Removing Upper Steering Columns

1. Move the driver's seat fully to the rear.

2. Disconnect the battery negative cable.

3. Remove the dash liner on the driver's side. Refer to section 13.3.2.1 of the XJ6-XJ12 Vehicle Service Manual.

4. After removing the two screws, lower the steering column cowl enough to disconnect the connectors for the instrument dimmer control and column motor. Refer to section 13.3.3.1 of the XJ6-XJ12 Vehicle Service Manual.

5. Remove the nut and bolt securing the upper steering column to the universal joint.

WARNING:
Disconnect the battery for a minimum of 1 minute before working on the airbag.

6. Turn the steering wheel 90° from the straight ahead position. Completely loosen one airbag module bolt (bolt remains captive). Turn the steering wheel 180° for access to the other bolt. Completely loosen the other bolt.

7. Release the airbag module, disconnect the harness connectors and remove the module.

8. Release and disconnect the connector for the horn harness.

9. Center the steering wheel. After removing the retaining bolt, remove the steering wheel from the shaft. Pull the horn and airbag harness through the opening in the steering wheel, allowing it to be removed.

10. Disconnect the following connectors:

Tilt motor to fascia harness
Ignition switch to fascia harness
Airbag harness to cabin harness
Direction indicator switch gear to fascia harness
Windshield wiper and washer switch gear to fascia harness
Dimmer module to fascia harness
Audible warning speaker to harness

11. Remove the two nuts and bolts that secure the lower end of the column to the mounting bracket. Remove the two nuts from the upper bracket.

12. Pull the upper steering column out of the universal joint.

13. Remove the two securing screws and remove the upper cowl from the column.

14. Remove the four screws and nuts from the switch gear mounting bracket. Refer to section 13.3.3.2 of the XJ6-XJ12 Vehicle Service Manual.

15. Disconnect the connectors and remove the bracket assembly.

16. Turn the ignition key to position I, depress the retaining pin of the lock barrel and remove the barrel.