(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
STEERING COLUMNÐYJ
INDEX
page page
Assembly............................... 63
Assembly............................... 71
Column Replacement...................... 58
Disassembly............................. 66DisassemblyÐColumn or Console Shift......... 60
Non-Tilt Steering Column................... 60
Steering Wheel........................... 58
Tilt Steering Column....................... 66
The column may be disassembled and reassembled.
Also most steering column components can be serviced
without removing the column from the vehicle. For ad-
ditional information, refer to Group 8H, Electrical.
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft and gear shift tube 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.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Make sure the front wheels are in thestraight
aheadposition.
(2) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the
battery.
(3) Remove the horn contact components (Fig. 1).(4) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut and
the vibration damper, if equipped. Score or paint
alignment marks on the column shaft and steering
wheel (if none exist) for installation reference.
(5) Remove the steering wheel with Puller 7591
(Fig. 2).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering wheel with the scored or
painted marks aligned.
(2) Install the retaining nut and tighten to 34 Nzm
(25 ft. lbs.) torque.Force the steering wheel down
on the shaft with the retaining nut only.
(3) Install the horn contact components (Fig. 1).
(4) Connect the battery ground (negative) cable.
COLUMN REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft and gear shift tube must be
avoided during all service procedures.
Fig. 1 Horn Pad Removal/Installation
Fig. 2 Steering Wheel Removal
19 - 58 STEERINGJ
(1) Make sure the front wheels are in thestraight
aheadposition.
(2) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the
battery.
(3) Remove steering wheel from column, refer to
Steering Wheel-Removal.
(4) Column shift vehicles, disconnect the shift ca-
ble grommet by prying it from the shift lever.
(5) Disconnect the column shaft to steering gear
coupler upper bolt (Fig. 3).
(6) Remove the lower portion of the instrument
panel, refer to Group 8E, Instrument Panel.
(7) Remove two nuts holding steering column
bracket to brake sled (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove four bolts holding steering column
bracket to column.(9) Disconnect the following items from the steer-
ing column connectors:
²Ignition switch wire harness
²Dimmer switch wire harness
²Turn signal switch wire harness
²Windshield wiper wire harness
²Cruise control wire harness (if equipped)
(10) Remove the bolts that attach the toe plate to
the floor pan (Fig. 5).
(11) Carefully remove column from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on the
steering column shaft and gear shift tube must be
avoided during all service procedures.
(1) Carefully position column in vehicle.
(2) Align the column shaft to steering gear cou-
pling. Install and tighten the bolt to 34 Nzm (25 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(3) As applicable, connect the following items to
the steering column connectors:
²Ignition switch wire harness
²Dimmer switch wire harness
²Turn signal switch wire harness
²Windshield wiper wire harness
²Cruise control wire harness (if equipped)
(4) Install the support bracket on the column (Fig.
4) and tighten the bolts to 30 Nzm (270 in. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Install and tighten the column to brake sled
bolts (Fig. 4) to 30 Nzm (270 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 3 Column Shaft Coupler
Fig. 4 Column Bracket
Fig. 5 Steering Column Mounting
JSTEERING 19 - 59
(6) Column shift vehicles, install the shift cable
grommet on the shift lever.
(7) Install and tighten the toe plate to floor pan
bolts/nuts to 21.5 Nzm (192 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 5).
(8) Install the lower portion of the instrument
panel, refer to Group 8E, Instrument Panel.
(9) Install steering wheel on column, refer to Steer-
ing Wheel-Installation.
(10) Connect the negative (ground) cable to the
battery.
NON-TILT STEERING COLUMN
DISASSEMBLYÐCOLUMN OR CONSOLE SHIFT
Steering column removal from the vehicle is not
necessary for;
²Lockplate cover
²Lockplate
²Steering shaft retaining ring
²Canceling cam
²Turn signal switch
²Upper bearing preload spring
²Ignition key/lock cylinder service
The steering column must be removed from
the vehicle to service any other component.
(1) If the column is removed for service, fabricate a
support fixture to clamp it in a vise (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the re-
moval procedure.
(3) Remove the lockplate cover.
WARNING: THE LOCKPLATE RETAINS A VERY
STRONG, SPRING FORCE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TOREMOVE THE STEERING SHAFT RETAINING SNAP
RING WITHOUT USING LOCKPLATE COMPRESSOR
C-4156.
(4) Compress the lockplate with Compressor
C-4156 and release the steering shaft retaining snap
ring (Fig. 2).
(5) Remove the lockplate compressor tool and the
retaining snap ring. Discard the snap ring.
CAUTION: When the steering shaft retaining snap
ring is removed, the steering shaft is no longer re-
tained within the column.
(6) Remove the lockplate, canceling cam, upper
bearing preload spring, and the thrust washer from
the steering column/shaft (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove the hazard warning switch knob. Press
the knob inward and remove it from the column by
turning it counterclockwise.
(8) Remove the turn signal/wiper/cruise control
stalk by pulling it out straight from the column.
Wiper must be in the off position.
(9) Disconnect the turn signal wire harness con-
nector from the bracket.
CAUTION: Wrap tape around the turn signal
switch wire harness connector (Fig. 4) to prevent it
from becoming entangled during removal.
(10) Remove the turn signal switch retaining
screws (Fig. 5), dimmer switch actuator arm, to re-
move the switch. Guide the switch straight up and
out of the steering column.
Fig. 1 Steering Column Support Fixture
Fig. 2 Retaining Snap Ring Removal
19 - 60 STEERINGJ
(6) Position the turn signal switch and wire har-
ness in the cylinder housing. Fold the wires against
the connector. Route the connector down through the
steering column jacket.
(7) Install the windshield wiper wire harness and
switch. Route the wire harness down through steer-
ing column jacket.
(8) Align the turn signal switch in the housing and
secure the switch with the attaching screws. Tighten
the screws to 4 Nzm (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the dimmer switch actuator arm.
Tighten the attaching screws to 4 Nzm (35 in. lbs.)
torque.
(10) If equipped, install the cruise control wire har-
ness. Install the turn signal stalk by pushing it
straight into the column.
(11) Position the thrust washer, the upper bearing
preload spring and the canceling cam on the steering
shaft (Fig. 18).
(12) Place the turn signal switch in the neutral
(OFF) position and install the hazard warning switch
knob.
(13) Position the lockplate on the steering shaft.
Install a replacement lockplate retaining snap ring
on the sleeve of the Lock Plate Compressor C-4156.
Install the tool on the steering shaft (Fig. 19).
(14) Compress the lockplate with the compressor
tool and position the retaining snap ring in the steer-
ing shaft groove.
(15) Ensure that the retaining snap ring is com-
pletely seated in the groove before removing the tool.
Remove the tool and install the lockplate cover.(16) Install the steering wheel. Refer to the instal-
lation procedure. Tighten the steering wheel retain-
ing nut to 34 Nzm (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) If removed, install the steering column in the
vehicle. Refer to the installation procedure.
(18) If disconnected, connect the battery negative
cable and, if equipped, reset the clock
Fig. 17 Key/Lock Cylinder InstallationFig. 18 Canceling Cam Position
Fig. 19 Lockplate Snap Ring Installation
JSTEERING 19 - 65
TILT STEERING COLUMN
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the steering column from the vehicle, if
necessary. Refer to the removal procedure.
(2) If the column is removed for service, fabricate a
support fixture to clamp it in a vise (Fig. 1).
(3) If the steering column has not been removed
from the vehicle, place the front wheels in the
straight-ahead position. Disconnect the battery nega-
tive cable.
(4) Protect the painted areas on the steering col-
umn.
(5) Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the re-
moval procedure.
(6) Column shift: Remove the gear selector lever
retaining pin and the lever from the housing.
(7) Remove the lockplate cover. Use two small pry
bars to pry the cover off the lockplate.
WARNING: THE LOCKPLATE RETAINS A VERY
STRONG, SPRING FORCE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
REMOVE THE STEERING SHAFT RETAINING SNAP
RING WITHOUT USING LOCKPLATE COMPRESSOR
C-4156.
(8) Compress the lockplate with Lock Plate Com-
pressor C-4156 and release the steering shaft retain-
ing snap ring (Fig. 2).
(9) Remove the lockplate compressor tool and the
retaining snap ring. Discard the snap ring.
(10) Remove the lockplate, canceling cam, upper
bearing preload spring, and the thrust washer from
the steering column/shaft.(11) Remove the hazard warning switch knob.
Press the knob inward and remove it from the steer-
ing column by turning it counterclockwise.
(12) If the steering column is the column shift
type, remove the two retaining screws and the gear
selector indicator cover.
(13) If the steering column is the column shift
type, remove the gear selector indicator lamp bracket
retaining screw. Do not remove the lamp and bracket
at this time.
(14) Remove the tilt-release lever.
(15) Disconnect the turn signal wire harness con-
nector from the bracket located at the lower end of
the steering column (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Wrap tape around the turn signal switch
wire harness connector to prevent it from becoming
entangled during removal.
(16) Remove the plastic protector from the wire
harness.
(17) Remove the turn signal switch retaining
screws (Fig. 4), dimmer switch actuator arm, to re-
move the switch. Guide the switch straight up and
out of the steering column.
(18) Remove the windshield wiper switch wire har-
ness and all the other wire harnesses located within
the steering column.
(19) Insert the ignition switch key into the key/lock
cylinder. Turn the key to the ON position.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the key warn-
ing buzzer switch and contacts separately. If sepa-
rated, the contacts can detach and drop into the
steering column.
Fig. 1 Steering Column Support Fixture
Fig. 2 Lockplate Snap Ring Removal
19 - 66 STEERINGJ
(36) If equipped, install the cruise control wire har-
ness. Install the turn signal stalk by pushing it
straight into the column.
(37) Insert the hazard warning knob in the hazard
warning switch and press it inward. Align and install
the turn signal switch retaining screws. Ensure that
the turn signal switch is properly seated before tight-
ening the screws. Tighten the screws to 4 Nzm (33 in.
lbs.) torque. Thread the hazard warning switch knob
into the switch and pull the knob outward.
(38) Install and seat the upper bearing race in the
key/lock cylinder housing.
(39) Install the upper bearing preload spring, the
canceling cam and the lockplate.
(40) Install a replacement lockplate retaining snap
ring on the sleeve of the Lock Plate Compressor
C-4156. Install the tool on the steering shaft (Fig.
24).
(41) Compress the lockplate with the compressor
tool and position the retaining snap ring in the steer-
ing shaft groove.
(42) Remove the compressor tool. Ensure that the
retaining ring is completely seated in the groove be-
fore removing the tool.
(43) Position the wire harness protectors if
equipped, over the harnesses and snap in place on
steering column.
(44) Install the lockplate cover.
(45) Install the gear selector lever and the retain-
ing pin.
(46) Install the steering wheel. Refer to the instal-
lation procedure.
(47) Insert the ignition key in the key/lock cylin-
der; turn the cylinder to the OFF-UNLOCK position ;
move the ignition switch downward to eliminate any
switch-to-remote rod lash; and tighten the ignition
switch attaching screws to 4 Nzm (35 in. lbs.) torque.(48) Depress the dimmer switch slightly and insert
a 3/32-inch drill bit into the adjustment hole.
(49) Loosen the retaining screws and move the
dimmer switch toward the steering wheel. Tighten
the dimmer switch retaining screws to 4 Nzm (35 in.
lbs.) torque.
(50) Remove the drill bit and test operation by
moving the dimmer switch stalk. Test the dimmer
switch operation in the full-up, down and center
steering wheel positions.
(51) Install the steering column, if applicable. Re-
fer to the installation procedure.
Fig. 24 Lockplate Retaining Ring Installation
JSTEERING 19 - 73