2002 JEEP LIBERTY steering column

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
2. Wrong gear. 2. Verify gear.
3. Tire Pressure 3. Adjust Tire Pressure
BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column Intermediate shaft
binding.6. Replace Intermediate Shaft.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
19 - 2 STEERINGKJ
STEERING (Continued)

COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION - SERVICE PRECAUTIONS......5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................7
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................8
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING COLUMN....................8
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION
SWITCH.............................8
REMOVAL
IGNITION SWITCH REMOVAL.............9INSTALLATION
IGNITION SWITCH INSTALLATION.........9
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - KEY-IN IGNITION
SWITCH............................10
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
The standard non-tilt and tilt steering column has
been designed to be serviced as an assembly. The col-
umn is connected to the steering gear with a one
piece shaft. The upper half has a support bearing
mounted to a bracket. The bracket mounts to the
frame rail with two nuts. The shaft is serviceable.
The key cylinder, switches, clock spring, trim shrouds
and steering wheel are serviced separately.
OPERATION - SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag,
refer to Electrical - Restraints and follow all WARN-
INGS and CAUTIONS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWOMINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.REMOVAL
(1) Position front wheelsstraight ahead.
(2) Remove and isolate the negative ground cable
from the battery.
(3) Remove the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, disconnect
clock spring harness from the cruise switch har-
ness on the steering wheel.
KJCOLUMN 19 - 5

(4) Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate
puller (Fig. 1) (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/
STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove knee blocker cover and knee blocker,
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL). (Fig. 2)
(6) Remove screws from the lower column shroud
(Fig. 3) and remove both the upper and lower
shrouds.
(7) Turn ignition key to the on position.(8) If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmis-
sion, disconnect shifter interlock cable from the col-
umn.
(9) Remove the steering coupler bolt and column
mounting nuts and bolts (Fig. 4) then lower column
off the mounting studs.
(10) Disconnect and remove the wiring harness
from the column (Fig. 5).
(11) Slide the shifter interlock cable from the tie
straps.
(12) Remove column.
(13) Transfer the necessary parts if needed.
(14) Remove clock spring (Fig. 6), switches, (SKIM
if equipped) (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
Fig. 1 Steering Wheel Puller
1 - PULLER C-3894-A
2 - STEERING WHEEL
Fig. 2 KNEE BLOCKER
Fig. 3 SHROUD REMOVAL/INSTALL
1 - Upper Shroud
2 - Lower Shroud
Fig. 4 STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING
1 - Steering Column
2 - Mounting Holes
19 - 6 COLUMNKJ
COLUMN (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Align and install column into the steering cou-
pler.(2) Install column harness and connect harness to
switches.
(3) Reroute the shifter interlock cable through the
tie straps.
(4) Install the column onto the mounting studs.
(5) Install the two mounting nuts and the two
mounting bolts all finger tight.
CAUTION: Lower nuts must be installed and tight-
ened first then the upper nuts in order to prevent
damage to the capsules.
(6) Tighten the lower mounting nuts to 17 N´m
(150 in. lbs.).
(7) Tighten the upper mounting nuts to 17 N´m
(150 in. lbs.).
(8) Install the steering column coupler bolt and
tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(9) Reconnect the shifter interlock cable.
(10) Center the clock spring (if necessary) and
install it on the column, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
(11) Snap together the column shrouds and install
the mounting screws.
(12) Install the knee blocker and the knee blocker
cover, (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
KNEE BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).
(13)
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.Install the
steering wheel and tighten bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING
WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, connect
clock spring harness to cruise switch harness on
the steering wheel.
(14) Install the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the negative battery terminal.
Fig. 5 WIRING HARNESS COLUMN
1 - Column Wiring Harness
2 - Multi-function Switch
3 - Ignition Switch
4 - Steering Column
Fig. 6 CLOCK SPRING
1 - Tilt Lever
2 - Ignition Switch
3 - Clockspring
4 - Steering Column
5 - SKIM
KJCOLUMN 19 - 7
COLUMN (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Tilt Steering Column
Steering Wheel Bolt54 40 Ð
Tilt Steering Column
Mounting Bolts17 Ð 150
Tilt Steering Column
Coupler Bolt49 36 Ð
Non-Tilt Steering Column
Steering Wheel Bolt54 40 Ð
Non-Tilt Steering Column
Mounting Bolts17 Ð 150
Non-Tilt Steering Column
Coupler Bolt49 36 Ð
Ignition Switch Screws 2 Ð 17
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING COLUMN
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The electrical ignition switch is located on the
steering column. It is used as the main on/off switch-
ing device for most electrical components. The
mechanical key lock cylinder is used to engage/disen-
gage the electrical ignition switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
For ignition switch electrical schematics, Refer to
the appropriate section for the component.
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO
ROTATE)
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a floor mounted shifter:a cable is
used to connect the interlock device in the steering
column assembly, to the transmission floor shift
lever. This interlock system is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is rotated to the LOCKED or ACCES-
SORY position. If the ignition key is difficult to
rotate to or from the LOCK or ACCESSORY position,
it may not be the fault of the key cylinder or the
steering column components. The brake transmission
shift interlock cable may be out of adjustment. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 30RH/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - ADJUSTMENTS).
The interlock system within the steering column is
not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering
column assembly must be replaced. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion and a floor mounted shifter:on certain mod-
els, a button is located on the steering column behind
the ignition key lock cylinder. The button must be
manually depressed to allow rotation of the ignition
key lock cylinder to the LOCK or ACCESSORY posi-
tion. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position, the lever mechanism may be
defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If
repair is necessary, the steering column assembly
must be replaced.(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN - REMOVAL).
Puller C-3894-A
19 - 8 COLUMNKJ
COLUMN (Continued)

REMOVAL
IGNITION SWITCH REMOVAL
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before removing ignition switch.
(1) Remove lower steering column cover screws
and remove cover.
(2) Remove lock cylinder.(Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN/KEY/LOCK CYLINDER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the multi-function switch.
(4) Disconnect the electrical connector at the rear
of the ignition switch.
(5) Remove the ignition switch mounting screw
(Fig. 7). Use tamper proof torx bit to remove the
screw.
(6) Pull the ignition switch straight out to remove
from the locking tabs (Fig. 8)
INSTALLATION
IGNITION SWITCH INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder installation. The key cylinder must be
aligned with the ignition switch for installation.
(1) Before installing ignition switch, rotate the slot
in the switch to the ON position (Fig. 9).
(2) Connect the electrical connector to rear of igni-
tion switch. Make sure that locking tab is fully
seated into wiring connector.
(3) Position the switch to the column and install
tamper proof screw. Tighten screw to 2 N´m (17 in.
lbs.).(4) Install the lock cylinder (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/KEY/LOCK CYLINDER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Test the operation of the lock cylinder for
smooth rotating.
(6) Install the multi-function switch.
(7) Install steering column lower cover.
Fig. 7 IGNITION SWITCH MOUNTING SCREW
1 - Tamper Proof Torx Screw
2 - Ignition Switch
Fig. 8 IGNITION SWITCH TABS
1 - Ignition Switch
2 - Locking Tabs
Fig. 9 IGNITION SWITCH ON POSITION
1 - Ignition Switch
2 - Rotate to On Position
KJCOLUMN 19 - 9
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The key-in ignition switch is integral to the igni-
tion switch, which is mounted on the left side of the
steering column, opposite the ignition lock cylinder.
It closes a path to ground for the instrument cluster
chime warning circuitry when the ignition key is
inserted in the ignition lock cylinder and the driver
door jamb switch is closed (driver door is open). The
key-in ignition switch opens the ground path when
the key is removed from the ignition lock cylinder.
The key-in ignition switch cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, the entire ignition switch must
be replaced. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/IG-
NITION SWITCH - REMOVAL).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - KEY-IN IGNITION
SWITCH
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, Refer to the
appropriate sections on the individual components.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the steering column shrouds. Unplug
the key-in ignition switch wire harness connector
from the ignition switch.
(2) Check for continuity between the key-in switch
sense circuit and the left front door jamb switch
sense circuit terminals of the key-in ignition switch.
There should be continuity with the key in the igni-
tion lock cylinder, and no continuity with the key
removed from the ignition lock cylinder. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty ignition switch
assembly.
(3) Check for continuity between the left front door
jamb switch sense circuit cavity of the key-in ignition
switch wire harness connector and a good ground.
There should be continuity with the driver door open,
and no continuity with the driver door closed. If OK,
see the diagnosis for Instrument Cluster in this
group. If not OK, repair the circuit to the driver door
jamb switch as required.
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before removing ignition switch.
(1) If equipped with an automatic transmission,
place shifter in PARK position.
(2) Remove the lower shroud cover.
(3) Remove the remote keyless entry (R.K.E.) mod-
ule.
(4) Remove the halo ring around the lock cylinder.
(5) Rotate key to ON position.
(6) A release tang is located on bottom of key cyl-
inder (Fig. 10).
(7) Position a small screwdriver or pin punch into
tang access hole on bottom of steering column (Fig.
11).
(8) Push the pin punch up while pulling key cylin-
der from steering column.
Fig. 10 LOCK CYLINDER RELEASE TANG
1 - Lock Cylinder
2 - Release Tang
19 - 10 COLUMNKJ

INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder installation.
(1) Install the lock cylinder into the housing using
care to align the end of the lock cylinder with the
ignition switch.
(2) Push the lock cylinder in until it clicks.
(3) Rotate the key to the lock position.
(4) install the halo ring around the lock cylinder
housing.
(5) Install the R.K.E. module.
(6) Install the lower shroud cover.
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove knee blocker cover and knee blocker,
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL).
(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tires in the
straight ahead position.
(4) Remove the lower column pinch bolt (Fig. 12).
(5) Lower the steering coupler shaft from the col-
umn.
(6) Remove the intermediate shaft seal by pushing
in the four tangs securing it to the panel (Fig. 12).
(7) Remove the center support bearing bracket
from the mount on the shock tower.
(8) Remove the lower coupler pinch bolt at the
steering gear (Fig. 12).
(9) Remove the coupler at the steering gear (Fig.
12).(10) Remove the intermediate shaft from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 12).
(11) Remove the center support bracket from the
steering shaft (if replacing the intermediate shaft).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the center support bracket to the steer-
ing shaft (if removed).
(2) Install the intermediate shaft to the vehicle
(Fig. 12).
(3) Install the coupler at the steering gear (Fig.
12).
(4) Install the lower coupler pinch bolt at the
steering gear and tighten the bolt to 49 N´m (36 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 12).
(5) Install the center support bearing bracket to
the mounting holes on the shock tower.
(6) Install the intermediate shaft seal by pushing
it in securing the four tangs to the panel (Fig. 12).
(7) Install the steering coupler shaft to the column.
(8) Install the lower column pinch bolt and tighten
the bolt to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 12).
(9) Unlock the steering wheel.
(10) Install the knee blocker cover and knee
blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
KNEE BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).
(11) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 11 LOCK CYLINDER RELEASE
1 - LOCK CYLINDER
2 - KEY
3 - PIN PUNCH
Fig. 12 STEERING COUPLER
1 - PINCH BOLT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - STEERING COUPLER
4 - PINCH BOLT
KJCOLUMN 19 - 11
LOCK CYLINDER (Continued)