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SECTION 6E

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN

Caution : Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing or installing any electrical unit or when a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with exposed electrical terminals. Disconnecting this cable will help prevent personal injury and damage to the vehicle. The ignition must also be in LOCK unless otherwise noted.

SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Application
N•m
Lb-Ft
Lb-In
Coupling Flange Pinch Bolt
22
16
-
Ignition Switch Retaining Screw
2
-
18
Key Hole Illumination Screw
2
-
18
Key Reminder Switch Screw
2
-
18
Steering Column Jacket Assembly Bracket Nuts
22
16
-
Steering Wheel Nut
38
28
-
Upper and Lower Steering Column Cover Panel Screws
3
-
27

SPECIAL TOOLS

Special Tools Table


KM210A
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KM-210-A
Steering Wheel Puller

DIAGNOSIS

Steering Column Diagnosis

Lock System

Lock System Will Not Unlock

Checks
Action
Check the lock cylinder for damage.
Replace the lock cylinder.
Check the ignition switch for lack of free movement.
Lubricate the ignition switch.
Check the steering column housing for binding or damage.
Remove the steering shaft and clear the steering column housing. Replace the steering column housing as needed.

Lock System Will Not Lock

Checks
Action
Check the lock cylinder for damage.
Replace the lock cylinder.
Check the ignition switch for a lack of free movement.
Lubricate the ignition switch.
Check the steering column housing for binding or damage.
Remove the steering shaft and clear the steering column housing. Replace the steering column housing as needed.

High Lock Effort

Checks
Action
Check the lock cylinder for damage.
Replace the lock cylinder.
Check the ignition switch for lack of free movement.
Lubricate the ignition switch.
Check for extreme misalignment of the housing to the cover.
Realign the cover on the housing. Replace the cover as needed.
Check for a bent ignition switch mounting bracket.
Replace the ignition switch mounting bracket.

Key Cannot Be Removed in the LOCK Position

Checks
Action
Check to see that the ignition switch is set correctly.
Reset the ignition switch.
Check the lock cylinder for damage.
Replace the lock cylinder.

Column

Noise in the Column

Checks
Action
Check the steering gear-to-column joints for improper installation.
Tighten the coupling flange pinch bolts. Replace the coupling flange as needed.
Check for column misalignment.
Replace the alignment spacer.
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear or damage.
Replace the steering shaft bearing.
Check the spherical joint for lack of lubrication.
Lubricate the spherical joint.
Check the steering shaft for lack of lubrication.
Lubricate the steering shaft bearing.
Check the shaft lock snap ring for improper seating.
Adjust the shaft lock snap ring. Replace the shaft lock snap ring as needed.

High Steering Shaft Effort

Checks
Action
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear or damage.
Replace the steering shaft bearing.
Check for column misalignment.
Replace the alignment spacer.
Check for an improperly installed or deformed dust seal.
Replace the dust seal.
Check for a damaged upper or lower bearing.
Replace the upper or the lower bearing.
Check the steering shaft universal joints for a lack of free movement.
Lubricate the steering shaft universal joint. Replace the steering shaft universal joint as needed.

Lash in the Steering Column

Checks
Action
Check the steering column bracket mounting bolts for improper installation.
Tighten the steering column bracket mounting bolts.
Check for broken weld nuts on the steering column jacket.
Replace the steering column jacket.
Check for loose steering column housing-to-steering column jacket support screws.
Tighten the support screws.

Loose Steering Wheel

Checks
Action
Check for excessive clearance between the holes in the steering wheel support or the housing and the pivot-pin diameters.
Replace the pivot pins with pivot pins of the correct size.
Check to see if the upper bearing is seated correctly in the housing.
Correctly seat the upper bearing. Replace the upper bearing as needed.
Check for loose steering column housing support screws.
Tighten the steering column housing support screws.

Noise When Tilting the Column

Checks
Action
Check for worn upper tilt bumpers.
Replace the upper tilt bumpers.
Check for tilt spring binding.
Adjust the tilt spring. Replace the tilt spring as needed.

Turn Signal/Dimmer Switch

Turn Signal Will Not Stay in the Turn Position

Checks
Action
Check the turn signal switch for an improper installation.
Remove and inspect the turn signal switch. Reinstall the switch.
Check the cancelling mechanism for broken or missing components.
Replace the cancelling mechanism.
Check the turn signal switch housing for foreign material.
Remove any foreign material.

Turn Signal Will Not Cancel

Checks
Action
Check the cancelling mechanism for broken or missing components.
Replace the cancelling mechanism.

Turn Signal/Dimmer Switch Difficult to Operate

Checks
Action
Check the turn signal/dimmer switch and turn signal/dimmer switch lever for improper installation.
Remove and inspect the turn signal/dimmer switch and signal/dimmer switch lever. Reinstall the signal/dimmer switch and signal/dimmer switch lever.
Check the signal/dimmer switch housing for foreign material.
Remove any foreign material.

Turn Signal Will Not Indicate Lane Change

Checks
Action
Check for a broken lane change pressure pad or a broken spring hanger.
Replace the lane change pressure pad or the spring hanger.
Check for improper functioning of the lane change spring.
Replace the lane change spring.
Check the turn signal switch for improper installation.
Replace the turn signal switch.

No Turn Signal Lights

Checks
Action
Check for an inoperative turn signal flasher.
Replace the turn signal flasher.
Check for a faulty turn signal switch.
Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.
Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Turn Indicator Lights On, but Not Flashing

Checks
Action
Check for an inoperative turn signal flasher.
Replace the turn signal flasher.
Check for a faulty turn signal switch.
Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.
Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Front or Rear Turn Signal Lights Not Flashing

Checks
Action
Check for a faulty turn signal switch.
Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.
Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Turn Signal Lights Flash Very Slowly

Checks
Action
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.
Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Ignition Switch

Electrical System Will Not Function

Checks
Action
Check the ignition switch for damage.
Replace the ignition switch.
Check the ignition switch for improper installation.
Remove and inspect the ignition switch. Reinstall the ignition switch.
Check the ignition switch electrical connector for improper installation.
Reconnect the ignition switch electrical connector. Replace the ignition switch electrical connector.

Ignition Switch Will Not Turn

Checks
Action
Check the ignition switch for damage.
Replace the ignition switch.
Check the ignition switch for improper installation.
Remove and inspect the ignition switch. Reinstall the ignition switch.

Wiper Switch Lever

Switch Inoperative: No LO, HI, INT, or Wash

Checks
Action
Check the wiper switch for damage.
Replace the wiper switch.
Check the wiper switch for improper installation.
Remove and inspect the wiper switch. Reinstall the wiper switch.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE



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Turn Signal Switch and Lever

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the lower steering column cover panel screws and remove the lower steering column cover panel.


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  4. Turn the steering wheel to expose the upper steering column cover panel screws. Remove the upper steering column cover panel screws and remove the upper steering column cover panel.


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  6. Remove the turn signal switch by pushing in on the tabs on either side of the switch housing.


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  8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the turn signal switch.


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Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the electrical connectors to the turn signal switch.
  2. Install the turn signal switch by snapping it into the switch housing.


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  4. Install the lower steering column cover panel. Install the lower steering column cover panel screws.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).



    S6B16E01
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  6. Install the upper steering column cover panel and screws.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the upper steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).

  8. Connect the negative battery cable.


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Wiper Switch and Lever

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the lower steering column cover panel screws and remove the lower steering column cover panel.


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  4. Turn the steering wheel to expose the upper steering column cover panel connecting screws. Remove the upper steering column cover panel screws and remove the upper steering column cover panel.


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  6. Remove the wiper switch by pushing in on the tabs on either side of the switch housing.
  7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper switch.


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Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the electrical connections to the wiper switch.
  2. Install the wiper switch by snapping it into the switch housing.


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  4. Install the lower steering column cover panel. Install the lower steering column cover panel screws.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).



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  6. Install the upper steering column cover panel. Install the upper steering column cover panel screws.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the upper steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).

  8. Connect the negative battery cable.


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Steering Wheel with SIR

Tools Required

KM-210-A Steering Wheel Puller

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the SIR module. Refer to Section 8B, Supplemental Inflatable Restraints.
  3. Disconnect the horn connector.
  4. Remove the steering wheel nut and the retaining clip.


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  6. Remove the steering wheel using the steering wheel puller KM-210-A.
  7. Unclip the contact ring from the steering wheel, if necessary.


S6B16E06
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Installation Procedure

  1. Clip the contact ring on the steering wheel, if necessary.
  2. Important : In order to install the steering wheel correctly, match-mark the steering column shaft to the steering wheel.

  3. Align the match marks on the steering wheel and the steering column shaft. Turn the signal-canceling cam on the wheel to the left.
  4. Install the retaining clip and the steering wheel nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the steering wheel nut to 38 N•m (28 lb-ft).

  6. Bend the tabs to secure the retaining clip.
  7. Install the SIR module. Refer to Section 8B, Supplemental Inflatable Restraints.
  8. Connect the negative battery cable.


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Ignition Lock Cylinder and Switch

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the lower steering column cover panel by removing the screws.


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  4. With the key in the ignition, turn to ACC and remove the lock cylilnder.
  5. To remove the lock cylinder of the switch cylinder housing, press down the detent spring with a 2.5 allen wrench, or other suitable tool, and pull out the lock cylinder.


    S6B16E09
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  6. Remove the ignition switch retaining screw.
  7. Disconnect the wiring and remove the ignition switch.


S6B16E09
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Installation Procedure

  1. Install the ignition switch with the ignition switch retaining screw.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the ignition switch retaining screw to 2 N•m(18 lb-in).

  3. Connect the wiring to the ignition switch.


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  5. Install the lock cylinder.
  6. Install the lower steering column cover panel with the screws.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).

  8. Connect the negative battery cable.


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Key Reminder Switch

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the lower steering column cover panel by removing screws.


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  4. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to "Steering Wheel with SIR" in this section.


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  6. Remove the key reminder switch screws and the key reminder switch.
  7. Disconnect the electrical connector.


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Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the electrical connector.
  2. Install the key reminder switch with screws.
  3. Tighten
    Tighten the key reminder switch screws to 2 N•m (18 lb-in).



    S6B16E01
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  4. Install the steering wheel. Refer to "Steering Wheel with SIR" in this section.
  5. Install the lower steering column cover panels with screws.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Iower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).



S6B16E01
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Key Hole Illumination

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the lower steering column cover panel by removing screws.


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  4. Remove the key hole illumination screw and key hole illumination.
  5. Disconnect the electrical connector.


S6B16E11
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Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the electrical connector.
  2. Install the key hole illumination with screw.
  3. Tighten
    Tighten the key hole illumination screw to 2 N•m (18 lb-in).



    S6B16E01
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  4. Install the upper and lower steering column cover panels and the screws.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the upper and lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).

  6. Connect the negative battery cable.

Steering Column

    Important : Remove the steering column only if:

    Notice : The steering column is extremely susceptible to damage after it has been removed from the vehicle. Dropping the column assembly on its end or hammering the end of the steering shaft can collapse the steering shaft or loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column can cause it to bend or deform. Any of the above damage can impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller.



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Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute to deactivate the airbag.
  2. Remove the switch levers. Refer to "Turn Signal Switch and Lever" and "Wiper Switch and Lever" in this section.
  3. Remove the lower instrument trim panel.
  4. Remove the upper and the lower steering column cover panels.


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  6. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to "Steering Wheel with SIR" in this section.
  7. Remove the clock spring. Refer to Section 8B, Supplemental Inflatasble Restraints(SIR).


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  9. Remove the key reminder switch screws and the key reminder switch.
  10. Remove the key hole illumination screw and the key hole illumination.


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  12. Remove the ignition switch and the lock cylinder. Refer to "Ignition Lock Cylinder and Switch" in this section.


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  14. Adjust the steering to the straight-ahead position.
  15. Remove the pinch bolt from the upper steering shaft coupling flange.


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  17. Remove the bolts holding the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket.


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  19. Remove the nuts holding the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.
  20. Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.


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Installation Procedure

    Important : For proper installation of the steering column, be sure the steering wheel spokes are centered diagonally and pointed downward, and that the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

  1. Place the alignment bushing onto the end of the steering column shaft.
  2. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the steering shaft coupling flange.
  3. Important : Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

  4. Install the pinch bolt into the non-threaded hole of the flange.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the coupling flange pinch bolt to 22 N•m(16 lb-ft).

  6. Slide the alignment bushing into the steering column housing.


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  8. Install the nuts for the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column jacket assembly front bracket nuts to 22 N•m (16 lb-ft).



    S6B16E14
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  10. Install the bolts for the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket bolts to 22 N•m (16 lb-ft).



    S6B16E12
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  12. Install the ignition switch and the lock cylinder. Refer to "Ignition Lock Cylinder and Switch" in this section.
  13. Install the key reminder switch and the key reminder switch screws.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the key reminder switch screws to 2 N•m(18 lb-in).



    S6B16E06
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  15. Install the steering wheel. Refer to "Steering Wheel whth SIR" in this section.


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  17. Install the lower instrument trim panel screws.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the lower instrument trim panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).

  19. Install the switch levers. Refer to "Turn Signal Switch and Lever" and "Wiper Switch and Lever" in his section.
  20. Inspect the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position. Refer to Section 6C, Power Steering Gear.
  21. Connect the negative battery cable.


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  23. Install the upper and the lower steering column cover panels and the screws.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the upper and the lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N•m (27 lb-in).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND SYSTEM OPERATION

Steering Wheel and Column

In addition to the steering function, the steering column provides safety and security.

Caution : To ensure energy-absorbing action, it is important to use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts, tightened to the specified torque.

The energy-absorbing column is designed to compress in a front-end collision to lessen the chance of driver injury.
The ignition switch and the lock are mounted on the column, allowing the ignition and steering operations to be locked to prevent theft of the car.
The column levers trigger the turn signals, the headlight beams, and the windshield washer and wipers.
A tilt steering column uses a spherical joint to allow the steering wheel to tilt up and down. This enables the driver to adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable driving position.

Notice : Apply a thin coat of lithium grease to all friction points when reassembling to ensure proper operation.

The column may be easily disassembled and assembled.

Ignition Key Reminder

The ignition key reminder alerts the driver that the key is still in the ignition when the driver attempts to exit the vehicle.
An internal switch in the ignition lock cylinder supplies battery voltage to the smart junction box when all of the following conditions are true:
For information on removal and installation of the smart junction box, refer to Section 9E, Instrumentation/Driver Information.


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