Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 1382

1 9 - 1 6 STEERING
B R
(4) I f no binding is found, lightly file the ramp on
the ignition switch, (The ramp fits into the casting)
until binding no longer occurs.
R E M O V A L A N D I N S T A L L A T I O N
STEERING COLUMN
WARNING: REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE
(-) BATTERY C A B L E (GROUND) FROM THE BAT­
TERY, THIS IS THE ONLY S U R E WAY TO DISABLE
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY­
MENT AND P O S S I B L E PERSONAL INJURY.
Fig. 3 Observe Cautions
D I A G N O S I S A N D T E S T I N G
IGNITION SWITCH
T E S T AND REPAIR
I f the ignition switch effort is excessive, remove the
ignition switch from the steering column. Refer to
Group 8D Ignition System. Using a key cylinder,
check the turning effort of the switch. I f the ignition
switch binds look for the following conditions.
(1) Look for rough areas or flash in the casting
and i f found remove with a file (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: DO NOT
REMOVE IGNITION
LOCKING LINK
FILE THIS AREA TO REMOVE
FLASHING AND PROVIDE
CLEARANCE TO ELIMINATE
BINDING
CAUTION: NEVER
REMOVE SHAFT
LOCK PLATE
803f589b
Fig. 4 Steering Coiumn Flash Removal And
Non-Serviceable Components
(2) Remove the link and slider and check the link
to see i f i t is bent. I f so replace with a new part.
(3) Put the slider in its slot in the sleeve and ver­
ify a loose fit over the length of the slot. I f the slider
binds in the slot at any point lightly file the slider
until clearance is achieved.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG MODULE ATTACHED, NEVER P L A C E THE
COLUMN ON THE FLOOR OR OTHER S U R F A C E
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR MODULE FACE
DOWN.
CAUTION: Bumping, jolting and hammering on
steering column shaft and gear shift tube must be
avoided during service procedures.
REMOVAL
(1) Turn front wheels straight ahead and center
steering wheel.
(2) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from
the battery.
(3) Remove steering wheel and clock spring from
column, refer to Group 8.
(4) Disconnect link rod in engine compartment i f
equipped with column shift. Pry rod out from grom­
met i n the shift lever.
(5) Scribe or paint reference mark on the column
shaft-to-coupler. This will aid in column shaft instal­
lation alignment. Remove the steering column shaft-
to-coupler bolt (Fig. 5).
(6) Remove the dash panel cover under column.
(7) For column shift vehicles, make sure shift lever
is i n P a r k position. Pull cable and twist to remove
from position arm. Push tab on bottom of cable
retainer, then squeeze sides to remove retainer from
column (Fig. 6).
(8) Remove tilt lever (if equipped) from column.
(9) Remove the upper and lower lock housing
shroud and remove the lower fixed shroud.
(10) Remove the turn signal multi-function switch
with a 7mm socket (Fig. 7).
(11) Loosen the upper Support Bracket nuts to
allow some slack. This will aid in removal of the
upper fixed shroud.