steering DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

(9) While holding the stud of the tie rod stationary
with a wrench, tighten the attaching nut (Fig. 14).
(10) Using a crowfoot wrench attached to a torque
wrench, tighten the attaching nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(11) Install the tire and wheel assembly.
(12) Lower the vehicle.
(13) Adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPENSION
service manual group.
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER:
Front Mounting Bolts..... 142N´m(105 ft. lbs.)
Rear Mounting Bolts..... 203N´m(150 ft. lbs.)
STEERING GEAR:
Mounting Bolts........... 61N´m(45ft.lbs.)
OUTER TIE ROD:
Steering Knuckle Nut...... 55N´m(40ft.lbs.)
TieRodJamNut .......... 75N´m(55ft.lbs.)
POWER STEERING HOSE:
Tube Nuts............... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
Remover MB991113
19 - 28 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

STEERING COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN......................29
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING......29
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN......................30
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING......30
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........31STEERING COLUMN......................31
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING......38
SPECIFICATIONS
STEERING COLUMN FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.......................41
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN
This vehicle is equipped with both tilt and non-tilt
steering columns. Both steering columns have been
designed to be serviced only as complete assemblies
if an internal component is found to be defective (Fig.
1). The shaft, bearings and upper coupling are all
serviced with the column.
The replaceable components on the steering col-
umn assembly are:
²the key cylinder
²the ignition switch
²the multi-function switch
²the clockspring²the trim shrouds
²the steering wheel
²the driver airbag module
These components can be serviced without removal
of the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to the
appropriate group and section of this service manual
for servicing these components separately.
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
This vehicle uses a corrugated design lower cou-
pling to connect the steering column to the steering
gear (Fig. 2).
This coupling has a hollow corrugated tube that
allows the coupling to bend rather than collapse
when a vehicle is involved in a collision.
Fig. 1 Steering Column
1 ± UPPER MOUNTING NUTS
2 ± STEERING COLUMN
3 ± LOWER MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 2 Steering Column Lower Coupling
1 ± FLEX JOINT
2 ± SEAL COLLAR SEALING SURFACE
3 ± TO STEERING COLUMN
4 ± CORRUGATED TUBE SECTION
5 ± TO STEERING GEAR
PLSTEERING 19 - 29

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column, refer to the STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNO-
SIS CHARTS in DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING in the
POWER STEERING section of this service manual
group.
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
The steering column coupling must be inspected
whenever a vehicle is involved in an impact or when-
ever any of the following conditions exist:
²whenever a vehicle is involved in a collision
which deploys the air bag, regardless of the extent of
damage done to the vehicle.
²if a vehicle is involved in an impact of the vehi-
cles front suspension or under carriage, which results
in any type of damage to the front suspension cross-
member.
²under any conditions which result in the steer-
ing column assembly or steering column shaft receiv-
ing a force great enough to move the steering column
or shaft forward or rearward in a vehicle.
STEERING COLUMN COUPLING INSPECTION
PROCEDURE
(1) Place the steering wheel in the STRAIGHT-
AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holding
clamp, lock the steering wheel in place to keep it
from rotating. This keeps the clockspring in the
proper orientation.
(2) Inside the passenger compartment, remove the
steering column coupling retainer pin, back off the
pinch bolt nut, and remove the steering column cou-
pling pinch bolt (Fig. 3) (the pinch bolt nut is caged
to the coupling and is not removable). Separate the
upper and lower steering column couplings.
(3) Remove the silencer seal enclosing the steering
column coupling (Fig. 4).
(4) Inspect steering column lower coupling in the
following areas for signs of damage:
²Inspect the sealing collar on the lower coupling
(Fig. 5) to ensure the it is not cracked, broken, or
otherwise damaged requiring coupling replacement.
²Inspect the corrugated section (Fig. 5) of the
lower coupling for the following conditions or any
other visible signs of damage.
²Uneven spacing between the corrugations on the
coupling.
²Dings or dents in the corrugations of the cou-
pling or anywhere else on the coupling wall.
²A bend in the corrugated section of the coupling.
²Inspect the lower coupling flex joint for binding.
If any of the preceding conditions exist, the steer-
ing column lower coupling must be replaced.Inspect the steering column upper coupling for
damage or binding. If the upper coupling needs to be
replaced, the steering column must be replaced.
NOTE: Verify that grease is present on the lip of
the dash-to-coupling seal where it contacts the
lower coupling's plastic collar.
(5) If the lower coupling does not require replace-
ment, install the dash panel-to-steering column cou-
pling silencer seal (Fig. 4) back on the vehicle.
Fig. 3 Steering Column Couplings
1 ± STEERING COLUMN UPPER COUPLING
2 ± PINCH BOLT
3 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
4 ± BRAKE PEDAL
5 ± NUT
6 ± RETAINER PIN
Fig. 4 Steering Column Coupling Seal
1 ± LOWER STEERING COLUMN COUPLER
2 ± UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLER
3 ± SILENCER SEAL
4 ± BRAKE PEDAL
19 - 30 STEERINGPL

NOTE: Do not tighten the coupling pinch bolt any-
time the vehicle is not at curb riding height. It may
cause unwanted conditions within the steering col-
umn if the vehicle is suspended in any manner
when the pinch bolt is tightened.
(6) Ensure front wheels of vehicle are positioned
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, then align and attach the steer-
ing column upper coupling to the lower coupling.
Install the coupling pinch bolt (Fig. 3). Tighten the
pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the coupling pinch bolt retainer pin.
(8) Remove the steering wheel holding clamp.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SERVICE
PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE
AIR BAG. REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE
(-) BATTERY CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHI-
CLE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO
DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO
THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. FAILURE TO DO SOCOULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIR BAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGI-
NALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFI-
CALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUB-
STITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS
NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTEN-
ERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR
FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
BEFORE SERVICING A STEERING COLUMN
EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP
8M, ELECTRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE SER-
VICE PROCEDURES.
WARNING: WHEN HANDLING AN UNDEPLOYED
AIR BAG MODULE DURING SERVICING OF THE
STEERING COLUMN, THE FOLLOWING PRECAU-
TIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED:
²AT NO TIME SHOULD ANY SOURCE OF ELEC-
TRICITY BE PERMITTED NEAR THE INFLATOR ON
THE BACK OF THE AIR BAG MODULE.
²WHEN CARRYING A LIVE MODULE, THE TRIM
COVER SHOULD BE POINTED AWAY FROM THE
BODY TO MINIMIZE INJURY IF THE MODULE
SHOULD ACCIDENTLY DEPLOY.
²IF THE AIR BAG MODULE IS PLACED ON A
BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, THE PLASTIC
COVER SHOULD BE FACE-UP TO MINIMIZE MOVE-
MENT, IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
CAUTION: Safety goggles should be worn at all
times when working on steering columns.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery, before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
STEERING COLUMN
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
Fig. 5 Lower Coupling Inspection
1 ± FLEX JOINT
2 ± SEAL COLLAR SEALING SURFACE
3 ± TO STEERING COLUMN
4 ± CORRUGAGATED TUBE SECTION
5 ± TO STEERING GEAR
PLSTEERING 19 - 31
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the bat-
tery and isolate the cable.
(2) Before beginning removal of the steering col-
umn, be sure the front wheels of vehicle are in the
STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
(3) Remove the screw securing the left end of the
top cover to the instrument panel. It is located just
above the left instrument panel end cap.
(4) Starting on the driver's end, push upward on
the instrument panel top cover, disengaging its
retainer clips along the face of the instrument panel.
Disengage just enough clips to allow access to the
upper ends of the instrument cluster bezel.
(5) Disengage the clips along the outer edge of the
instrument cluster bezel and remove the bezel from
the vehicle.
(6) Remove the two screws along the bottom of the
steering column cover that mounts below the steering
column on the instrument panel. Disengage the clips
on the upper end of the steering column cover and
remove the cover by pulling it straight away from the
instrument panel.
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with speed control,
remove the speed control switches from the steering
wheel (Fig. 6).WARNING: WHEN AN UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG MOD-
ULE IS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING
WHEEL, FIRST DISCONNECT THE BATTERY
GROUND CABLE AND ISOLATE IT. ALLOW THE
SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR A MINI-
MUM OF TWO MINUTES, THEN BEGIN THE AIRBAG
REMOVAL.
(8) If the vehicle is not equipped with speed con-
trol, remove the airbag mounting screw trim caps
from the steering wheel rear cover (Fig. 7). There is
one on each side of the steering wheel.
(9) Remove the two mounting screws, one on each
side of steering wheel, attaching the airbag module
to the steering wheel (Fig. 6).
(10) Lay the airbag module back away from the
center of the steering wheel (Fig. 6). Disconnect the
clockspring and horn switch electrical connectors
from the back of the airbag module. Remove the air-
bag module from the steering wheel.
(11) Holding the steering wheel firmly in place,
remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the
steering column shaft in the center of the steering
wheel. If equipped, remove the damper weight from
the steering wheel.
Fig. 6 Steering Wheel Components
1 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 ± AIRBAG MOUNTING SCREWS
3 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 ± SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
5 ± AIRBAG MODULE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
6 ± AIRBAG MODULE
7 ± HORN SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
8 ± SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
Fig. 7 Trim Caps
1 ± MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH LEVER
2 ± STEERING WHEEL
3 ± TRIM CAP
19 - 32 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: When installing a wheel puller on the
steering wheel, be sure the puller bolts are fully
seated in the threaded holes on the steering wheel.
If the bolts are not fully seated in the threaded
holes, the threads may be stripped out of the steer-
ing wheel when attempting to remove the steering
wheel. Also, thread the retaining nut back on the
end of the shaft until it is flush with the shaft end to
avoid damage to the shaft threads by the wheel
puller.
(12) Install a steering wheel puller on the steering
wheel (Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on steering
wheel or steering column shaft when removing
steering wheel from steering column.
(13) Holding the steering wheel firmly in the
staight-ahead position, remove steering wheel from
the steering column shaft using the puller.
(14) Remove the ignition key from the ignition key
cylinder.
(15) Remove the two screws attaching the lower
shroud to the steering column and upper shroud (Fig.
9). After removing the screws, unclip the shouds from
each other by applying hand pressure along the
seams where the shrouds connect on the sides, then
remove the lower shroud from the upper shroud and
column. Remove the upper shroud from the steering
column.
(16) At the base of the column, remove the steer-
ing column coupling retainer pin, back off the pinch
bolt nut, and remove the steering column coupling
pinch bolt (Fig. 10) (the pinch bolt nut is caged to the
coupling and is not removable). Separate the upper
and lower steering column couplings.(17) If the vehicle is equipped with a automatic
transaxle, disconnect the automatic transaxle igni-
tion interlock cable from the steering column.
Depress the tab on top of the cable connector and
remove the cable from the back side of the steering
column ignition cylinder housing (Fig. 11).
(18) Remove the two lower mounting nuts attach-
ing the steering column to the instrument panel (Fig.
12).
(19) Remove the two upper mounting nuts attach-
ing the steering column to the instrument panel (Fig.
12).
Fig. 8 Steering Wheel Puller Installed
1 ± STEERING WHEEL
2 ± STEERING WHEEL PULLER
Fig. 9 Steering Column Shrouds
1 ± UPPER SHROUD
2 ± LOWER SHROUD
3 ± MOUNTING SCREWS
Fig. 10 Steering Column Couplings
1 ± STEERING COLUMN UPPER COUPLING
2 ± PINCH BOLT
3 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
4 ± BRAKE PEDAL
5 ± NUT
6 ± RETAINER PIN
PLSTEERING 19 - 33
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(20) Lower the steering column away from the
instrument panel.
(21) Disconnect the wiring harness electrical con-
nector from the clockspring (Fig. 13).
(22) Disconnect the wiring harness electrical con-
nectors from the multi-function switch, windshield
wiper switch, and ignition switch (Fig. 14).(23) If the vehicle is equipped with a Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM), disconnect its electrical
connector (Fig. 15).
(24) Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
(25) If the steering column is being replaced, per-
form the following:
(a) Remove the ignition key cylinder from the
steering column. To do this, insert the key and
turn the ignition key cylinder to the ON position.
Next, depress the retaining tab and remove the
Ignition key cylinder by pulling the key and cylin-
der straight out of the column together (Fig. 16).
Fig. 11 Interlock Cable
1 ± IGNITION SWITCH
2 ± CLIP
3 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
4 ± BTSI SOLENOID
Fig. 12 Steering Column Mounting Nuts
1 ± UPPER MOUNTING NUTS
2 ± STEERING COLUMN
3 ± LOWER MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 13 Clockspring Electrical Connector
1 ± STEERING COLUMN
2 ± CLOCKSPRING
3 ± CLOCKSPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 ± IGNITION SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 14 Electrical Connectors
1 ± MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 ± WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 ± IGNITION SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
19 - 34 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(b) Disengage the latch hooks on the back of the
clockspring by lifting the clockspring slightly to
clear the column housing with the top latch hook.
Next, lower the clockspring slightly to do the same
for the lower latch hook (Fig. 17). Remove the
clockspring from the column.
(c) Remove the two screws securing the multi-
function/windshield wiper switch to the steering
column (Fig. 18). Pull the switch straight away
from the column to remove it.
(d) If the column is equipped with a SKIM,
remove the module from the column by removing
the two mounting screws and sliding the SKIM off
the non-halo trim ring (Fig. 19).
(e) Remove the non-halo trim ring from the col-
umn by unclipping it from the ignition cylinder
housing (Fig. 19).
(f) Remove the ignition switch from the steering
column by first removing the mounting screw (Fig.
20). Once the screw is removed, pull the switch
straight out away from the column ignition cylin-
der housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) If the steering column is being replaced, per-
form the following on the column before installing it
on the vehicle:
(a) Ensure the ignition switch is positioned in
the ON position.
(b) Install the ignition switch on the steering
column by pushing the tapered end onto the shaft
and steering column ignition cylinder housing.
Install the screw securing the switch to the column
(Fig. 20).(c) Install the non-halo trim ring on the column
until its tabs snap into place on the ignition cylin-
der housing (Fig. 19).
(d) If the column is equipped with a Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM), install the module on
the column by sliding the module onto the non halo
trim ring and installing the two mounting screws
(Fig. 19). Tighten the mounting screws to a torque
of 3 N´m (25 in. lbs.).
(e) Position the multi-function/windshield wiper
switch in onto the top of the column and install the
two screws securing the switch in place (Fig. 18).
(f) Place the clockspring onto the end of the col-
umn engaging the clockspring latch hooks into the
column (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 SKIM Electrical Connector
1 ± STEERING COLUMN
2 ± SKIM ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 ± SKIM
Fig. 16 Ignition Key Cylinder Retaining Tab
1 ± IGNITION KEY
2 ± RETAINING TAB
3 ± STEERING COLUMN
Fig. 17 Clockspring Latch Hooks
1 ± CLOCKSPRING
2 ± LATCH HOOKS
3 ± STEERING COLUMN
PLSTEERING 19 - 35
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(g) Install the ignition key cylinder in the steer-
ing column. To do this, first position the key cylin-
der in the ON position (with the key in it) so the
retaining tab can be depressed. Push key cylinder
into the column ignition cylinder housing until the
retaining tab locks into place (Fig. 16).
NOTE: When installing a tilt column, do not release
the tilt lever from the locked position until after the
column is installed on the instrument panel.
(2) Install the steering column into steering col-
umn access opening in the lower instrument panel.
(3) If the vehicle is equipped with a SKIM, Con-
nect its wiring harness electrical connector (Fig. 15).(4) Connect the wiring harness electrical connec-
tors to the multi-function switch, windshield wiper
switch, and ignition switch (Fig. 14).
(5) Connect the wiring harness electrical connector
to the clockspring (Fig. 13).
(6) Align the slots in the mounting brackets on the
steering column with the studs in the instrument
panel (Fig. 12) Attach the column to the instrument
panel by first installing the two upper mounting nuts
(Do not completely tighten the two upper mounting
nuts at this time). Next, install the two lower mount-
ing nuts. Tighten all four mounting nuts to a torque
of 17 N´m (150 in. lbs.).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, connect the automatic transaxle ignition
interlock cable to the steering column by pushing the
end of the cable into the back side of the ignition cyl-
inder housing until it snaps into place (Fig. 11).
(8) Position the steering column shaft in the cor-
rect position for mounting to the lower coupling. To
do this, turn the steering wheel end of the shaft until
the missing spline area on that end of the shaft faces
straight up.
(9) Verify the front wheels of vehicle are in the
STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
NOTE: Do not tighten the coupling pinch bolt any-
time the vehicle is not at curb riding height. It may
cause unwanted conditions within the steering col-
umn if the vehicle is suspended in any manner
when the pinch bolt is tightened.
(10) Reconnect the steering column lower coupling
to the steering column upper coupling (Fig. 10).
Install the coupling pinch bolt an tighten the pinch
Fig. 18 Multi-function/Wiper Switch Mounting
1 ± MOUNTING SCREWS
2 ± MULTI-FUNCTION/WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Fig. 19 SKIM Mounting
1 ± HALO TRIM RING
2 ± MOUNTING SCREWS
3 ± SKIM
Fig. 20 Ignition Switch Mounting
1 ± MOUNTING SCREW
2 ± IGNITION SWITCH
19 - 36 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install
the pinch bolt retainer pin.
(11) Install the upper and lower steering column
shrouds onto the steering column (Fig. 9). Snap the
two shrouds together and then install and tighten
the two screws securing the shrouds to the column.
(12) Install the steering column cover that mounts
below the steering column on the instrument panel
by first aligning the retainer clips and snapping the
cover into place. Install the two screws along the bot-
tom of the steering column cover.
(13) Align the clips along the outer edge of the
instrument cluster bezel with the mounting holes in
the instrument panel and install the bezel.
(14) Align the clips on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel top cover with the mounting holes in the
instrument panel and install the top cover by push-
ing it down into place.
(15) Install the screw securing the left end of the
top cover to the instrument panel.
CAUTION: If there is any question as to whether
the clockspring is in the centered position, the
clock spring needs to be recentered before install-
ing the steering wheel. If the clockspring is not cen-
tered, it may be overextended, causing the
clockspring to become inoperative.
(16) Center the clockspring using the following
procedure:
²Using your fingers, rotate the clockspring rotor
in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of the
travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
²From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two full
turns and an additional half turn in the counter-
clockwise direction. (The wires should end up at the
bottom of the clockspring).
CAUTION: Do not install the steering wheel onto
the shaft of the steering column by driving it onto
the shaft.
(17) Feed the clockspring wiring leads through the
hole in the steering wheel (Fig. 6). Align the steering
wheel's wide mounting spline with the steering col-
umn shaft missing spline area and push the wheel
onto the shaft. Make sure the clockspring squares up
with the back of the wheel and does not bind.
(18) Install the steering wheel retaining nut and
tighten it until the steering wheel is fully installed
on shaft. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to
a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(19) Connect the clockspring electrical leads to the
speed control switches and reinstall the switches on
the steering wheel (Fig. 6).
(20) Install the airbag electrical lead from the
clockspring into the connector on the back of the air-bag module (Fig. 6). Be sure electrical connector from
clockspring is securely latched into airbag module
connector.
(21) Connect the horn switch electrical lead to the
connector on the back of the airbag module (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: The fasteners originally used for the air-
bag components are specifically designed for the
airbag system. They must never be replaced with
any substitutes. Anytime a new fastener is needed,
replace it with only the correct fastener listed in the
parts book.
(22) Install the airbag module into the center of
the steering wheel. Align the airbag module mount-
ing holes with the bolt holes in steering wheel (Fig.
6). Install only the two original or identical replace-
ment airbag module mounting screws. Tighten the
two air bag module attaching bolts to a torque of 10
N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(23) Install the airbag mounting screw trim caps
on the steering wheel rear cover (Fig. 7). One belongs
on each side of the steering wheel.
NOTE: When reconnecting the battery on a vehicle
that has had the airbag module removed, the fol-
lowing procedure should be used.
(24) Reconnect the ground cable to the negative
post of the battery in the following manor:
²Connect a scan tool (DRBIIIt) to the data link
diagnostic connector located below the steering col-
umn.
²Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit
the vehicle with the scan tool leaving the scan tool
harness plugged in.
²Ensuring that there are no occupants in the
vehicle, connect the ground (-) cable to the negative
post of the battery.
²Using the scan tool, read and record any fault
codes. Refer to the DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR-
BAG SYSTEM diagnostic manual if any faults are
found.
²Erase any stored faults if there are no active
fault codes. If a problem exists, the fault code will
not erase.
²Reach around the back of the steering wheel (in
front of the instrument cluster) and turn the ignition
key to OFF, then back ON while observing the
instrument cluster airbag lamp. It should go on for
six to eight seconds, then go out. This will indicate
that the airbag system is functioning normally. If air-
bag warning lamp fails to light, blinks on and off, or
goes on and stays on, there is an airbag system mal-
function. Refer to the BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCE-
DURES manual to diagnose the system malfunction.
PLSTEERING 19 - 37
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)