Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 1381

B R STEERING 1 9 - 1 5
STEERING COLUMN
INDEX
page
G E N E R A L INFORMATION
STEERING COLUMN 15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
IGNITION SWITCH 16
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEAR SHIFT LEVER 18
G E N E R A L INFORMATION
STEERING COLUMN
The Acustar tilt and standard column (Fig. 1) has
been designed to be serviced as an assembly; less
wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most
steering column components can be serviced without
removing the steering column from the vehicle.
U P P E R
S H R O U D
L O W E R
S H R O U D J 9 4 1 9 - 1 7
Fig. 1 Acustar Steering Column
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or the air-
bag, refer to the appropriate section of Group 8. Fol­
low all WARNINGS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG S Y S T E M IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. B E F O R E
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
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STEERING COLUMN 16
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART 18
THE AIRBAG S Y S T E M COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) C A B L E . FAILURE TO DO S O
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIRBAG AND P O S S I B L E PERSONAL INJURY.
THE FASTENERS, S C R E W S , AND BOLTS, ORIGI­
NALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND A R E SPECIFI­
CALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.
THEY MUST NEVER B E R E P L A C E D WITH ANY SUB­
STITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS
NEEDED, R E P L A C E WITH THE C O R R E C T FASTEN­
E R S PROVIDED IN THE S E R V I C E PACKAGE OR
FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column
shaft or shift tube.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not
remove ignition locking link, shaft lock plate or
plate retainer. This will damage the column (Fig. 2 )
and (Fig.
3 ) .
Fig. 2 Observe Cautions