2004 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY steering

(21) Remove the clockspring (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOV-
AL). (Fig. 6)
(22) Remove the mounting plate with the multi-
function switch.
(23) Remove the halo-lamp.
(24) Remove the ignition key cylinder (Refer to 19
- STEERING/COLUMN/KEY/LOCK CYLINDER -
REMOVAL).
(25) Remove the BTSI.
INSTALLATION
To service the steering wheel components or the
airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL). Follow all WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS.(1) Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are
still in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before begin-
ning the column installation procedure.
(2) Install the BTSI.
(3) Install the ignition key cylinder (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/KEY/LOCK CYLINDER -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the halo-lamp.
(5) Install the mounting plate with the multi-func-
tion switch.
(6) Install the clockspring (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Install the steering column to the vehicle.
(8) Install the two upper mounting nuts
(9) Tighten the two lower mounting nuts and the
two upper mounting nuts. Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.).
Fig. 3 STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - PULLER
Fig. 4 SHIFT CABLE MOUNTING
1 - SHIFT CABLE MOUNT
2 - SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 5 PINCH BOLT
1 - PINCH BOLT
2 - STEERING COLUMN
Fig. 6 CLOCKSPRING
RSCOLUMN19-13
COLUMN (Continued)

(10) Install the coupling onto the intermediate
shaft and install the pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch
bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the cable from the bracket on the col-
umn, then install the pinch side clips.
(12) Reconnect the shift cable at the lever.
(13) Reconnect the wiring harness connectors to
the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo lamp,
SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI solenoid.
(14) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the vibration damper weight.
(16) Install the steering wheel retaining nut.
Tighten the nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
(17) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).
(19) Install the parking brake handle link.
(20) Install the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(21) Install the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
INSTALLATION).
(22) Install the upper shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - INSTAL-
LATION).
(23) Install the traction off switch.
(24) Install the lower shroud.
SPECIFICATIONS
COLUMN TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Driver Airbag Attaching Bolts 10 Ð 90
Steering Column Coupling
Pinch Bolt28 Ð 250
Steering Column Mounting
Nuts12 Ð 105
Steering Wheel Retaining
Nut61 45 Ð
IGNITION SWITCH
REMOVAL
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder
housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder (Fig. 7).
For ignition switch terminal and circuit identifica-
tion, refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining screws
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Ignition SwitchÐViewed From Below Column
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 - RETAINING TABS
Fig. 8 Steering Column Cover
1 - SCREWS
2 - STEERING COLUMN COVER
19 - 14 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)

(3) Remove parking brake release cable from han-
dle (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds (Fig. 10)and remove lower shroud.(5) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Depress
lock cylinder retaining tab and remove key cylinder
(Fig. 11).
(6) Remove ignition switch mounting screw (Fig.
12) with a #10 Torxttamper proof bit.
(7) Depress retaining tab (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 13) and
gently pry ignition switch from steering column (Fig.
14).
(8) Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition
switch and remove switch (Fig. 15).
Fig. 9 Parking Brake Release Cable
1 - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
2 - PARKING BRAKE HANDLE
Fig. 10 Steering Column Shroud Screws
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SCREWS
3 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHROUD
Fig. 11 Lock Cylinder Retaining Tab
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - RETAINING TAB
Fig. 12 Ignition Switch Mounting Screw
1 - MOUNTING SCREW
2 - IGNITION SWITCH
RSCOLUMN19-15
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION INTERLOCK
All vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles
have an interlock system. The system prevents shift-
ing the vehicle out of Park unless the ignition lock
cylinder is in the Unlock, Run or Start position. In
addition, the operator cannot rotate the key to the
lock position unless the shifter is in the park posi-
tion. On vehicles equipped with floor shift refer to
the - Transaxle for Automatic Transmission Shifter/
Ignition Interlock.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all Steering Col-
umn and Airbag Warnings and Cautions. (Refer to
19 - STEERING/COLUMN - WARNING)(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - WARNING)
(1) Remove battery ground cable terminal from
battery negative post and isolate.
(2) Under instrument panel, remove silencer panel
below lower steering column cover.
(3) Remove screws securing lower steering column
cover/knee blocker, then remove it (Fig. 17).
(4) Disconnect parking brake release link at
release handle.
(5) Compress tabs on sides of data link diagnostic
connector and remove it from knee blocker reinforce-
ment plate.(6) Remove screws securing knee blocker reinforce-
ment plate in place, then remove reinforcement plate
(Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the upper and lower column shrouds.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL)
(8) Unsnap the trim bezel on the instrument panel
between the instrument cluster and the steering col-
umn.
(9) Remove the 2 screws securing the steering col-
umn fixed shroud to the steering column (Fig. 18),
then remove the shroud.
(10) Remove the two screws holding the metal
cover in place below the shifter/ignition interlock
linkage (Fig. 19), then remove the cover.
Fig. 17 Lower Steering Column Cover And
Reinforcement
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - REINFORCEMENT PLATE
3 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN COVER/KNEE BLOCKER
Fig. 18 Fixed Shroud Mounting
1 - SCREWS
2 - SHROUD
Fig. 19 Cover Removal/Installation
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - SCREW
3 - COVER
RSCOLUMN19-17

(11) Disconnect the shifter/ignition interlock link
from the lever on the lock cylinder housing (Fig. 20).
(12) Remove the key cylinder. To do this:
²Turn the key, placing the key cylinder in the ON
position.
²Depress and hold the retaining tab on the bot-
tom of the lock cylinder housing (Fig. 21).
²Pull the key and key cylinder straight out of the
lock cylinder housing.
(13) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from the key cylinder halo lamp (Fig. 22).
(14) Remove the key cylinder halo lamp from the
lock cylinder housing.(15) Remove the ignition switch mounting screw
(Fig. 23).
(16) Depress the two retaining tabs (Fig. 24), then
remove the ignition switch from the lock cylinder
housing.
(17) Disconnect both tilt mechanism springs from
their mounting posts on the tilt housing (Fig. 25),
then move them to the side out of the way (Fig. 26).
(18) While supporting the lock cylinder housing,
remove both mounting screws securing the lock cyl-
inder housing to the column (Fig. 26).
(19) Remove the lock cylinder housing from the
bottom of the steering column.
Fig. 20 Shifter/Ignition Interlock Linkage
Disconnected
1 - LEVER
2 - LINK
3 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
Fig. 21 Cylinder Retaining Tab
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - RETAINING TAB
Fig. 22 Wiring Harness Connection To Halo Lamp
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
3 - WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - IGNITION SWITCH HALO LIGHT
Fig. 23 Ignition Switch Mounting Screw
1 - MOUNTING SCREW
2 - IGNITION SWITCH
19 - 18 COLUMNRS
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lock cylinder housing in the bottom
of the steering column lining up the mounting holes.
(2) Install the self-tapping lock cylinder housing
mounting screws through the top of the column into
the housing (Fig. 26). Tighten the two mounting
screws to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect both tilt mechanism springs back onto
their mounting posts making sure the spring hooks
engage the grooves in the posts (Fig. 25).
(4) Ensure that the ignition switch and the actua-
tor shaft in the lock cylinder housing are in the ON
position.
(5) Carefully install the ignition switch over the
actuator shaft (Fig. 27). The switch will snap over
the retaining tabs on the housing.(6) Install the ignition switch mounting screw (Fig.
23).
(7) Install the key cylinder halo lamp on the lock
cylinder housing.
(8) Install the vehicle wiring harness connector
onto the key cylinder halo lamp (Fig. 22).
(9) Install the key cylinder (with key in it turned
to the ON position) by sliding it straight into the lock
cylinder housing aligning the retaining tab on the
key cylinder with the hole in the lock cylinder hous-
ing.
(10) Turn the key to the OFF position and remove
the key.
(11) Connect the shifter/ignition interlock link to
the lever on the lock cylinder housing by aligning the
Fig. 24 Ignition Switch Retaining Tabs
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 - RETAINING TABS
Fig. 25 Tilt Mechanism Spring Removal/Installation
1 - SPRINGS
2 - POST
3 - GROOVE
Fig. 26 Lock Cylinder Housing Mounting Screw
Location
1 - SPRINGS
2 - MOUNTING SCREWS
Fig. 27 Ignition Switch Installation
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - ACTUATOR SHAFT
3 - RETAINING TABS
RSCOLUMN19-19
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING (Continued)

retaining tab on the lever with the ramp on the link
(Fig. 20), then pushing the two together.
(12) Install the metal cover in place below the
shifter/ignition interlock linkage using the two
screws (Fig. 19).
(13) Install the steering column fixed shroud on
the steering column (Fig. 18) using its 2 mounting
screws.
(14) Install the trim bezel on the instrument panel
above the steering column. The trim bezel is
mounted to the instrument panel using 2 screws (one
on each side of the column) and retaining clips.
(15) Install the lower and upper steering column
shrouds. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/
LOWER SHROUD - INSTALLATION)
(16) Install the knee blocker reinforcement plate
(Fig. 17).
(17) Connect the parking brake release link to the
release handle.
(18) Install the data link diagnostic connector to
the mounting hole in the reinforcement plate.
(19) Install the lower steering column cover/knee
blocker (Fig. 17).
(20) Connect the negative (ground) cable to the
battery terminal.
KEY/LOCK CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION
The lock cylinder is inserted in the end of the
housing opposite the ignition switch.
OPERATION
The ignition key rotates the cylinder to 5 different
detents (Fig. 28) :
²Accessory
²Off (lock)
²Unlock
²On/Run
²Start
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining
screws.
(3) Remove screws holding steering column
shrouds and remove lower shroud.
(4) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Depress
lock cylinder retaining tab on the bottom of the lock
housing and remove key cylinder.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install key in lock cylinder. Turn key to run
position (retaining tab on lock cylinder can be
depressed).
(2) The shaft at the end of the lock cylinder aligns
with the socket in the end of the housing. To align
the socket with the lock cylinder, ensure the socket is
in the Run position (Fig. 29) .
(3) Align the lock cylinder with the grooves in the
housing. Slide the lock cylinder into the housing
until the tab sticks through the opening in the hous-
ing.
(4) Turn the key to the Off position. Remove the
key.
(5) Install lower steering column shroud.
(6) Install steering column cover.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 28 Ignition Lock Cylinder Detents
Fig. 29 Socket in Lock Cylinder Housing
1 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
2 - SOCKET
19 - 20 COLUMNRS
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING (Continued)

GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the upper and lower shrouds (Refer to
19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the fixed shroud from the column.
(6) Disconnect the electrical connector to the BTSI.
(7) Remove the two screws securing the BTSI to
the steering column. (Fig. 30)
(8) Disconnect the SKIM electrical wire connector.
(9) Remove the SKIM from the steering column.
(10) Disconnect the autostick wiring connector (if
equipped with autostick).
(11) Disconnect the shifter cable at the shifter.
(12) Remove the three screws securing the shifter
to the steering column. (Fig. 31)
(13) Remove the shift lever from the column.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the shifter cable to the shifter.
(2) Install the three screws securing the shifter to
the steering column.
(3) Install the shifter cable at the handle.
(4) Install the SKIM to the steering column.
(5) Reconnect the SKIM electrical wire connector.(6) Reconnect the autostick wiring connector (if
equipped with autostick).
(7) Install the two screws securing the BTSI to the
steering column.
(8) Reconnect the electrical connector to the BTSI.
(9) Install the fixed shroud to the column.
(10) Install the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the upper and lower shrouds (Refer to
19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD -
INSTALLATION).
(12) Install the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).
(13) Install the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION).
SHROUD - LOWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two shroud-to-shroud mounting
screws from the lower shroud (Fig. 32).
(2) Unsnap the upper shroud from the lower on
the left side as follows:
(a) Hook a finger on the left hand around the
rear of the shrouds at the seam (Fig. 33), near the
snap points.
(b) Grasp the upper shroud at the rear using the
right hand (Fig. 33).
(c) As the left hand's hooked finger is pulled out-
ward against the seam, pull the upper shroud
upward using the right hand, disconnecting the
shroud snaps.
Fig. 30 SHIFT LEVER / B.T.S.I
1 - B.T.S.I.
2 - SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 31 SHIFT LEVER
RSCOLUMN19-21