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Steering Wheel & Steering Column Dodge Ram II

Steering Column 1 illustration ~618 words

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

WARNINGAll 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).
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

All models use collapsible steering columns with an integral ignition switch and locking device. (Scheme 1) Optional tilt wheel is available.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1
Scheme 1

AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS

Follow precautions when working with air bag systems

  1. When performing air bag repairs, disable ABRS. See «AIR BAG DISABLING»(/dodge/ram/ii-1994-2001/remont/steering-column/#steering-wheel-steering-column__air-bag-disabling) .
  2. Use caution when handling a sensor. Never strike or jar a sensor. All sensors or mounting bracket bolts must be carefully torqued to ensure proper sensor operation.
  3. Never apply power to ABRS if a sensor is not rigidly attached to vehicle.
  4. To avoid accidental air bag deployment while trouble shooting ABRS, DO NOT use electrical test equipment, such as AC-powered or battery-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc.
  5. Always carry air bag module with trim cover away from body. Always place inflatable module on workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.
  6. DO NOT install used air bag parts from another vehicle. Use NEW parts only. DO NOT disassemble or tamper with air bag assembly.
  7. Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting battery before proceeding with repairs or trouble shooting system. For a short time after battery is disconnected, ABRS retains enough voltage to deploy air bag.

Note. For additional information, see AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.

AIR BAG DISABLING

Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. Disconnect 2-way yellow clockspring harness connector, located on top of fuse block between clockspring and instrument panel wiring harness. Clockspring connector may also be disconnected at Air Bag System Diagnostic Module (ASDM).

WARNINGWait about 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery cable before servicing air bag system. System reserve capacitor maintains air bag system voltage for about 2 minutes after battery is disconnected. Servicing air bag system before 2 minutes may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WARNINGAll 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).
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
  1. Disable air bag system. See «AIR BAG DISABLING»(/dodge/ram/ii-1994-2001/remont/steering-column/#steering-wheel-steering-column__air-bag-disabling) . 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  1. 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»(/dodge/ram/ii-1994-2001/remont/steering-column/#steering-wheel-steering-column) .
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Connect gearshift cable rod to shift lever by snapping rod into bushing with pliers.

OVERHAUL

Note. Steering column is not serviceable, except for trim, switches and steering wheel. If service is required, replace column.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Nut
Except Dakota45 (61)
Dakota35 (47)
Upper Coupler Bolt
Dakota, Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon36 (49)
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager20 (27)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Column-To-Instrument Panel Bracket Bolt/Nut
Except Dakota105 (12)
Dakota90 (10.2)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS