Steering Column Plymouth Acclaim I

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

The tilt and standard column unit has been designed to be serviced as an assembly. Most components of steering column can be serviced without removing column from vehicle.

Daytona and LeBaron Convertible/Coupe use a dual-function switch. Dual-function switch contains only hazard switch and turn signal cancellation switch. Turn signal switch/cancellation solenoid and dimmer switch are mounted in instrument panel hood switch pod, below headlight switch.

All other models use a steering column mounted multifunction switch, which contains turn signal switch, hazard flasher, headlight switch and windshield wiper/washer switches. Should any function of multifunction switch fail, entire switch assembly must be replaced.

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

1. Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. Failure to do this could result in accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
2. After repairs, turn ignition on from passenger side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag deployment. Ensure air bag warning light is working properly and system faults are not indicated. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check) .
3. When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface, always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of module if accidentally deployed.
4. After deployment, air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, which irritates skin, from gas generant combustion. Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and long-sleeved shirt during clean-up. Wash hands using mild soap and water.
5. Electrical sources should never be allowed near connector on back of air bag module.
6. Clockspring must be replaced whenever air bag deploys.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

DISABLING SYSTEM

To disable air bag system for repairs, ensure ignition switch is in OFF position. Disconnect negative battery cable, and tape cable end. Wait at least 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.

ACTIVATING SYSTEM

Reconnect the negative battery cable. From passenger side of vehicle, turn ignition on. Observe the air bag warning light. Warning light should come on for approximately 6-8 seconds and then go out, indicating system is functioning properly. If the warning light fails to glow or if it continuously glows, a system malfunction exists. Refer to SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Note. Complete system deactivation should be performed when Air Bag Restraint System (ABRS) is not functioning properly and vehicle needs to be driven.

COMPLETE SYSTEM DEACTIVATION

1. Disconnect negative battery cable, and tape cable terminal end. Locate and disconnect Yellow 2-pin clockspring harness connector, located at base of steering column.
2. Reconnect battery cable, and drive vehicle. If Air Bag Restraint System (ABRS) is not functioning properly, perform air bag system diagnostics. Perform necessary repairs as soon as possible. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check) .

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

1. Disconnect negative battery cable (if not previously disconnected). Connect DRB-II to ASDM 6-pin diagnostic connector, which is located at right side of console. From passenger side of vehicle, turn ignition on. Exit vehicle with DRB-II. After ensuring no one is inside vehicle, reconnect negative battery cable.
2. Using DRB-II, read and record any active or stored fault codes. If fault codes are not active, erase all stored fault codes. Fault codes will not erase if problem remains. From passenger side of vehicle, turn ignition off.
3. Turn ignition on again and observe air bag warning light. It should come on for 6-8 seconds and then go out, indicating system is functioning. If warning light fails to glow or glows and stays on, a system malfunction exists. See DIAGNOSIS & TESTING in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIP section. Refer to the following list. For 1992 models, see: «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/airbag/#air-bag-restraint-system) . For 1993 models, see: «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-27132) .

ADJUSTMENTS

CLOCKSPRING CENTERING

Note. If clockspring is not positioned properly in relation to steering column and front wheels, clockspring failure will result. Following procedure must be used to center clockspring.

1. If the steering wheel has not already been removed, before proceeding, perform the air bag service precautions to disable the air bag restraint system. Refer to «SERVICE PRECAUTIONS»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__service-precautions). Also, refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-activating-air-bag-system).
2. Place front wheels in straight-ahead position and center steering wheel (if possible). Remove air bag module, vibration damper and steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column).
3. To begin centering of clockspring, depress 2 plastic auto-locking tabs in center of clockspring. (Scheme 1) Rotate clockspring rotor clockwise to end of its travel.
4. Rotate clockspring rotor counterclockwise 2 1/2 turns from end of its travel. When clockspring is positioned correctly, horn wire should end up at top of clockspring and air bag module wire at bottom. Auto-locking tabs should be horizontal. (Scheme 1)
5. Install steering wheel, vibration damper and air bag module. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). DO NOT connect negative battery cable yet. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check) for further procedures.

Scheme 1

IGNITION SWITCH BINDING

1. If ignition switch binds or is hard to turn, ensure interlock cable is adjusted correctly. See «INTERLOCK SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under ADJUSTMENTS. If interlock cable adjustment is good, check steering column area behind ignition switch.
2. This area may be filed to remove excessive casting flashing to provide clearance for the ignition switch and any rotating components. (Scheme 10) To remove the ignition switch, refer to «IGNITION SWITCH R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Console Shift Models

1. When ignition switch is in LOCK or ACC position, console gearshift lever should be locked into PARK position. When ignition switch is in OFF or RUN position, console gearshift lever should be unlocked and moveable. Ignition key cannot be turned to OFF or ACC position unless shift lever is in PARK position.
2. If ignition switch is binding when turning or cannot be turned to OFF position or shift lever is difficult to move, console gearshift lever interlock lever requires adjustment.
3. With gearshift lever in PARK position, remove shift knob retaining screw, and remove shift knob from shift lever. Leave release button on top of shift lever. Remove PRNDL plate from console by gently prying upward on all corners using screwdriver.
4. With gearshift lever in PARK position, ensure green plunger on shift lever rod is in full UP position. (Scheme 2) If green plunger is not in full UP position, adjust transmission shift linkage/cable. See SHIFT LINKAGE under ADJUSTMENTS in appropriate TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article in the AUTOMATIC TRANS SERVICE section.
5. Ensure cable slug is seated into interlock lever. Turn ignition switch to ACC position. Loosen interlock lever adjusting nut to allow interlock lever tension spring to center interlock lever on shift bracket assembly. (Scheme 2)
6. Tighten interlock lever adjusting nut to 25 INCH lbs. (3 N.m). Operate ignition switch and gearshift lever to verify correct adjustment. If adjustment is okay, install PRNDL plate, shift knob and shift knob retaining screw.

Scheme 2

Column Shift Models

1. Move column gear select lever to NEUTRAL position. If pointer does not indicate NEUTRAL position, remove instrument panel lower trim panel. Locate PRNDL actuation cable plastic insert on lower steering column. (Scheme 9)
2. Using 9/64" Allen head driver or wrench, adjust cable until indicator pointer is centered on "N" (NEUTRAL position). Install instrument panel lower trim panel.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CLOCKSPRING R & I

Removal

1. Disable air bag. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) SYSTEM. Clockspring cannot be repaired if faulty and must be replaced if air bag module deployed.
2. Clockspring is located at top of steering column, behind steering wheel. (Scheme 1) Remove the air bag module, vibration damper and the steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). (Scheme 3) When steering wheel is removed, clockspring will automatically lock in place. Remove upper and lower steering column covers and lower column wiring cover to access clockspring wiring.
3. If not previously disconnected, disconnect Yellow 2-pin clockspring harness connector at base of steering column. Disconnect wiring harness connector on bottom rear of clockspring. Remove clockspring from shaft by releasing 2 plastic retaining tabs on rear outer edges of clockspring.

Installation

1. Position clockspring onto steering shaft with horn wire at top and air bag module wire at bottom. (Scheme 1) Snap clockspring tabs onto steering column housing.
2. If clockspring is not centered as per illustration, adjustment is required before installing steering wheel. See «CLOCKSPRING CENTERING»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__clockspring-centering) under ADJUSTMENTS. Connect wiring connector to rear of clockspring.
3. Position steering wheel to shaft. Pull horn wire through small upper hole in steering wheel. Pull air bag module and cruise control wires through larger bottom hole in steering wheel. (Scheme 3)
4. To complete installation, see «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Connect Yellow 2-pin clockspring harness connector. Install all steering column covers. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check).

Scheme 3

1. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position. Lock steering column in place by removing ignition key. Disconnect negative battery cable. Wait 2 minutes for air bag reserve capacitor to discharge.
2. From back of steering wheel, remove 4 nuts attaching air bag module. Lift air bag module, and disconnect wiring connector by spreading apart latching arms and prying up on connector. Place air bag module on a clean, level surface with pad facing up.
3. From bottom rear of steering wheel, remove 2 retaining screws for cruise control switch. Lift cruise control switch from steering wheel and disconnect connector. Remove steering wheel retaining nut. Remove vibration damper. (Scheme 3) CAUTION: DO NOT bump or use hammer blows to remove steering wheel from shaft. Shaft damage will result.
4. Remove steering wheel using Steering Wheel Puller (C-3428B). Use care not to damage wiring when removing steering wheel from clockspring. Clockspring will automatically lock in place when steering wheel is removed.
5. To remove horn switches on premium steering wheels, pry out 2 trim cover buttons on back of steering wheel to access 2 horn switch retaining screws.
6. On all steering wheels, remove 2 horn switch retaining screws, and disconnect horn wires. Remove horn switch assemblies from steering wheel.

1. Ensure clockspring is properly positioned; horn wire should be at top and air bag and cruise control wires at bottom of clockspring. (Scheme 1) If clockspring wires are not as described or front wheels were turned when the steering wheel was off, refer to «CLOCKSPRING CENTERING»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__clockspring-centering) under ADJUSTMENTS before installing steering wheel.
2. Install steering wheel to shaft, aligning flats on steering wheel hub with formations inside clockspring. Carefully pull horn wire through top hole in steering wheel. Pull air bag module and cruise control wires through lower large hole in steering wheel. Install vibration damper. Install steering wheel retaining nut, and tighten to 45 ft. lbs. (61 N.m). Connect horn wires to switches.
3. Connect cruise control switch connector. Install cruise control switch into steering wheel, aligning switch locating pins with holes in steering wheel frame. From back of steering wheel, install cruise control switch retaining screws; start with left screw.
4. Connect air bag module connector. To ensure complete air bag module connection, latching arms must be visible on top of clockspring-to-module connector housing. Install air bag module to steering wheel. From back of steering wheel, install and tighten air bag module retaining screws to 80-100 INCH lbs. (9-11 N.m). Before connecting negative battery cable, see «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check).

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Ensure gearshift lever is in PARK position. On tilt column, remove tilt lever by turning lever counterclockwise.
2. On all columns, remove upper and lower steering column covers. Remove harness connector from ignition switch connector. (Scheme 4) Remove halo light ring harness connector from ignition switch.
3. Remove ignition switch tamperproof Torx-head mounting screws using Torx drivers (Snap-On No. TTXR15A2 and TTXR20A2). Pull ignition switch straight out and away from steering column.

Scheme 4

1. Ensure gearshift lever is in PARK position. Install ignition switch connector(s), ensuring lock tabs are secure. Ensure park lock dowel and column lock flag are properly aligned before installing switch. (Scheme 5)
2. Column lock flag is in proper position if flag is parallel to lower ignition switch terminals. Install ignition switch to steering column, ensuring park lock dowel enters into slot in slider linkage inside column housing. Install Torx-head mounting screws, and tighten to 17 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 5

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. On tilt column, remove tilt lever by turning counterclockwise. On all columns, remove upper and lower steering column covers.
2. To remove lock cylinder, insert and turn ignition key to LOCK position. Using a small screwdriver or punch, push inward on lock cylinder retaining pin in slot. (Scheme 6) Turn ignition key to OFF position. DO NOT remove key yet.
3. Lock cylinder is unseated from ignition switch assembly when lock cylinder bezel is about 1/8" from ignition switch halo light. Rotate ignition key counterclockwise to LOCK position, and remove ignition key. Pull lock cylinder from ignition switch.

Scheme 6

1. Ensure lock cylinder and ignition switch are in LOCK position before installing. Slide lock cylinder in and bottom lock cylinder into ignition switch. Insert ignition key.
2. While pushing inward on key and lock cylinder, turn key/lock cylinder to START position and then back to LOCK position. If key and lock cylinder do not operate correctly, repeat procedure again, ensuring to push inward on cylinder.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. On tilt column, remove tilt lever by turning counterclockwise. On all columns, remove upper and lower steering column covers. Remove switch tamperproof Torx-head mounting screws using Snap-On Torx Drivers No. TTXR15A2 and TTXR20A2.
2. Pull switch away from column. Release harness connector from switch, and remove switch. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten multifunction or dual-function switch screws and upper and lower steering column cover screws to 17 INCH lbs. (2 N.m).

Removal & Installation (Exc. Daytona & LeBaron Convertible/Coupe)

These switches are integral parts of multifunction switch. See MULTIFUNCTION & DUAL-FUNCTION SWITCHES under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Position front wheels in straight-ahead position and center steering wheel (as possible). Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air bag module and steering wheel. See removal procedures in «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column).
2. Remove tilt lever (if equipped) from column by turning lever counterclockwise. Remove lower instrument panel trim panel below steering column. Remove upper and lower column covers. Remove wiring trough from column, and let hang. Cover screws are Torx-head type. (Scheme 11)
3. On console shift models, remove interlock cable mechanism from side of upper column. (Scheme 7)
4. On column shift models, set parking brake and pull column shift lever to down position (LOW gear). Remove transmission shift cable from bottom of steering column by prying shift cable linkage rod out of shift lever grommet. Remove cable retaining clip from column. (Scheme 8) Move shift lever back to PARK position.
5. On all columns, remove coupler bolt retaining pin from upper coupling. (Scheme 11) Remove nut and bolt from upper coupling. Remove upper coupling from lower coupling.
6. On column shift models, remove PRNDL indicator actuation cable end clip from steering column arm. Remove PRNDL indicator actuation cable plastic insert by releasing lock bar of insert and squeezing insert sides together. (Scheme 9) Lift insert, and remove from column opening.
7. On all models, remove all electrical connectors from column switches. Remove turn signal multifunction switch or dual-function switch. Loosen upper support bracket nuts to allow slack for removing upper fixed shroud. Remove wiring harness from column by prying out plastic retainer buttons. Remove all 4 support bracket mounting nuts and lower steering column, noting locations of shim spacers (if equipped). Remove steering column assembly.

Scheme 9

Installation (Column Shift Models)

1. Install a new replacement grommet to lower column shift lever. If installing new column assembly, remove shaft lock shipping pin. (Scheme 11) Install steering column down through floor pan opening. Install shim spacers to support bracket studs (if removed). Position column mounting bracket slots to support bracket attaching studs, and install nuts. Install and loosely tighten 4 support bracket washers and nuts.
2. With front wheels in straight-ahead position, align upper and lower couplings at bottom of steering column. Install coupler retaining bolt and nut, and tighten to 21 ft. lbs. (28 N.m). Install coupler bolt retaining pin. Install column wiring harness, and connect plastic retainer buttons to steering column. Install any removed switches to column, and connect all harness connectors. Install upper and lower fixed shrouds.
3. Tighten 4 column support bracket nuts to 105 INCH lbs. (12 N.m). Install PRNDL indicator actuation cable plastic insert to steering column opening by squeezing plastic insert sides. (Scheme 9) Lock plastic insert in place by moving lock bar into clip/stop position. Install PRNDL indicator actuation cable end clip to steering column actuating arm.
4. Place gear select lever in down position (LOW gear). Apply grease to shift lever grommet on bottom of column. (Scheme 8) Install shift cable rod into shift lever grommet using pliers for leverage.
5. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Operate gear select lever through its travel positions and place back in PARK position. Check PRNDL indicator pointer for correct alignment position in all gear positions. If pointer is incorrect, see PRNDL INDICATOR POSITION ALIGNMENT under «ADJUSTMENTS»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__adjustments).
6. Install upper and lower column covers, tilt lever (if equipped) and instrument panel lower trim panel. Install steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
7. Readjust transmission linkage if necessary. See appropriate TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article in the AUTOMATIC TRANSM SERVICE section. Before connecting negative battery cable, see «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check). Ensure correct operation of all switches, lights and horn before releasing vehicle.

Installation (Console Shift Models)

1. If installing new column assembly, remove shaft lock shipping pin. (Scheme 11) Install steering column down through floor pan opening. Install shim spacers to support bracket studs (if removed). Position column mounting bracket slots to support bracket attaching studs, and install nuts. Install and loosely tighten 4 support bracket washers and nuts.
2. With front wheels in straight-ahead position, align upper and lower couplings at bottom of steering column. Install coupler retaining bolt and nut, and tighten to 21 ft. lbs. (28 N.m). Install coupler bolt retaining pin. Install column wiring harness, and connect plastic retainer buttons to steering column. Install any removed switches to column, and connect all harness connectors. Install upper and lower fixed shrouds.
3. Tighten 4 column support bracket nuts to 105 INCH lbs. (12 N.m). Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Install interlock cable mechanism to right side of upper steering column by first locking tabs on back of mechanism into square hole on steering column. (Scheme 7)
4. Slowly turn ignition switch to ACC position while moving interlock cam by hand. This allows column slider to move into cam and allows ignition switch to align with interlock mechanism. Install 2 interlock mechanism mounting screws, and tighten to 21 INCH lbs. (3 N.m).
5. Operate ignition switch. If ignition switch is binding and/or console gear select lever does not operate correctly, see «INTERLOCK SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under ADJUSTMENTS.
6. Install upper and lower column covers, tilt lever (if equipped) and instrument panel lower trim panel. Install steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Before connecting negative battery cable, refer to «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(/plymouth/acclaim/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__system-operation-check). Ensure correct operation of all switches, lights and horn before releasing vehicle.

OVERHAUL

Note. When overhauling or repairing steering columns, refer to exploded view. (Scheme 11)

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
• AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
• SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
• DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
• SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
• STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I
• CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
• ADJUSTMENTS