Steering Column Module - Removal

REMOVAL






WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

CAUTION: Always turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Then, prior to disconnecting the steering column from the steering gear, lock the steering wheel to the steering column. If clockspring centering has been compromised for ANY reason, the entire Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) and clockspring unit MUST be replaced with a new unit.

1. Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel. Driver Air Bag - Removal.
4. Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness connectors from the upper Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) connector receptacles.
5. Remove the steering wheel from the upper steering column shaft. Removal.
6. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, disengage the snap clips that secure the molded hard plastic outer edges of the steering column gap hider bezel to the instrument panel.
7. Pull the gap hider bezel up and away from the instrument panel far enough to access and disengage the retainer clip (2) of the service length of the instrument panel wire harness SCCM take out that secures it to the instrument panel base trim (1) on the right side of the steering column opening.





8. Firmly grasp each side of the SCCM shroud (2) on the edges nearest the instrument panel. Use a short, firm tug rearward on the shroud to disengage the spring-loaded upper and lower keystones (6) from the slots (4) in the top and bottom of the steering column jacket (3).
9. Pull the SCCM away from the top of the steering column far enough to reach through the back of the gap hider and shroud to access and disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector from the lower SCCM connector receptacle.
10. Remove the SCCM from the vehicle.