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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHRYSLER2004PT CRUISER TOURING, 2.4 B, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSTEERINGSTEERING WHEEL & STEERING COLUMNCOLUMNINSTALLATIONINSTALLATION
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring, 2.4 B, Automatic

Steering Wheel & Steering Column: Column: Installation: Installation

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring, 2.4 B, AutomaticSECTION Installation
  1. If the steering column is being replaced, perform the following on the column before installing it on the vehicle:
    1. Ensure the ignition switch is positioned in the ON position if the ignition switch needs to be installed.
    2. If necessary, Install the ignition switch on the steering column by pushing the tapered end onto the shaft and steering column ignition cylinder housing. Install the screw securing the switch to the column. See Figure.
    3. Install the non-halo trim ring on the column until its tabs snap into place on the ignition cylinder housing. See Figure.
    4. If the column is equipped with a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), install the module on the column by sliding the module onto the non halo trim ring and installing the two mounting screws. See Figure. Tighten the mounting screws to a torque of 3 N.m (25 in. lbs.).
    5. Position the multi-function/windshield wiper switch in onto the top of the column and install the two screws securing the switch in place. See Figure.
    6. Place the clockspring onto the end of the column engaging the clockspring latch hooks into the column. See Figure.
    7. Install the ignition key cylinder in the steering column. To do this, first position the key cylinder in the ON position (with the key in it) so the retaining tab can be depressed. Push key cylinder into the column ignition cylinder housing until the retaining tab locks into place. See Figure.
    2. NOTE: When installing a tilt column, do not release the tilt lever from the locked position until after the column is installed on the instrument panel.
  2. Install the steering column into steering column access opening in the lower instrument panel.
  3. Align the slots in the mounting brackets on the steering column with the studs in the instrument panel (Figure) Loosely attach the column to the instrument panel lower mounting studs using the two lower mounting nuts.
  4. If the vehicle is equipped with a SKIM, Connect its wiring harness electrical connector. See Figure.
  5. Connect the wiring harness electrical connectors to the multi-function switch, windshield wiper switch, and ignition switch. See Figure.
  6. Connect the wiring harness electrical connector to the clockspring. See Figure.
  7. Lift the column into mounting position on the instrument panel and install the two upper mounting nuts. See Figure. Tighten all four (upper and lower) mounting nuts to a torque of 17 N.m (150 in. lbs.).
  8. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, connect the automatic transaxle ignition interlock cable to the steering column by pushing the end of the cable into the back side of the ignition cylinder housing until it snaps into place. See Figure.
  9. If not already positioned, position the steering column shaft in the correct position for mounting to the lower coupling. To do this, turn the steering wheel end of the shaft until the missing spline area on that end of the shaft faces straight up.
  10. Verify the front wheels of vehicle are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
    11. NOTE: Do not tighten the coupling pinch bolt anytime the vehicle is not at curb riding height. It may cause unwanted conditions within the steering column if the vehicle is suspended in any manner when the pinch bolt is tightened.
  11. Reconnect the steering column lower coupling to the steering column upper coupling. See Figure. Install the coupling pinch bolt an tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.). Install the pinch bolt retainer pin.
  12. Install the knee blocker.
  13. Install the silencer pad below the knee blocker panel.
    14. CAUTION: If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the centered position of travel, the clockspring needs to be recentered before installing the steering wheel. If the clockspring is not centered, it may be overextended, causing the clockspring to become inoperative.
  14. If necessary, recenter the clockspring. To center the clockspring, use the following procedure:
    • Using your fingers, rotate the clockspring rotor in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
    • From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two full turns and an additional one half turn in the COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION. (The wires should end up toward the top of the clockspring).
  15. Ensure the three foam rubber driver airbag retaining clip pads are still in place on the rear of the steering wheel. Replace any missing pads.
    Fig 1: Identifying Foam Rubber Pad Locations
    G01854608Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
    16. CAUTION: Do not install the steering wheel onto the shaft of the steering column by driving it onto the shaft.
  16. Feed the clockspring wiring leads through the hole in the steering wheel. Align the steering wheel's wide mounting spline with the steering column shaft missing spline area and push the wheel onto the shaft. Make sure the clockspring lines up with the back of the wheel and does not bind.
  17. Install the steering wheel retaining bolt and tighten it until the steering wheel is fully installed on shaft. Tighten the steering wheel retaining bolt to a torque of 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.).
  18. Connect the wiring harness connector to the speed control switch. See Figure.
  19. Connect the squib wire to the driver airbag module. See Figure. Make airbag connection by pressing straight in on the connector. The connector should be fully seated. Feel for positive snap to assure positive connection.
  20. Connect the horn switch electrical connector.
  21. Rotate the steering wheel 90 degrees in either direction.
  22. Place driver airbag into position and firmly snap both pins into place. Listen for the audible click at each pin. Visually check that both pins are properly seated between the legs of the clips. 
  23. Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds onto the steering column. See Figure. Snap the two shrouds together, then install and tighten the two screws securing the shrouds to the column.
    24. NOTE: When reconnecting the battery on a vehicle that has had the driver airbag removed, the following procedure should be used.
  24. Reconnect the ground cable to the negative post of the battery in the following manor:
    1. Connect a scan tool (DRBIII®) to the data link diagnostic connector located below the steering column.
    2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit the vehicle with the scan tool leaving the scan tool harness plugged in.
    3. Ensuring that there are no occupants in the vehicle, connect the ground (-) cable to the negative post of the battery.
    4. Using the scan tool, read and record any fault codes.
    5. Erase any stored faults if there are no active fault codes. If a problem exists, the fault code will not erase.
    6. Reach around behind the steering wheel (just in front of the instrument cluster) and turn the ignition key to OFF, then back ON while observing the instrument cluster airbag indicator lamp. It should go on for six to eight seconds, then go out. This will indicate that the airbag system is functioning normally. If airbag indicator lamp fails to light, blinks on and off, or goes on and stays on, there is an airbag system malfunction.
  25. Turn the key to OFF and remove the scan tool from the vehicle.
  26. Test the operation of the horn, wipers and any other functions that are steering column operated. If applicable, reset the radio and the clock.
  27. If the steering column is a tilt column, verify the tilt mechanism operates properly.
  28. Road test the vehicle to ensure proper operation of the steering system and the speed control system.
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  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
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