Steering column

REMOVAL

Disconnect the battery.

Set the vehicle wheels straight ahead.

Remove the steering wheel as follows.

Without airbag option

Remove the plastic cover.

Remove:

• the steering wheel bolt (MUST be replaced when refitting),
• the steering wheel, marking its position.

With airbag option

REMOVAL

WARNING: Do not handle pyrotechnic systems (airbags and pretensioners) near a heat source or flame; there is a risk of accidental deployment.

IMPORTANT: When removing the steering wheel, it is mandatory to disconnect the airbag connector (D). The airbag connector has a shorting feature that closes the circuit when disconnected, to prevent accidental deployment.

Disconnect the battery.

Remove:

• the driver airbag module by its two Torx T30 bolts (tightening torque 0.5 daN.m) located behind the steering wheel, and disconnect its connector (D),

• the horn connector, if fitted,
• the steering wheel bolt (MUST be replaced when refitting),
• the steering wheel after setting the wheels straight,
• the half-shells (three screws).

Disconnect the rotary switch connector and remove the switch after removing its three mounting screws (E).

When removing it, it is essential to mark its position, either:

• by making sure the wheels are straight during removal, so that the ribbon length is positioned at the center,
• by immobilising the rotor of the clockspring with adhesive tape.

If replacing, the new part is supplied centred and held by a tear-off adhesive label, which is removed after the first turn of the steering wheel (to be fitted with the wheels straight ahead).

Remove:

• the half-shells (three screws),

• the lever and switch assembly (one screw).

Disconnect the connectors.

Remove:

• the dashboard visor (six screws).

• the four dashboard mounting screws and disconnect the connectors.

• the lower cover (four screws).

Remove the dashboard mounting screws from the column.

Under the vehicle, cut the retaining clamp of the rubber bellows and push the bellows back toward the bulkhead.

Remove the cam bolt of the folding clevis.

Remove the two bolts and two nuts securing the steering column.

Release:

• the column after disconnecting the ignition switch,
• the bulkhead bellows (1) and remove it together with the steering column.

INSTALLATION

Install the steering column.

Fit the bellows onto the bulkhead, having first tied the lugs and the folding flap together with a string.

For the remaining parts, carry out the removal steps in reverse order.

Make sure the instrument panel connectors are properly reconnected.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLES FITTED WITH DRIVER AIRBAG

Make sure the wheels are always straight.

Check that the clockspring is still immobilised before refitting.

If not, follow the centering method described in chapter 88, "Driver airbag".

Replace the steering wheel bolt after each removal (pre-coated bolt).

Observe the tightening torque (4.5 daN.m).

IMPORTANT

Before reconnecting the driver airbag module, perform the system function check procedure:

• with the ignition on, check that the airbag warning light on the instrument panel is lit,
• connect an inert igniter to the driver airbag module connector and check that the warning light goes out,
• switch the ignition off, connect the airbag module in place of the inert igniter and fix the module to the steering wheel,
• switch the ignition on. Check that the warning light comes on for three seconds when the ignition is switched on, then goes out and stays off.

If the warning light does not operate as described above, refer to the diagnosis chapter and check the system using the XRBAG tool (Elé. 1288).

WARNING: failure to observe these instructions could cause the systems to become inoperative or cause them to deploy unintentionally.