Steering Column - Suzuki GRAND VITARA XL-7 Owner's Manual

3C1-4 AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN

Steering Column

CAUTION:
Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to dam-
age.
Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic
shear pins which maintain column length leaning on the column assembly could cause it to bend or
deform.
Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design.
When loosening steering column mounting bolts and nuts, make sure that steering column assembly
and steering upper shaft assembly have been separated. Loosening them with steering column
assembly and steering upper shaft assembly assembled could cause damage to upper joint and
mounting bracket in steering upper shaft assembly.
NOTE:
When servicing steering column or any column-mounted component, remove steering wheel. But
when removing steering column simply to gain access to instrument panel components, leave steer-
ing wheel installed on steering column.
REMOVAL
WARNING:
Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with air bag (inflator) module face down
and column vertical. Otherwise personal injury may result.
CAUTION:
Never turn steering wheel while steering column with steering wheel is removed. Turning steering
wheel more than about two and a half turns will break contact coil.
1) Disconnect negative (–) cable at battery.
2) Disable air bag system. Refer to "DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM" under "SERVICE PRECAUTIONS" in
Section 10B.
3) Remove steering wheel and contact coil and combination switch assembly, if necessary. Refer to "STEER-
ING WHEEL" and "CONTACT COIL AND COMBINATION SWITCH ASSEMBLY" in this section.
Perform the following procedure if not removing steering wheel and/or combination switch.
a) Turn steering wheel so that vehicle's front tires are at straight-ahead position.
b) Turn ignition switch to "LOCK" position and remove key.
4) Remove steering column hole cover (1).
5) Disconnect all connectors for the following parts.
• Contact coil and combination switch
• Ignition switch