Removal Procedure

Important:  If the steering column connectors are disconnected with the ignition in the ON position, the BCM will enter a fail enable mode and prevent steering column lock operation. The PCM will also inhibit vehicle motion by disabling fuel. To clear the BCM fail enable mode, disconnect the BCM fuse #25 for 15 seconds.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Turn the steering wheel far enough to the left to gain access to the upper coupling bolt.
3. Remove the upper coupling bolt.
   Fig 1: Removing Upper Coupling Bolt

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Turn the steering wheel back to the right until the wheels are in a straight ahead position. Lock the steering column.
5. Install J 42640  to the steering column.
6. Remove the trim panel from the driver knee bolster. Refer to TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - KNEE BOLSTER in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
7. Remove the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to BRACKET REPLACEMENT - KNEE BOLSTER (DRIVER) or BRACKET REPLACEMENT - KNEE BOLSTER (DRIVER OUTER) or BRACKET REPLACEMENT - KNEE BOLSTER (PASSENGER) in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
   Fig 2: Removing Driver Knee Bolster Bracket

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the instrument panel (I/P) wiring harness.
9. Remove the nuts from lower steering column support plate (1).
   Fig 3: Removing Nuts From Lower Steering Column Support Plate

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Remove the upper steering column bracket nuts from the upper reinforcement assembly (3).
    Fig 4: Removing Upper Steering Column Bracket Nuts From Upper Reinforcement Assembly

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Slide the steering column (2) off of the intermediate shaft.
    NOTE: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.
12. Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle. Rotate the steering column clockwise as the bottom of the steering column reaches the reinforcement assembly. This will allow the telescoping steering column motor and the steering wheel position sensor room to clear the I/P brace.
13. Install the steering column onto J 41352. 
    Fig 5: Installing Steering Column Onto J 41352

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.