Neon R/T L4-2.0L VIN F HO (2001)
1.
Turn the steering wheel and listen for a click sound. If the click sound is heard, remove the steering column shrouds.
2.
Turn the steering wheel, listen to hear if the click sound remains.
3.
If the click sound is eliminated determine the source interference with the steering column shrouds and correct, the repair is then complete.
WARNING:
When an undeployed airbag is to be removed from the steering wheel, disconnect and isolate the battery ground cable. Allow the system
capacitor to discharge for two minutes, then begin airbag removal.
NOTE:
Be sure to center the steering wheel and have the front tires and wheels straight ahead before removing the steering wheel and disconnecting
the lower coupling. Access to the steering column shaft coupler screw is easier if the steering wheel is turned so the screw head is pointing
straight down.
4.
If a click sound is heard, remove the steering wheel and disconnect the intermediate shaft to steering gear (lower) coupling.
NOTE:
Turn the steering shaft no more than one revolution in either direction from center. Keep track of the centered position.
5.
Turn the steering shaft, listen to see if the click sound remains.
6.
If the click sound is eliminated reattach the lower coupling and install the steering wheel, being sure the clock spring/steering wheel travel is
centered. Torque the coupling pinch bolt to 29 Nm (21 ft. lbs.) and torque the steering wheel bolt to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
7.
Turn the steering wheel; listen to hear if the click sound remains.
8.
If the click sound returns, loosen the lower coupling pinch bolt and the four steering column mounting bracket nuts.
9.
Jiggle the steering column and then tighten lower coupling pinch bolt. Torque the coupling pinch bolt to 29 Nm (21 ft. lbs.) Tighten the 2 lower
steering column assembly mounting nuts to hold the steering column in place. Be sure both break-away capsules are still fully seated in the slots of
the upper steering column mounting bracket and the mounting studs are centered fore-and-aft in the plastic capsules. Then equally tighten both
steering column mounting nuts, until upper steering column mounting bracket is seated against support bracket. Tighten the 4 steering column
bracket to support bracket nuts to 17 Nm (150 in. lbs.).
10.
Turn the steering wheel; listen to hear if the click sound remains. If the click sound is eliminated, replace the lower coupling pinch bolt, p/n
06506112AA, torque the coupling pinch bolt to 29 Nm (21 ft. lbs.), then the repair is complete.
11.
If the click sound remains, remove the clock spring. To avoid damaging the clock spring:
a.
The clock spring is positioned to the lock housing by two snap latch features at 12:00 and 6:00 o'clock positions. Lift the top latch up
slightly while guiding it over the lock housing. This will prevent the latch from being broken.
b.
Care should be taken regarding centering of the steering wheel and clock spring with respect to the front wheels; follow the service manual
clock spring centering procedure. Turning the steering wheel when the column is disconnected from the steering gear can damage the clock
spring.
c.
When using the steering wheel puller, hand tighten the puller bolts (no more than five revolutions) and avoid contact between the bolts and
the top of the clock spring.
d.
When removing the airbag inflator connectors, squeeze the sides of the connector, to release it, while pulling it out of the airbag.
12.
Disconnect the lower coupling.
13.
Turn the steering shaft; listen to hear if the click sound remains. If the sound is eliminated determine the source interference with the clock spring
and correct, the repair is then complete.
14.
If the click sound remains, remove the steering column from the vehicle.
NOTE:
The ignition key must be turned to the run position to remove the shifter/ignition interlock cable from the key lock housing.
15.
Remove the two screws attaching the multifunction switch and separate the switch from the steering column.
16.
Remove the steering column intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft. Install Remover/Installer, Special Tool 6831-A, through center of
