B. Then Perform an Inspection of the Steering Column Assembly

1. Remove the lower section of the dashboard. See Figure 2.

2. Remove the knee shield. See Figure 2.

3. Remove the two-piece steering column cowling.





4. Remove the airbag module. See Figure 3.

Important
The ignition must be switched off. If it is not, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will be generated in the SRS system.

5. Release the steering wheel adjustment locking handle and push the steering wheel inward as far as it will go.

6. Undo the two nuts securing the steering column assembly at the top. Loosen the nuts about 7 turns. See Figure 3.

Feel with your hand to ensure that the steering column assembly's two sliding brackets come into contact with the steering wheel member's mating surface when the steering wheel is lifted straight up.





7. Fasten a cable tie to the rim of the steering wheel so that a loop is formed. Hook the spring scale tool into the loop and use it to lift the steering wheel straight up. See Figure 4.

Looking between the instrument cluster and the top of the steering column, observe whether the two sliding brackets come in contact with the dashboard mating surface.

Important
Both sliding brackets must be in contact with the mating surface of the steering wheel member.

8. Relax the tension on the spring scale and then pull up again until there is a reading of 3.5 kg or 7.7 pounds on the scale. While holding this tension on the scale, try lifting the steering wheel higher by pushing up from the bottom.

9. Make a note as to whether the sliding bracket was already bottomed out against the dash at 3.5kg or 7.7 pounds, or if it still moved when you pushed up on the wheel. Repeat this procedure 2 more times in the same position. See Figure 4.

10. Turn the wheel 1/4 turn and make another 3 readings with the spring scale and record your results.

11. Repeat this procedure until the steering wheel has been turned one complete revolution, a total of four measuring points with 3 readings in each.

12. Should there be any additional movement of the steering column above 3.5kg or 7.7 pounds at any one of the measuring points, the steering column must be replaced. If no additional movement was detected, resecure the existing steering column.

Use a torque wrench to tighten the two nuts securing the column assembly at the top.

Tightening torque: 17.8 ft.lbs. (24 Nm)

13. Remove the cable tie and tighten the steering wheel adjustment locking handle.

14. Refit the airbag module, making sure to plug in the connector.

15. Refit the steering column cover.

16. Refit the knee shield and lower dashboard section.