Column Cover Removal/Installation

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before doing repairs or service.

1. Release the tilt/telescopic lock lever, tilt the steering wheel to fully down, and pull it fully out.
2. Insert a suitable sized screwdriver or equivalent tool (A) along the guide rib (B) into the lever hole in the lower column cover (C).
   Fig 1: Identifying Tool, Guide Rib And Lower Column Cover

   
3. Release the hook (D) located on the left side of the upper column cover. The right side hook on the upper column cover can't be released from the inside.
4. Turn the steering wheel to left. Release the pawl (A) of the upper column cover (B) while pushing the lower column cover from the front side. Carefully release the hooks, noting the hooks (C) may break if upper column cover is pulled up too hard.
   Fig 2: Identifying Pawl, Upper Column Cover And Hooks

   
5. Turn the steering wheel to right. Release the pawl on the upper column cover the same as the step 4.
6. Separate the upper column cover (A) from the lower column cover (B) by pulling up it lightly. Release the pins (C) of the cover to remove it.
   Fig 3: Identifying Upper Column Cover, Lower Column Cover, Screws And Pins

   
7. Remove the screws (D, E), then remove the column lower cover.
8. If necessary, remove these items, then remove the clips and release the Velcro fastener (A), then pull out the column cover seal (B) from dashboard.
   • Instrument upper visor (see INSTRUMENT UPPER VISOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
   • Dashboard driver's lower cover (see DRIVER'S DASHBOARD LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
   Fig 4: Identifying Velcro Fastener And Column Cover Seal

   
9. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
   • If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
   • Push the clips and the hooks into place securely.