Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38)

Warning

Refer to SIR Warning.

Warning

Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Warning.

Warning

After installation of the steering wheel airbag module to the steering wheel, slightly pull the module outward. If there is no give on the airbag module then it is secured correctly. If the airbag module is not fully attached personal injury could result. Removal Procedure

Caution

With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The intermediate shaft(s) The steering gear After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil’s centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

1. Install an appropriate device to prevent the steering column from rotating.
2. Disable the SIR system. SIR Disabling and Enabling

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 1

3. Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Outer Filler (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 2

4. Using a flat-bladed plastic trim tool, release the retaining clips.
5. Instrument Panel Fuse Block Access Hole Cover (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 3

6. Using a flat-bladed plastic trim tool, release the retaining clips.
7. Instrument Panel Trim Plate Applique (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 4

8. Instrument Panel Trim Pad Bolt (1) » Remove [2x]
9. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
10. Instrument Panel Trim Pad (2) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 5

11. Instrument Panel Switch Trim Plate Bolt (1) » Remove
12. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
13. Instrument Panel Switch Trim Plate (2) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 6

14. Hood Primary Latch Release Cable Handle (1) » Release
15. Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Bolt (2) » Remove [2x]

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 7

Note

You may have to push down on the lower steering column closeout to clear the instrument panel cluster trim plate.

16. Instrument Panel Knee Bolster (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 8

17. Use a flat bladed trim tool to depress the steering wheel airbag access hole cover detents to remove the 2 steering wheel airbag access hole covers (1).

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 9

18. Steering Wheel Airbag Bolt (1) » Remove [2x]
19. Release the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer.
20. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
21. Steering Wheel Airbag (2) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 10

Caution

During steering wheel bolt removal, observe the following precautions: Do NOT use heat on the steering wheel bolt, steering wheel, or steering column. Using heat could cause damage to the steering related components. Do NOT hammer or apply excessive downward force on the steering wheel bolt, steering wheel, or steering column. Hammering or applying excessive downward force could cause damage to the steering related components.

Note

Steering wheel bolts installed during manufacturing require high torque efforts to remove. The ONLY acceptable bit for removing and installing the steering wheel bolt is a T50 Torx bit. Do NOT use any other size bit or a worn bit. If a power tool is used to remove the steering wheel bolt, the tool must have a minimum torque rating greater than 75 Nm (55 lb ft) and both the power tool and the T50 Torx bit MUST be positioned perpendicular to the bolt recess. Apply appropriate downward force to maintain engagement of bit to bolt recess during bolt removal.

22. Loosen the steering wheel bolt (1)  so that 2 - 3 threads are engaged.
23. Wiggle the steering wheel until the wheel disengages completely.
24. Steering Wheel Bolt (1) » Remove
25. Steering Wheel (2) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 11

26. Using a small plastic trim tool, separate the instrument panel steering column upper trim cover (1) from the instrument panel steering column lower trim cover.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 12

27. Using a small plastic trim tool, separate the instrument panel steering column upper trim cover (1) from the instrument panel steering column opening closeout (2).

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 13

28. Instrument Panel Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Bolt (1) » Remove [3x]
29. Disconnect the electrical connector.
30. Instrument Panel Steering Column Lower Trim Cover (2) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 14

31. Disengage the steering wheel airbag coil upper retaining tabs (1).

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 15

32. Disengage the steering wheel airbag coil lower retaining tabs (1).
33. Disconnect the electrical connector.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 16

34. Steering Wheel Airbag Coil (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 17

35. Remove the wiring harness clip (1) on the left side of the turn signal bracket.
36. Reposition the wiring harness.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 18

37. Release the locking tab (1) on the left side of the turn signal switch bracket.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 19

38. Release the locking tab (1) on the right side of the turn signal switch bracket.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 20

39. Remove the turn signal switch and turn signal switch bracket (1) as an assembly.
40. Disconnect the electrical connector.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 21

41. Instrument Panel Lower Insulator Retainer (1) » Remove [2x]

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 22

42. Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 23

43. Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Bolt (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 24

44. Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 25

45. Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 26

46. Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (1) @ Steering Column (2) » Separate

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 27

47. Steering Column Nut (1) » Remove [4x]
48. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as necessary.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 28

49. Steering Column (1) » Remove

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 29

50. Steering Column Lock Control Module Bolt (1) » Remove [4x]

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 30

51. Column Lock Module (1) » Remove Inspection Procedure

Caution

Vehicles involved in collisions may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column that is not obvious based on initial in-vehicle review. This inspection procedure is provided to ensure full steering column functionality after a collision before considering reuse. This procedure is not intended for use in collisions where replacement of the steering column is directed- such as those with frontal air bag deployment and side seat air bag deployment.

1. If the steering column is dropped at any time during the inspection, install a NEW steering column.
2. Rotate the steering column shaft and verify the shaft turns freely and without interference during the operation.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 31

3. Verify the energy absorbing (E/A) strap holder forward rivet (1) and rearward rivet (2) are not damaged and are in the correct installed position.
4. Verify there is no damage to the E/A strap holder (3).
5. If the E/A strap holder (6) or the E/A strap holder forward rivet (4) is damaged, the steering column MUST be replaced.
6. If the E/A strap holder (6) or the E/A strap holder forward rivet (4) is not damaged, inspect the E/A strap holder (6) for a witness mark that the rearward rivet (5) has shifted. If the rearward rivet (5) has shifted, the steering column MUST be replaced.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (N38) — figure 32

7. Measure the length (a) of the upper shaft from the end of the upper jacket to the tip of the shaft. The length of the upper shaft must NOT be less than 58 mm (2.3 in).

8. Actuate the steering column in the radial and axial directions. The steering column must NOT exhibit ANY grinding or binding or exhibit ANY subjective degradation of noise during column operation.

9. If the steering column does NOT meet the specifications, the steering column is damaged. DISCARD the damaged steering column and install a NEW steering column.

10. If the steering column DOES meet the specifications, install the steering column. Installation Procedure

11. Column Lock Module (1) » Install

Caution

Fastener Caution

2. Steering Column Lock Control Module Bolt (1) » Install and tighten [4x] — Fastener Specifications

3. Steering Column (1) » Install

4. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.

5. Steering Column Nut (1) » Install and tighten [4x] — Fastener Specifications

6. Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (1) » Install

7. Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt (1) » Install and tighten — Fastener Specifications

Warning

Upon installing the floor duct to the side of the HVAC case, it is necessary to verify duct opening is completely installed, surrounding the HVAC case outlet port. Failure to do so could result in the duct falling downward, with the potential to interfere with driver’s legs and gas/brake pedal operation.

8. Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side (1) » Install

9. Floor Front Air Outlet Duct Bolt (1) » Install and tighten — Fastener Specifications

10. Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Insulator (1) » Install

11. Instrument Panel Lower Insulator Retainer (1) » Install [2x]

12. Connect the electrical connector.

13. Install turn signal switch and turn signal switch bracket (1) as an assembly.

14. Ensure the locking tab on the right side of the turn signal switch bracket is fully seated.

15. Ensure the locking tab on the left side of the turn signal switch bracket is fully seated.

16. Wiring Harness » Move into position

17. Install the wiring harness clip (1) on the left side of the turn signal bracket.

18. Ensure the steering wheel airbag coil is CENTERED during installation. Steering Wheel Airbag Coil Centering

19. Steering Wheel Airbag Coil (1) » Install

20. Connect the electrical connectors.

21. Instrument Panel Steering Column Lower Trim Cover (2) » Install

22. Connect the electrical connector.

23. Instrument Panel Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Bolt (1) » Install and tighten [3x] — Fastener Specifications

24. Clip the instrument panel steering column opening closeout (2) to the instrument panel steering column upper trim cover (1).

25. Secure the instrument panel steering column upper trim cover (1) to the instrument panel steering column lower trim cover.

26. Steering Wheel (2) » Install

27. If a NEW threaded component is being installed, loosen the adhesive using a metal pick or similar tool before proceeding. If threaded component is reused, prepare the threaded component using the following steps: 27.1. Remove any loose cured adhesive from the external threads of the component using a lint free cloth. 27.2. Thread the cleaned component into the internal mating threads and remove to loosen trapped cured adhesive. 27.3. Remove loose debris from internal and external threads using compressed air. 27.4. Apply liquid thread locking adhesive in a strip along half of the length of the external threads, starting at the tip, just prior to installation. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers

28. Steering Wheel Bolt (1) » Install and tighten — Fastener Specifications

29. Connect the electrical connectors.

30. Install any connector position assurance (CPA) devices or secondary locks.

31. Steering Wheel Airbag (2) » Install

32. Steering Wheel Airbag Bolt (1) » Install and tighten — Fastener Specifications

33. Install the 2 steering wheel airbag access hole covers (1).

34. Instrument Panel Knee Bolster (1) » Install

35. Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Bolt (2) » Install and tighten [2x] — Fastener Specifications

36. Hood Primary Latch Release Cable Handle (1) » Install

37. Connect the electrical connectors.

38. Instrument Panel Switch Trim Plate (2) » Install

39. Instrument Panel Switch Trim Plate Bolt (1) » Install and tighten — Fastener Specifications

40. Connect the electrical connectors.

41. Instrument Panel Trim Pad (2) » Install

42. Instrument Panel Trim Pad Bolt (1) » Install and tighten [2x] — Fastener Specifications

43. Instrument Panel Trim Plate Applique (1) » Install

44. Instrument Panel Fuse Block Access Hole Cover (1) » Install

45. Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Outer Filler (1) » Install

46. Enable the SIR System. SIR Disabling and Enabling

47. Remove the device used to prevent steering column rotation.