then install bracket attaching screw.
5. Snap shift cable into steering column bracket, then snap shift cable head onto mounting ball in shift arm.
6. Move gearshift lever into N position and check that shift pointer is aligned correctly. Adjust by loosening indicator bracket screw, and moving into position as needed.
7. Install bulkhead connector and attaching screw, then connect column connector.
8. Install instrument panel support rod and tighten screws securely.
9. Align the two halves of steering shaft boot with the "X" mark of lower half is centered in the oval mark on the upper half. Alignment mark on metal boot flange should be at the 6 o'clock position.
10. Install instrument panel lower trim cover, then the battery ground cable.