JEEP XJ 1995 Service And Repair Manual

STEERING COLUMN GENERAL SERVICEÐXJ
INDEX
page
Airbag System........................... 47
AIRBAG SYSTEM
WARNING: THE MECHANICAL AIRBAG SYSTEM IS
A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX MECHANICAL UNIT. BE-
FORE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE OR INSTALL THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL
AND STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS YOU
MUST FIRST DISARM THE AIRBAG FIRING MECHA-
NISM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN AC-
CIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG MODULE INFLATOR/SEN-
SOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND
POTASSIUM NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE
POISONOUS AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CON-
TACT WITH ACID, WATER OR HEAVY METALS MAY
PRODUCE HARMFUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SO-
DIUM HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE
OF MOISTURE) OR COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE THE MODULE
OR TAMPER WITH ITS ARMING LEVER. DO NOT
PUNCTURE, INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CON-
TACT WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEM-
PERATURES EXCEEDING 200ÉF.WARNING: REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
NENTS WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER
MOPAR PARTS CATALOG ONLY. IT IS OF PARTICU-
LAR IMPORTANCE THAT ANY COMPONENTS USED
IN THIS MECHANICALLY-FIRED AIRBAG SYSTEM
NOT BE MIXED WITH COMPONENTS FROM AN
ELECTRICALLY-FIRED AIRBAG SYSTEM. SUBSTI-
TUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR THE SAME, BUT INTER-
NAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR
OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COM-
PONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY
SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS
NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTEN-
ERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR
SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CAT-
ALOG.
JSTEERING 19 - 47

GENERAL INFORMATION
The airbag system is a standard equipment safety
device on XJ (Cherokee) models. It is designed to pro-
tect the driver from serious injury, caused by a fron-
tal impact of the vehicle. If the airbag module
assembly is defective and non-deployed, refer to
Chrysler Corporation current return list for proper
handling procedures.
ARMING/DISARMING MECHANISM
BEFORE SERVICING A COLUMN EQUIPPED
WITH AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP 8M, ELEC-
TRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE PROCE-
DURES.
The steering wheel hub incorporates an airbag
Arming/Disarming mechanism and a specially de-
signed nut-blocker. The nut-blocker serves as a safety
to prevent removal of the airbag module until the
unit has been disarmed. A removable plastic cover
plug on the top, outer hub of the steering wheel al-
lows access to the arming screw.
When the airbag module is disarmed, the arming
screw extends upward from the steering wheel hub.
This will prevent installation of the plastic cover
plug. Also, the nut-blocker is retracted to allow ac-
cess to the two upper airbag module mounting nuts.
When the airbag module is armed, the plastic cover
plug will install flush with the outer surface of the
steering wheel hub. In addition, the nut-blocker will
prevent access to the two upper airbag module
mounting nuts.THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIG-
INALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS. THIS HARDWARE IS
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG
SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED
WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SER-
VICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS IN THE PARTS
BOOK.
The Acustar columns (Fig. 1) have been designed to
be serviced as an assembly; less wiring, switches,
shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column
components can be serviced without removing the
column from the vehicle. For additional information
on electrical components refer to Group 8, Electrical.
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft must be avoided during all
service procedures.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery before servicing any component on the
column.
Safety goggles should be worn at all times
when involved with steering column service.
Fig. 1 Acustar Steering Column
19 - 48 STEERINGJ

AIRBAG MODULE REMOVEÐINSTALL
WARNING: THIS AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING TO REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL AND
STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISARM THE AIRBAG FIRING MECHANISM.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDEN-
TAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL IN-
JURY.
When removing a deployed airbag module,
rubber gloves, eye protection and long-sleeved
shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on
the airbag module and other interior surfaces,
which can cause irritation to the skin and eyes
in large doses.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(2) Using a small screwdriver, remove plastic cover
plug from top outer surface of steering wheel hub
(Fig 2). Exit vehicle and disarm airbag by reaching
through driver's side window and turning arming
screw counter-clockwise to its travel limit (Fig 3 and
4 ). This is done using an 8mm socket and manual
drive. DO NOT USE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS.
(3) From back side of steering wheel, remove 4
nuts attaching airbag module to steering wheel (Fig.
5). This is done using a 10mm socket and manual
drive. DO NOT USE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS.
(4) Remove airbag module from steering wheel.
(5) Reverse removal procedures to install. Tighten
airbag module attaching nuts to 9 to 11 Nzm (80 to
100 in. lbs.). Exit vehicle and arm airbag by reaching
through driver's side window and turning arming
screw clockwise to its travel limit. Arming screw
torque should not exceed 1.1 to 1.7 Nzm (10-15 in.
lbs.). Reinstall plastic cover plug in steering wheel
hub.
STEERING WHEEL
WARNING: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE OR
INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED
STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN COM-
PONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISARM THE AIRBAG
FIRING MECHANISM. WHEN SERVICING AIR BAG
SYSTEM, REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (-) CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHI-
CLE BATTERY. YOU MUST DISARM THE AIRBAG
FIRING MECHANISM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE INJURY. WHEN AN UNDEPLOYED
AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS TO BE REMOVED FROM
THE STEERING WHEEL, DISCONNECT THE BAT-
TERY GROUND CABLE AND ISOLATE. THE ARMING
SCREW MUST BE USED TO DISARM THE AIRBAG.
REMOVAL
(1) Make sure the front wheels are in thestraight
aheadposition and steering column locked in place.
Fig. 2 Plastic Cover Plug for Airbag Arming/
Disarming Bolt
Fig. 3 Arming/Disarming Bolt
Fig. 4 Airbag Bolt
JSTEERING 19 - 49

(2) Disconnect the battery negative (ground) cable
and isolate.
(3) Disarm the airbag (refer to group 8M, Electri-
cal for proper and safe procedures).
(4) Remove the air bag module and speed control
switch (if equipped) and disconnect the wire feeds
(Fig. 6).
(5) Disconnect the wire feed to the horn buttons.(6) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Score
or paint alignment marks on the column shaft and
steering wheel (if none exist) for installation refer-
ence.
(7) Remove the steering wheel with a universal
puller (Fig. 7).Do not hammer or jolt the steer-
ing column or shaft during removal of the
wheel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering wheel on column with the
scored marks or master splines aligned. Ensure the
wheel compresses the 2 lock tabs on the clockspring.
(2) Pull the speed control wires through the lower,
larger hole in the steering wheel. Pull the horn wire
through the smaller hole at the top.
(3) Install the retaining nut and tighten to 61 Nzm
(45 ft. lbs.) torque.Force the steering wheel down
on the shaft with the retaining nut only. Do not
hammer or shock the column with sudden im-
pact to install the wheel.
(4) Connect the wire feed to the horn buttons.
(5) Connect the wire feeds to the speed control
switch (Fig. 6). Tighten the air bag module nuts to 9
to 11 Nzm (80 to 100 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 5 Airbag Module Remove/Install
Fig. 6 Air Bag Module and Speed Control
19 - 50 STEERINGJ

CLOCKSPRING
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING AIR BAG SYSTEM,
REMOVE AND ISOLATE BATTERY NEGATIVE (-) CA-
BLE (GROUND) FROM VEHICLE BATTERY. WHEN
AN UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS TO BE
REMOVED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, DISCON-
NECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE AND ISO-
LATE.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead po-
sition before starting the repair.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(3) Remove the steering wheel and air bag, refer to
Steering Wheel Removal.
(4) Remove upper and lower steering column
shrouds to gain access to the clockspring wiring (Fig.
8).
(5) Release wire connector at clockspring.
(6) Pull clockspring assembly from column by lift-
ing locking fingers as necessary. The clockspring can-
not be repaired, and must be replaced if faulty.
INSTALLATION
(1) Snap clockspring assembly onto column. If
clockspring is not properly positioned, follow the cen-
tering procedures before installing steering wheel.
(2) Connect the wire connector to the clockspring.
(3) Install upper and lower steering column
shrouds. Be sure wiring is inside of shrouds and not
pinched.
(4) Install the steering wheel and air bag module,
refer to Steering Wheel Installation.
CENTERING PROCEDURE
If the rotating tape within the clockspring is not
positioned properly, the clockspring may fail during
use. The following procedures MUST BE USED to
center the clockspring;
²If it is not known to be properly positioned
²If the front wheels were moved from the straight
ahead position
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead po-
sition before starting the procedure.
(2) Depress the 2 locking tabs to disengage the
locking mechanism (Fig. 9).
(3) Keeping the mechanism disengaged, rotate the
clockspring rotor in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION
to the end of the travel. Do not apply excessive
torque.
Fig. 7 Steering Wheel Removal
Fig. 8 Upper and Lower Steering Column Shroud
Fig. 9 ClockspringÐAuto-Locking
JSTEERING 19 - 51

(4) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor 2 1/2
full turns in the COUNTER CLOCKWISE direction.
The horn wire should end up at the top and the
squib wire at the bottom (Fig. 9).
(5) Install the steering wheel and air bag module,
refer to Steering Wheel Installation.
COLUMN ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft and gear shift tube must be
avoided during all service procedures.
REMOVAL
(1) Make sure the front wheels are in thestraight
aheadposition.
(2) Observe Cautions and disconnect the negative
(ground) cable from the battery.
(3) Disarm airbag, refer to Arming/Disarming Air-
bag in this section.
(4) Remove column coupler upper pinch bolt (Fig.
10).
(5) Remove steering wheel and airbag from col-
umn, refer to Steering Wheel-Removal and observe
Cautions/Warnings.
(6) Remove the knee blocker (Fig. 11).
(7) Remove relay box.
(8) Remove tilt lever (if equipped) from column.
(9) Remove the upper and lower steering column
shrouds (Fig. 8).
(10) Remove both pencil braces (fig. 12).
(11) Loosen the panel bracket nuts/studs to allow
the column to drop.
(12) Remove wiring harness connector (Fig. 15)
from the multi function switch.Note: Wiring har-
ness connector is retained to multi function
switch, using an attaching bolt with a 7mm hex
head. access to bolt is through rear of wiring
harness connector.(13) Remove the wiring harness from steering col-
umn (Fig. 16).
Fig. 10 Column Coupler Shaft
Fig. 11 Knee Blocker
Fig. 12 Steering Column Pencil Braces
Fig. 13 Clock Spring And Ignition Switch Wiring
Connections
19 - 52 STEERINGJ

(14) Remove the Interlock cable from the steering
column. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shifter/Ig-
nition Interlock in this group.
(15) Remove the column. Use care to avoid damag-
ing the paint or trim.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft and gear shift tube must be
avoided during all service procedures.
(1) With the front wheels in the straight ahead po-
sition. Align and install the column to coupler.Do
not apply force at the top of the steering col-
umn shaft.(2) Ensure the ground clip is on the left spacer slot
(Fig. 17).
(3) Install the Interlock cable from the steering col-
umn. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shifter/Igni-
tion Interlock in this group.
(4) Install wiring harness connections to steering
column (Fig. 16).Ensure the wiring is not pinched
and all connections are correctly locked in
place.
(5) Install wiring harness connector onto multi
function switch (Fig. 18). Torque multi function
switch wiring harness connector retaining bolt to 2
Nzm (17 in. lbs.).
(6) Install wiring harness connector for key light
switch connection, onto the ignition switch (Fig. 19).
Fig. 15 Multi Function Switch Wiring Connection
Fig. 16 Steering Column Wiring Harness
J9519-57
Fig. 14 Halo Light And Key In Buzzer Wiring
Connection
JSTEERING 19 - 53

(7) Install wiring harness connectors onto clock
spring and ignition switch assembly (Fig. 20).
(8) Install shaft coupler pinch bolt loose, load col-
umn up to panel bracket.(9) Be sure both spacers are fully seated in the col-
umn support bracket. Tighten the column panel
bracket support nuts to 12 Nzm (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(10) Tighten the coupler pinch bolt to 47 Nzm (35
ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install the upper and lower shrouds. Install
the tilt lever (if equipped).
(12) Install rely box.
(13) Install the knee blocker.
(14) Install the steering wheel, refer to Steering
Wheel Installation and observe cautions.
(15) Remove the column shaft shipping lock pin
(installed in service column).
(16) Arm airbag, refer to Arming/Disarming Airbag
in this section.
(17) Connect the battery ground (negative) cable.
COLUMN COMPONENT SERVICE
The Acustar columns have been designed to be ser-
viced as an assembly; less wiring, switches, shrouds,
steering wheel, etc. Also most steering column com-
ponents can be serviced without removing the col-
umn from the vehicle. For additional information on
electrical components refer to Group 8, Electrical.
IGNITION SWITCH SERVICE
TEST AND REPAIR
If the ignition switch effort seems to be excessive
due to binding. Follow the procedure outlined below
to determine the cause.
When service procedures are performed on the
Acustar steering column there are certain areas of
the column that can not be tampered with. If a prob-
lem related to these areas of the steering column are
detected. The entire steering column (less the remov-
able components) should be replaced see (Fig. 1 and
2).
Fig. 17 Ground Clip & Spacer Installation
Fig. 18 Multi Function Switch Wiring Harness
Connector Installed
Fig. 19 Wiring Harness Connection For Key Light
Switch
Fig. 20 Wiring Harness Connection To Clock Spring
And Ignition Switch
19 - 54 STEERINGJ

(1) Remove the ignition switch from the steering
column. Refer toGroup 8D Ignition System.
(2) Using a key cylinder, check the turning effort of
the switch.
²If the ignition switch binds look for the following
conditions.
(1) Look for rough areas or flash in the casting and
if found remove with a file (Fig. 2).
(2) Remove the link and slider.
(3) Check the link to see if it has been bent and if
so replace with a new part.
Put the slider in its slot in the sleeve and verify a
loose fit over the length of the slot. If the slider binds
in the slot at any point lightly file the slider until
clearance is achieved.
²If no binding is found.
Lightly file the ramp on the ignition switch, (The
ramp fits into the casting) until binding no longer oc-
curs.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER/IGNITION
INTERLOCK MECHANISM
The automatic transmission Shifter/Ignition Inter-
lock, is a cable operated system. It interconnects the
automatic transmission floor mounted shifter to the
steering column ignition switch (Fig. 1). The system
locks the shifter into the PARK position. The Inter-
lock system is engaged whenever the ignition switch
is in the LOCK or ACCESSORY position. When the
key is in the OFF or RUN position the shifter is un-
locked and will move into any position. The interlock
system also prevents the ignition switch from being
turned to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position (Fig.
2). Unless the shifter is fully locked into the PARK
position.
INTERLOCK CABLE REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Lower the steering column. Refer to Column
Assembly Replacement in this group.
Fig. 1 Steering Column Non-Serviceable
Components
Fig. 2 Steering Column Flash Removal And
Non-Serviceable Components
Fig. 3 Observe Cautions
Fig. 4 Observe Cautions
JSTEERING 19 - 55

(2) Remove two screws retaining the interlock
mechanism to the column (Fig. 3). Unsnap the mech-
anism from column.
(3) Remove the center console and related trim.
Refer to Group 23, Body.
(4) Disconnect the cable eyelet from the bellcrank
(Fig. 4).
(5) Disconnect and remove the cable from the shift
bracket.
(6) Remove the accelerator pedal (the cable routes
under the pedal), refer to Group 14, Fuel Systems.
Release the cable from the accelerator pedal clip.
Move the carpet as necessary to remove the cable.INSTALLATION/ADJUSTMENT
(1) Snap the cable base assembly into the large
square opening in the steering column (Fig. 4).
(2) Secure the plastic base with two (2) self tap-
ping screws (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Ignition Interlock Cable Routing
Fig. 2 Ignition Key Cylinder Actuation
Fig. 3 Interlock Mechanism on Column
19 - 56 STEERINGJ