2006 DODGE RAM SRT-10 automatic transmission

DESCRIPTION - SRT10
The SRT-10 column has noSTARTposition on the key cylinder. The push starter button switch is mounted on the
Instrument panel center stack. All SRT-10 columns are Tilt columns, Standard cab trucks come with manual trans-
missions, Quad cab trucks come equipped with automatic transmissions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN
If the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployedthe column must be inspected. This
inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the columnmounting capsules visually and manually
push and pull them to check for separation or fractures. If capsules are fractured or have moved the column MUST
be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Refer to electrical
restraint system for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag
and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.
1. Position the front wheelsstraight ahead.
2. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
3. Remove the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
4. Remove the steering wheel (1) with special tool
CJ98–1 (2) or an appropriate steering wheel puller.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING
WHEEL - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully
engaged into the steering wheel and not into the
clockspring, before attempting to remove the
wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering
wheel/clockspring.

8. Remove the clock spring, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
9. Disconnect the wiring harness (8) to the column.
10. Remove the shift cable (5) from the column shift
lever actuator (4) (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR SHIFT
CABLE - REMOVAL).
11. Release the shift cable (5) from the column
bracket (7) and remove it from the bracket.
12. Remove the upper steering shaft coupler bolt (2).
13. Separate the shaft from the coupler (3).
14. Remove the brake light switch (2) and discard
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
15. Remove the four steering column mounting nuts
(1 & 3).

IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The ignition switch (1) is located on the steering col-
umn. It is used as the main on/off switching device for
most electrical components. The mechanical key cylin-
der is used to engage/disengage the electrical ignition
switch.
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a steering column mounted shifter:an interlock
device is located within the shift cable. This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK
position when the key cylinder is in any position and the brake pedal is not depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
IGNITION SWITCH
TEST AND REPAIR
If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle with
a automatic transmission first adjust the shift linkage
(5), (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AU-
TOMATIC - 46RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - ADJUST-
MENTS).
If the ignition switch (1) effort is excessive remove the
ignition key cylinder (3) from the steering column.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER
HOUSING - REMOVAL). Check the turning effort of
the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is
excessive replace the key cylinder (3).

REMOVAL
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission is not equipped with an
internal locking shaft with the ignition cylinder. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for ser-
vice will have to be used.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, Refer to Electrical Restraints and follow all WARNINGS and CAU-
TIONS.
WARNING: The airbag system is a sensitive, complex electro-mechanical unit. Before attempting to diag-
nose, remove or install the airbag system components you must first disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable. Then wait two minutes for the system capacitor todischarge. Failure to do so
could result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personalinjury. The fasteners, screws, and
bolts, originally used for the airbag components, have special coatings and are specifically designed for the
airbag system. They must never be replaced with any substitutes. Anytime anew fastener is needed,
replace with the correct fasteners provided in the service package or fasteners listed in the parts books.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bearing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts to disassemble the tilting mechanism.
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 the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
2. Disable the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG- REMOVAL).
3. Remove the kneeblocker and steering column reinforcement panel.
4. Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
5. Remove key cylinder. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING - REMOVAL).
6. Remove the tilt lever release knob bracket. (if
equipped).

UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
2. Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the straight position.
3. Remove and discard the lower pinch bolt.
4. Lower the steering coupler shaft from the column.
5. Remove the upper steering coupling shaft (2) seal
by pushing in the four tags (1) securing it to the
panel.
6. Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch bolt
(1) from the lower steering coupling shaft (1).
7. Remove the upper steering coupling shaft (3) from
the vehicle.

LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
ALLLD&HDEXCEPT4X4HD
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
3. Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the straight position.
4. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
5. Mark both coupler connections for proper installation.
6. Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch bolt.
7. Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch bolt.
8. Remove the lower steering shaft coupler.
4X4 HD
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
3. Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the straight position.
4. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gear is made up of two
main components, the pinon shaft and the rack. The
gear cannot be adjusted or internally serviced. If a
malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear must be
replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
1. Lock the steering wheel.
2. Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
3. Raise the vehicle.
4. Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch bolt.
5. Remove the power steering hoses from the rack & pinion.
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
7. Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie rod ends from the knuckles withpuller8677(Referto19-STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
8. Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).
9. Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts (1).

GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (6). The gear ratio’s used are 12.5:1.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the worm shaft and rack piston. Theworm shaft is supported by a thrust
bearing at the lower end and a bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm shaft is turned from input from
the steering column the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm
shaft, turns the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
REMOVAL
1. Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead position.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
2. Lock the steering wheel.
3. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible.
4. Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - REMOVAL).