Dodge Ram Truck 1500-2500-3500. Manual — part 1495

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, Refer to Electrical Restraints and follow all WARNINGS and CAU-
TIONS.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDEN-
TAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPE-
CIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTI-
TUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED
IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bearing.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts to disassemble the tilting mechanism.

The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before
removing ignition switch.

1. Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.

2. Disable the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).

3. Remove the lower and upper shrouds.

4. Remove key cylinder. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING - REMOVAL).

5. Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.

6. Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever bracket.

7. Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain

access to the ignition switch (1) mounting screws.

19 - 14

COLUMN

DR/DH

8. For columns without tilt remove the bracket (2) to

gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws
(2).

9. Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of igni-

tion switch (1).

10. Remove ignition switch mounting screw (2).

11. Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab

and remove switch from steering column.

INSTALLATION

The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before
installing ignition switch.

1. Before installing ignition switch, rotate the slot in the switch to the ON position.

2. Connect the electrical connector to rear of the igni-

tion switch. Make sure that locking tabs are fully
seated into wiring connector.

3. Position switch (1) to column and install the mount-

ing screw (2). Tighten screw to 3 N·m (26 in. lbs.).

DR/DH

COLUMN

19 - 15

4. Install the tilt lever bracket (2) mounting screws.

Tighten screws to 4.5 N·m (40 in. lbs.).

5. If the column is non-tilt install the bracket (2).

Tighten screws to 4.5 N·m (40 in. lbs.)

6. Position the wire retainer into the tilt lever bracket.

7. Reconnect the lower clockspring connectors.

8. Install the key cylinder (1)

9. Install steering column upper and lower shrouds.

10. Enable the airbag system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-

CAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER

AIRBAG

-

INSTALLATION).

19 - 16

COLUMN

DR/DH

IGNITION SWITCH - SRT-10

REMOVAL - SRT-10

The ignition switch (1) attaches to the lock cylinder
housing (2) on the end opposite the lock cylinder. For
ignition switch terminal and circuit identification, refer
to the Wiring Diagrams sections.

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.

2. Place key cylinder in RUN position. Through the

hole in the lower shroud (2), depress lock cylinder
retaining tab and remove key cylinder.

3. Remove upper and lower shrouds (3) from steering

column.

4. Disconnect

electrical

connectors

from

ignition

switch (1).

DR/DH

COLUMN

19 - 17