2002 Kia Rio Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering Column: Removal

WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result. Read and follow all WARNINGS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM before working on air bag system or related components.
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Center the front wheels to the straight ahead position.
    Fig 1: Centering The Front Wheels
    G01106053Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  3. Remove the horn cap bolts and remove the horn cap.
  4. Disconnect the horn switch electrical connector.
  5. Make an alignment mark on the steering wheel and the steering shaft for proper installation.
  6. Remove the steering wheel nut.
    Fig 2: Removing The Steering Wheel Nut
    G01106054Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  7. Install suitable steering wheel puller tool and remove the steering wheel. Route the wire harness through the steering wheel as the wheel is lifted off the shaft.
    CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the steering wheel by hitting the steering shaft with a hammer. The steering shaft will collapse, causing the steering wheel to bind.
  8. Remove the three lower steering column panel screws. Separate the upper and lower steering column panels.
    Fig 3: Removing The Three Lower Steering Column Panel Screws
    G01106055Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove bracket under the steering column after loosening two bolts.
  10. Remove the three combination switch screws.
    Fig 4: Removing The Three Combination Switch Screws
    G01106056Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  11. Disconnect the combination switch electrical connectors.
  12. Slide the combination switch off the steering column shaft.
  13. Remove the steering upper column after loosening attaching bolts.
    Fig 5: Removing The Steering Upper Column
    G01106057Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  14. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
  15. Use a chisel to make a groove in the head of the ignition switch bolts.
    Fig 6: Making A Groove In The Head Of The Ignition Switch Bolts
    G01106058Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  16. Remove the bolts with a screwdriver, then remove the ignition switch.
    CAUTION: Secure the shaft in a vise protected with brass pads or cloth.
  17. Remove the universal joint bolt.
  18. Remove the two lower column bracket nuts.
    Fig 7: Removing The Two Lower Column Bracket Nuts
    G01106059Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  19. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
  20. Remove set plate and dust cover.
  21. Remove the intermediate shaft bolt.
    Fig 8: Removing The Intermediate Shaft Bolt
    G01106060Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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