How to remove steering column cover

Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement
Removal Procedure
Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

2. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
4. Remove the gap hider. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Put the steering column in the CENTER position. Remove the tilt lever (1).
Remove the retaining screws (3) from the lower steering column trim cover. Disconnect the closeout trim cover from the lower steering column trim cover.
Remove the retaining screw (2) from the upper steering column trim cover (1).

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver module is around the key lock cylinder behind or under the plastic cover on the upper steering column'
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver Removal

1. CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.
   Disconnect the battery ground cable, Refer to Section 414-01

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
   1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.
   2. If equipped, remove the tilt wheel handle.
   3. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
      1. Remove the screws.
      1. Remove the upper and lower steering column shroud.
      2. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column cover.
         1. Remove the screws.
         1. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column cover.
         2. Remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.
            1. Remove the bolts.
            1. Remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.
            2. Remove the anti-theft transceiver module.
               1. Remove the screw from the bottom of the transceiver module.
               1. NOTE: Only apply pressure or leverage below the key cylinder lower rib.
                  Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the module.

Hi Trevor, I'm glad to help!

The Steering Column Cover is held by 3 screws mounted upward and you reach them through the access holes from under the column. Some are Phillip's head screws and some are torx screws. Once the screws are out remove the top cover first, then the under cover next. Hope this helps and have an awesome day Trevor.

1. If equipped, disable the SIR system. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the upper steering column cover.
   
3. Remove the lower steering column cover screws and lower the steering column cover.
   
4. Remove the 2 switch mounting screws and remove the switch.
   
5. Detach all wire connectors from the combination switch. Push locking tabs to remove the wires.
   

To install:

1. Attach all wire connectors to the combination switch.
   
2. Install the combination switch to the column with the 2 attaching screws.
   
3. Install the lower steering column cover screws and lower steering column cover.
   
4. Install the upper steering column cover and attaching screws.
   
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
   
6. Enable the SIR system, if equipped.
   

there are a couple of screws that hold the lower part of the cover to the upper part. Remove those and remove the lower cover. There will then be two male torx screws that hold the upper cover in place just behind the steering wheel (look up under the column and you should see them on either side of the column). Once those two are removed the upper cover will come off.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

Ignition Switch/Lock Cylinder REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION CAUTION
Some models covered by this manual may be equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SRS components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SRS, as described in Section 6. The ignition lock is an integral component of the steering lock mechanism. If the ignition lock must be replaced, perform the following procedure. Fig. 1: Exploded view of the ignition switch/lock cylinder assembly
Fig. 2: Remove the break-off head retaining bolts by chiseling a slot in the bolt, then removing them with a screwdriver
Millenia

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Properly disarm the air bag system.
3. Remove the rear console box, brake boot and center panel (disconnect the harness connectors).
4. Remove the rear console.
5. Remove the undercover, glove compartment and compartment cover.
6. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
7. Tilt the steering shaft down. Remove the cap and panel light control switch. Remove the meter hood mounting screws. Pull the meter hood forward to disengage the clips.
8. Remove the instrument cluster,
9. Remove the drivers side air bag and the steering wheel.
10. Remove the combination switch.
11. Remove the passenger side air bag mounting bolts, electrical connector and remove the air bag module.
12. Remove the hood panel release lever. Pull the side panel forward to disengage the clips, remove the side panel.
13. Remove the side covers.
14. Remove the dashboard mounting bolts, pull the dashboard up and forward and remove.
15. Remove the steering shaft.
16. Remove the screw and the ignition switch and disconnect the ignition switch connector.
17. Using a chisel and a hammer make a groove in the heads of the steering lock mounting bolts. Remove the bolts and the steering lock assembly. To install:
    
18. Install the steering lock mechanism to the steering column jacket. Make sure that the lock operates correctly. Install new mounting bolts and tighten the bolts till the heads break off.
19. Reconnect the ignition switch connector to the ignition switch and install the ignition switch to the steering lock mechanism with the screw.
20. Replace the dashboard close to its mounts and connect all harness connectors. Install all mounting bolts. Torque to 14-18 ft. lbs. (19-25 Nm).
21. Install the side covers.
22. Instal the side panels.
23. Install the steering shaft and torque the mounting bolts to 12-16 ft. lbs. (16-22 Nm).
24. Connect the passenger side air bag module electrical connector and replace the module to the dash and install the mounting bolts.
25. Install the combination switch on the steering column.
26. Install the steering wheel and drivers side air bag module.
27. Install the instrument cluster.
28. Install the meter hood.
29. Install the upper and lower steering column covers.
30. Install the glove compartment cover, compartment and the undercover.
31. Install the rear console, bracket, center panel, brake lever boot and the rear console box.
32. Reconnect the negative battery cable,
33. Place the steering column securely on a workbench. Use a chisel and hammer to make slots in the head of the lock screws. Remove the screws.

Except Millenia

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. If equipped, disarm and remove the air bag.
3. Remove the steering wheel and the combination switch.
4. Remove the steering column by performing the following:
   1. Remove the driver's side under dash covers.
   2. If equipped, disconnect the key interlock cable from the steering column.
   3. Detach any remaining electrical wire harness connectors from the column.
   4. Remove the upper column-to-dash mounting bolts. Support the steering column.
   5. Remove the intermediate shaft-to-steering column shaft coupling bolt and remove the steering column-to-firewall bracket bolts/nuts.
   6. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
5. Place the steering column securely on a workbench. Use a chisel and hammer to make slots in the head of the lock screws. Remove the screws.
6. Remove the ignition lock assembly. To install:
   
7. Position the ignition lock and bracket on the steering column.
8. Install the new screws until the head twists off. Make sure the lock operates properly while tightening the new locking screws.
9. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

The 2001 Dodge caravan has 2 heater cores - front (the main one), and the rear. Removal of the
rear heater core is a whole different procedure than the front.

Front Heater Core - Removal and Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Align the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   CAUTION Before working around the steering wheel or the instrument panel all 2 minutes to pass to allow the air bag module to discharge.
   
4. Drain the cooling system into a clean container for reuse.
5. Remove the steering column, by removing or disconnect the following:
   
   Lower left side steering column cover Parking brake release cable from the parking brake lever 10 steering column cover liner-to-instrument panel bolts and the cover liner
6. Rotate the key to the LOCK position; then, rotate the steering wheel to the LOCKED position.
   
   Gear selector cable and its mounting bracket as an assembly from the upper steering column mounting bracket 2 instrument cluster trim bezel-to-instrument panel screws, retaining clips and bezel 2 steering column shroud-to-steering column screws and the shroud Steering column-to-intermediate steering shaft coupler
   
7. Loosen but do not remove the 2 lower steering column mounting bracket nuts/washers.
   
   2 upper steering column mounting bracket nuts/washers Steering column assembly from the vehicle
   
8. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Instrument panel-to-chassis harness interconnect and bracket Lower silencer boot, at the base of the steering shaft
   
9. Working in the engine compartment, pinch off the heater hoses.
   
   Heater core cover. Position some towels under the heater core hoses. Heater core plate and the hoses
   
10. Depress the heater core retaining clips.
11. Lift the accelerator pedal and slide the heater core past it.
12. Depress the brake pedal and remove the heater core from the heater/air conditioning housing assembly.
    
    

    Fig. View of the steering column assembly
    
    
    

    Fig. View of the interconnect and bracket
    
    
    

    Fig. View of the front heater core assembly
    

To install:

1. Depress the brake pedal and install the heater core into the heater/air conditioning housing assembly.
2. Lift the accelerator pedal and slide the heater core past it.
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   Heater hoses (using new O-rings) and the heater core plate Heater core cover Heater hoses clamps, working in the engine compartment Lower silencer boot at the base of the steering shaft Instrument panel-to-chassis harness interconnect and bracket
   
4. Install the steering column assembly by installing or connect the following:
   
   Steering column assembly, carefully into the vehicle. 2 upper and 2 lower steering column mounting bracket nuts/washers. Torque the nuts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Steering column-to-intermediate steering shaft coupler and tighten the pinch bolt to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm) 2 steering column shroud and the shroud-to-steering column screws Bezel, the retaining clips and the 2 instrument cluster trim bezel-to-instrument panel screws Gear selector cable and its mounting bracket as an assembly to the upper steering column mounting bracket 10 steering column cover liner and the cover liner-to-instrument panel bolts Parking brake release cable to the parking brake lever Lower left side steering column cover. Lower left side steering column cover
   
5. Refill the cooling system.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
7. Run the engine to normal operating temperatures; then, check the climate control operation and check for leaks.

Ignition Switch Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Disarm air bag system.
3. Remove driver air bag module.
4. Loosen screw and lift horn pad to remove.
5. Remove lock nut and washer. CAUTION
   Do not hammer on steering wheel. Damage can occur to the energy absorbing portion of the steering column.
   
6. Pull dynamic damper forward and lift up to remove.
7. Remove steering wheel.
8. Remove steering column shrouds.
9. Remove lower cover.
10. Remove multifunction switch.
11. Remove entire lower portion of dash.
12. Remove mounting fasteners and lower steering column.
13. Remove bolts and separate ignition switch from steering column.

To Install:

1. Install ignition switch to steering column and install bolts.
2. Raise steering column and install mounting fasteners.
3. Install lower portion of dash.
4. Install multifunction switch.
5. Install lower cover.
6. Install steering column shrouds.
7. Install steering wheel.
8. Install dynamic damper.
9. Install washer and lock nut.
10. Lift horn pad and install screw.
11. Install driver air bag module.
12. Connect battery negative cable.

Removal & Installation

1. Disable the SIR system.



Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) center trim panel by releasing the retaining fasteners

1. Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) center trim panel (1) by pulling out on the trim panel in order to release the retaining fasteners (2).
   
2. Disconnect the electrical connectors on the Instrument Panel (I/P) center trim panel (1).
   

Remove the steering column opening filler assembly, with clip, & bumper

3. Remove the steering column opening filler assembly (1) by pulling away the clips (2).
4. Disconnect the electrical connector for the trunk release.




Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) left side trim panel

1. Remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) left side trim panel (1).
   
2. Tilt the steering wheel up.
   
3. Disconnect the I/P dimmer switch and, if equipped, the fog lamp switch.
   

Remove the 4 bezel screws (2) & the Instrument Panel (I/P) cluster bezel assembly (1)

1. Tilt the steering wheel down.
   
2. Remove the 4 instrument panel cluster bezel screws.
   
3. Remove the instrument panel cluster bezel.
   

Remove the steering column trim covers: steering column upper cover assembly, steering column left cover assembly, & steering column right cover assembly

Remove the steering column trim covers:

• Remove the 3 cover screws (4).
  
• Remove the steering column upper cover assembly (1).
  
• Remove the steering column left cover assembly (2).
  
• Remove the steering column right cover assembly (3).
  

Removal of the ignition switch

1. Disconnect the ignition switch harness connector.

1. WARNING

The ignition switch must be in the run position during removal in order to avoid damage to the ignition switch.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the run position.
   
2. Remove the ignition switch screws.
   
3. Remove the ignition switch from the steering column.
   

To install:

1. Install the ignition switch and screws on to the steering column. Tighten the screws to 17 inch lbs. (2 Nm).
   
2. Connect the ignition switch harness connector.
   
3. Installation is the reverse of removal procedure.
   
4. Tighten the trim cover screws to 17 inch lbs. (2 Nm)
   
5. Tighten the 4 instrument panel cluster bezel screws to 19 inch lbs. (2 Nm)
   
6. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint System), arming the system.
   NOTE If the ignition switch is replaced and a learn procedure is not performed, the engine will crank but not start or will start and stall immediately.
   
   
7. Perform the vehicle theft deterrent system learn procedure.
   

• Ignition Removal Instructions
  
• Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

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• Remove the upper and lower shrouds. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers - Disassemble - Off Vehicle or Steering Column Trim Covers - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .

• Put the key in the steering column lock cylinder set (1).

• Turn the key to the "START" position.

• Install a 1/16 allen wrench (2) into the hole on top of the lock module assembly in order to release the steering column lock cylinderset retaining pin.

• Turn the steering column lock cylinder set (1) into the "RUN" position.

• Pull the steering column lock cylinder set (1) out from the lock module assembly.

• Remove the key from the steering column lock cylinder set (1).
  

• Installation Instructions

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• Insert the key into the steering column lock cylinder set (1).
• LIne up the locking tab (2) and the positioning tab (3) of the steering column lock cylinder set with the locking tab slot (5) and the positioning tab slot (4) in the lock module assembly (6).
• Push the steering column lock cylinder set (1) into the lock module assembly (6).
• Rotate the steering column lock cylinder set (1) in the lock module assembly (6) into all positions.
• Install the upper and lower shrouds. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers - Assemble - Off Vehicle or Steering Column Trim Covers - Assemble - Off Vehicle
• Remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder set (1).
• Connect the negative battery cable to the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical

I hope this helps and good luck.
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