Removal/Installation

WARNING: On Chrysler equipped with 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. Disable airbag system, refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems)/Service and Repair.
WARNING: This is extremely important when servicing a vehicle that is equipped with an airbag restraint system, as accidental deployment of airbag may cause damage or personal injury.
2. On column shift vehicles, disconnect cable rod by prying rod out of grommet in shift lever.

Fig. 4 Steering Column Installation FWD W/Standard Column:

3. On all models, disconnect all wiring connectors at steering column jacket and remove steering wheel center pad.

Fig. 5 Exploded View Of Airbag Module & Steering Wheel Assembly:

4. On vehicles equipped with airbag restraint system, proceed as follows:
a. Use special socket tool No. 6239 or equivalent to remove tamper proof hold-down nuts.
b. Lift module a few inches and remove Clockspring connecting wire, then remove airbag module.
c. Remove Clockspring setscrew and place it in the Clockspring to ensure Clockspring positioning. Do not remove plastic tether.
5. On all models, disconnect horn wires and horn switch.
6. Remove steering wheel.
7. Expose steering column bracket, remove instrument panel steering column cover and lower reinforcement. Remove bezel.
8. Remove indicator setscrew and shaft indicator pointer from shift housing.
9. Remove nuts attaching steering column bracket to instrument panel support, then lower the bracket support to the floor.
NOTE: Do not remove roll pin to remove steering column assembly.
10. Pull steering column rearward, and disconnect lower shaft from coupling.
11. Reinstall anti-rattle clip into lower coupling tube slot.
12. Remove column assembly out through passenger compartment being careful not to damage paint or trim.

Fig. 2 Shift Lever Grommet Installation:

13. Cut plastic grommets from shift levers and install new grommets from rod side of lever using pliers and a back-up washer. Apply grease to grommets. When storing a steering column with an airbag module attached, never stand it on the steering wheel. If airbag is deployed the column will become a projectile and may cause damage or personal injury.

INSTALLATION

1. Align and insert lower stub shaft into coupling, raise column into position and loosely install bracket nuts. Pull column assembly rearward and torque nuts to 105 lb-in.
2. With needle nose pliers, pull coupling spring upward until it touches the universal joint flange.
3. Snap gearshift rods into grommets.
4. Readjust gearshift linkage, as necessary.
5. On airbag equipped models, remove Clockspring setscrew, attach wiring lead to airbag module and install module in steering wheel. Replace Clockspring setscrew securely in it's storage location
6. On all models, install steering wheel and torque nut to 45 lb-ft.
7. Install horn switch and horn switch wire.
8. Connect all wiring connectors at steering column jacket and install steering wheel pad.
9. Connect battery ground cable and test operation of lights and horn.
10. On column shift vehicles, connect gearshift indicator pointer to its approximate original location. Slowly move gearshift lever from 1 (L) to P position, pausing briefly at each position. The indicator pointer should align with each selector position. If necessary, loosen and readjust pointer correctly.
11. On all models, install instrument panel steering column cover.