REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
| WARNING | All models are equipped with Air Bag Restraint System (ABRS). See AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS before working on vehicle. Use caution when working around steering column (air bag could deploy). |
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. For 1998 models, see COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery. For 1999 models, see COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery. |
- Disable air bag system. See «AIR BAG DISABLING»(ref-1293-S39416457352000031300000) . Ensure steering wheel is in straight-ahead position. Remove nuts mounting air bag module to steering wheel. Remove screws securing cruise control switch to steering wheel (if equipped).
- Disconnect wiring connectors. Remove air bag module and cruise control switch assembly. Pry trim covers from back of steering wheel and remove horn switch mounting screws. Disconnect horn wires. Remove horn switch.
- Remove steering wheel retaining nut. Reference mark steering wheel and steering shaft. Using puller, remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Align marks made during removal. Tighten steering wheel retaining nut to specification.
- Position front wheels straight ahead. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. On column shift models, remove link rod from bushing in shift lever. Discard bushing. On all models, remove steering wheel using Puller (C-3428-B). See «HORN PAD & STEERING WHEEL»(ref-1293-S21232136172000031300000) .
- Remove steering column shaft-to-coupler retaining pin. Push upper coupler shaft down into lower steering coupler. Remove dash panel column cover. On column shift models, disconnect shift indicator cable.
- On all models, remove tilt lever (if equipped). Remove upper and lower shroud. Remove lower fixed shroud. Disconnect multifunction switch harness connector. Disconnect harness connectors from ignition switch, key-in light, horn and cruise control (if equipped).
- Loosen upper support bracket nuts and allow column to drop slightly. Remove upper fixed shroud. Disconnect wiring harness retainers from column, and move harness to one side. Remove lower dash panel. Remove lower steering column nuts. Remove column. CAUTION: DO NOT reuse bushing in shift rod lever once shift rod is removed. Always install a NEW bushing.
- To install column, reverse removal procedure. Connect clockspring connector. Connect negative battery cable. On column shift models, install NEW shift lever bushing using pliers and back-up washer to snap bushing into place. Use a multipurpose grease to aid installation.
- Connect gearshift cable rod to shift lever by snapping rod into bushing with pliers.