Service Manual2004 STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN

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.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

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

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

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 inhibit 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 position.

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

The column may be disassembled and reassembled easily.

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 reminder chime module when all of the following conditions are true:

The key is in the ignition switch.
The ignition is OFF.
The driver's door is open.

For information on removal and installation of the reminder chime module, refer to Section 9E, Instrumentation/Driver Information.

COMPONENT LOCATOR

STEERING WHEEL & COLUMN

Horn Cap (Airbag Module)
Steering Wheel
Horn Switch
Audio Remote Control Switch
Steering Column Upper Cover
Steering Column Lower Cover
Turn Signal Switch
Wiper Switch
Steering Column Assembly
Steering Wheel Nut
Washer
Oil-Ring
Steering Column Shaft Upper Bearing
Snap Ring
Steering Column Shaft
Steering Column Shaft Lower Bearing
Horn Contact
Switch Housing
Lock Housing Clamp
Steering Column Jacket
Steering Column Lower Mounting Nut
Tilt Column Bracket
Lever Stop Bracket
Tilt Lever Handle
Steering Lock Housing Assembly
Ignition Switch
Steering Column Upper Mounting Nut

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

STEERING EFFORT INSPECTION

Inspection Procedure

Place a vehicle on the paved flat ground with front wheels in a straight ahead position.
Start the engine and run it at 1,000rpm.
Using a scale, measure the steering effort in both directions.

Standard

Max. 30mm (1.1811 inch)

Notice : The difference in steering effort of left and right should be within 0.6kg.

STEERING COLUMN DIAGNOSIS

Lock System

Lock System Will Not Unlock

Check	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.	Replace the steering column as needed.

Lock System Will Not Lock

Check	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.	Replace the steering column as needed.

High Lock Effort

Check	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

Check	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. Reset the ignition switch..

Column

Noise in the Column

Check	Action
Check the steering gear-to-column joints for improper installation.	Tighten the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolts. Replace the steering shaft joints as needed.
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear or damage.	Replace the steering column as needed.
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

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

Lash in the Steering Column

Check	Action
Check the steering column bracket mounting nuts for improper Installation Note.	Tighten the steering column bracket mounting bolts.
Check for broken weld nuts on the steering column jacket.	Replace the steering column as needed.

Loose Steering Wheel

Check	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.	Replace the steering column as needed.

Noise When Tilting the Column

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

Turn Signal/Dimmer Switch

Turn Signal Will Not Stay in the Turn Position

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

Turn Signal Will Not Cancel

Check	Action
Check the canceling mechanism for broken or missing components.	Replace the canceling mechanism.

Turn Signal/Dimmer Switch Difficult to Operate

Check	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

Check	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

Check	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

Check	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

Check	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

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

Ignition Switch

Electrical System Will Not Function

Check	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

Check	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 Control Switch Lever

Switch Inoperative: No LOW, HIGH, INTERMITTENT or WASH

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

REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AND LEVER/WIPER SWITCH AND LEVER

Removal and Installation Procedure

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the upper and the lower steering column cover screws.
Remove the upper and the lower steering column cover.

Remove the turn signal switch and the wiper switch by pushing in on the tabs on the top and the bottom of the switch housing.
Disconnect the electrical connectors from the turn signal switch and the wiper switch.
Remove the turn signal switch and the wiper switch.

STEERING WHEEL WITH SIR

Tools Required

DW 310-010 Steering Wheel Puller

Removal and Installation Procedure

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the SIR module. Refer to Section 8B, Supplemental Inflatable Restraints.
Remove the steering wheel nut and the connectors.

Installation Notice

Tightening Torque

38 N•m (28 lb-ft)

Removal Notice

In order to install the steering wheel correctly, match mark the steering column shaft to the steering wheel.

Remove the steering wheel using the steering wheel puller DW 310-010.

Installation Notice

Align the match marks on the steering wheel and the steering column shaft.

IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND SWITCH

Removal and Installation Procedure

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the upper and the lower steering column cover by removing the screws.
On vehicles equipped with an immobilizer control unit, disconnect the electrical connector from the immobilizer control unit. Refer to Section 9T, Immobilizer Anti-Theft System.

With the key in the ignition turned to the position designated ACC, remove the lock cylinder by pressing down the detent spring with a 2.5mm allen wrench or other suitable tool, and pulling the lock cylinder out of the switch cylinder housing.

Remove the ignition switch retaining screw.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch and remove the ignition switch.

STEERING COLUMN

(Left-Hand Drive Shown, Right-Hand Drive Similar)

Important : Remove the steering column only if the following conditions exist:

The steering column requires replacement.
The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.

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 the 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.

Removal and Installation Procedure

Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute to deactivate the airbag.
Remove the upper and the lower steering column cover by removing the screws.
Remove the lower instrument trim panel. Refer to Section 9E, Instrumentation/Driver Information.

Disconnect the airbag electrical connections.
Remove the immobilizer module, if equipped. Refer to Section 9T, Immobilizer Anti-Theft system.

Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connection.

Adjust the steering to the straight-ahead position.
Make a mark on the steering column shaft that lines up with a mark on the intermediate shaft upper universal joint.
Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft universal joint.

Installation Notice

Tightening Torque

22 N•m (16 lb-ft)

When attaching the upper universal joint, the marks on the intermediate shaft and on the steering column shaft should line up.

Remove the steering column lower mounting nuts.

Installation Notice

Tightening Torque

23 N•m (17 lb-ft)

Remove the steering column upper mounting nuts that hold the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.

Installation Notice

Tightening Torque

23 N•m (17 lb-ft)

For proper installation of the steering column, be sure the steering wheel spokes are centered diagonally and pointed downward and the front wheels are positioned in the straight-ahead position.
Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

UNIT REPAIR

TILT STEERING COLUMN

The tilt steering column is not unit repair serviceable. If the tilt steering column is defective, you must replace the tilt steering column assembly.

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Application		Unit	Description
Steering Wheel	Diameter	With Airbag	mm (inch)	385 (15.2)
	Diameter	Without Airbag	mm (inch)	385 (15.2)
	Free Play		mm (inch)	Max. 30mm (1.1811 inch)

FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Application	N•m	Lb-Ft	Lb-In
Steering Wheel Nut	38	28	-
Intermediate Shaft Upper Pinch Bolt	22	16	-
Steering Column Lower Mounting Nut	23	17	-
Steering Column Upper Mounting Nut	23	17	-

SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

SPECIAL TOOLS TABLE

310-010

Steering Wheel Puller