Steering Column Assembly Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: If you rest the removed steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the air bag (inflator) module facing down and the steering column vertical, there is a risk of severe personal injury due to possible inflation of the air bag. Never rest the steering wheel and column assembly on the steering wheel end.

Disconnect negative (-) cable at battery.
Disable air bag system referring to DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM:Advanced Air Bag or DISABLING AIR BAG SYSTEM:Except Advanced Air Bag .
Remove steering wheel and contact coil cable assembly. Refer to STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION and CONTACT COIL CABLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove instrument panel under cover (1) from instrument panel.

Fig 1: Identifying Instrument Panel Under Cover
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove immobilizer control module (ICM) referring to IMMOBILIZER CONTROL MODULE (ICM) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove lighting switch referring to HEADLIGHT SWITCH (IN LIGHTING SWITCH) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove washer switch referring to WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Disconnect connector from steering lock assembly.
For A/T vehicle, disconnect shift (key) interlock cable (1) from ignition switch with ignition switch turned at ACC position.
After disconnecting, turn ignition switch to LOCK position.

Fig 2: Identifying Shift Interlock Cable
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering upper shaft upper joint bolt (1) and nut (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Upper Shaft Upper Joint Bolt And Nut
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove column support bracket. (if equipped)
Remove steering column assembly (1) mounting bolts (2) and nuts (3).
NOTE: Do not move tilt lever before until mounting bolts and nuts are tightened completely.

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Assembly, Mounting Bolts And Nuts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column assembly from vehicle.