Removal and Installation
Service PrecautionsWARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
Please refer to the appropriate vehicle location of the front air bag sensors.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped).
Removal
1. NOTE: Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
Disconnect the battery cables and wait at least one minute.
2. Remove the air bag sliding contact.
3. Remove the bolts. Disconnect the two electrical connectors. Remove the multi-function switch.
4. Remove the three bolts and the instrument panel reinforcement brace.
5. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
6. Disconnect the brake shift interlock solenoid
7. Label and disconnect the electrical connectors.
8. Disconnect and remove the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) sensor ring.
9. Remove the bolt. Disconnect the transmission range indicator (PRND21) from the steering column.
10. Remove and discard the pinch bolt. Disconnect the lower steering column shaft from the steering column lower yoke.
11. Remove the nuts. Position the steering column on the vehicle floor.
12. Disconnect the parking brake release vacuum hose extension from the parking brake release switch.
13. Disconnect and position the shift cable and bracket out of the way.
14. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
Installation
1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
^ Install a new pinch bolt.