Steering Column

Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of all electrical components, shaft coupling, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column mounting hardware kit (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable ties (for harness management) × 10 — Standard automotive-grade

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Center the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointing straight
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Disconnect positive battery cable and isolate both cables away from battery terminals
5. Ensure ignition key is in the OFF position and remove key from ignition

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate and remove the airbag module retaining fasteners per the vehicle-specific service manual (confirm whether the 2005 Viper uses Torx screws or spring clips and the exact access points before proceeding). Carefully pull the airbag module away from the wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector and horn connector. Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface. Face-down placement can cause the module to become a projectile if accidental deployment occurs.
2. 2

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Using a center punch or permanent marker, mark the relationship between the steering wheel and steering shaft (align marks on both components to ensure correct reinstallation). Remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Using a proper steering wheel puller, remove the steering wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the wheel or shaft with a hammer. Once removed, secure the clockspring with tape to prevent rotation or use the locking pin if equipped.
   ⚠Do not allow the clockspring rotor to rotate once the steering wheel is removed. Tape the clockspring housing or engage its centering lock to prevent rotation.
3. 3

   Remove steering column covers
   Remove the upper and lower steering column shroud/cover assemblies. Locate and remove the fasteners securing the upper shroud (typically located on the underside). Separate the upper shroud from the column. Remove the lower shroud fasteners and lower shroud assembly. Set covers aside.
4. 4

   Disconnect multi-function switch assemblies
   Disconnect the electrical connectors from the multi-function switch (turn signal/wiper control) on the left side of the column. Disconnect the electrical connectors from any switches on the right side of the column (if equipped). Remove the mounting screws securing the multi-function switch assemblies to the column and remove switches. Tag all connectors for reinstallation reference.
   ℹ️Photograph or label all electrical connectors before disconnection to ensure correct reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect ignition switch and SKIM module
   Locate the ignition switch assembly on the steering column (typically on the right side near the lock cylinder housing). Disconnect the electrical connector(s) from the ignition switch. The 2005 Viper does not use a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM); no immobilizer connector will be present at the column. Verify against the vehicle-specific service manual before proceeding. Remove the ignition switch mounting fasteners and remove the switch from the column.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove knee bolster and lower dash trim
   Remove the driver's side knee bolster panel below the steering column. Locate and remove all fasteners securing the panel (check along top edge, bottom, and sides). Disconnect any electrical connectors if present (such as courtesy lighting). Remove additional lower dash trim panels as needed to gain full access to the steering column mounting bracket and intermediate shaft coupling.
   ℹ️Some fasteners may be hidden behind trim edges or panel seams. Inspect carefully before applying force to prevent breaking trim clips.
7. 7

   Disconnect remaining column electrical connectors
   Working from under the dash, locate all remaining electrical connectors attached to the steering column harness. This includes the clockspring connector, column position sensors, and any other column-mounted components. Disconnect all connectors and carefully release any harness retaining clips securing the column harness to the column or dash structure. Note routing of harness for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Mark and disconnect intermediate shaft
   Locate the intermediate shaft coupling where it connects the steering column lower shaft to the steering gear input shaft (visible through the dash opening or from under the vehicle near the firewall). Using a center punch or paint marker, mark the exact rotational relationship between the intermediate shaft and the steering column shaft. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the column shaft. Carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the column shaft, ensuring not to rotate either component.
   ⚠️Critical alignment step: Failure to mark this coupling relationship will result in off-center steering after reassembly. Mark both sides of the joint clearly before separation.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove column mounting fasteners
   Locate the steering column mounting bracket fasteners where the column attaches to the dash support structure. There are typically mounting bolts at the upper bracket (near the instrument panel support beam) and at the lower support bracket. Remove these mounting bolts while supporting the column weight. Note any shims or spacers present at mounting points.
   ⚠Support the column weight during fastener removal to prevent the column from falling and damaging components or causing injury.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove steering column assembly
    With all fasteners and connections removed, carefully guide the steering column assembly out from under the dash. Tilt and maneuver the column as needed to clear the dash opening, taking care not to damage the clockspring or other column-mounted components. Watch for any remaining wire ties or clips that may still be attached. Remove the column from the vehicle and place on a clean work surface.
11. 11

    Transfer components to new column (if replacing)
    If installing a new steering column assembly, transfer any reusable components from the old column to the new one. This may include the ignition lock cylinder (if keyed to your vehicle), multi-function switches (if compatible), and clockspring (if in good condition). Ensure the new column's clockspring is centered before installation. Verify that all mounting brackets and hardware are present on the new column.
    ⚠Verify that replacement column clockspring is properly centered before installation. Consult service manual for centering procedure specific to the component.
12. 12

    Install steering column assembly
    Carefully guide the steering column assembly into position under the dash, routing the wiring harness appropriately. Align the column mounting brackets with the dash support structure. Install the steering column mounting bolts finger-tight. Ensure any shims or spacers noted during removal are reinstalled in their original positions. Do not fully torque mounting bolts until intermediate shaft is connected.
13. 13

    Connect intermediate shaft
    Align the marks made during removal on the intermediate shaft and steering column shaft. Slide the intermediate shaft coupling onto the column shaft, ensuring the marks are properly aligned. Install the pinch bolt and torque to specification. Verify that the steering wheel is still in the centered position and front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
    ⚠️Verify alignment marks match exactly before tightening pinch bolt. Misalignment will result in off-center steering.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque column mounting bolts
    With the intermediate shaft connected and column properly positioned, torque the steering column mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern (alternating between upper and lower bolts). Verify column is secure and has no abnormal movement.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all steering column electrical connectors in reverse order of removal. This includes clockspring connector, ignition switch connector, multi-function switch connectors, and any column position sensors. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and latched. Secure the column wiring harness to the column and dash structure using new cable ties as needed, following the original routing path.
16. 16

    Reinstall ignition switch and multi-function switches
    Install the ignition switch assembly to the steering column and torque mounting fasteners to specification. Install the multi-function switch assemblies (turn signal/wiper on left, any additional switches on right) and secure with mounting screws. Connect all switch electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reinstall column covers
    Position the lower steering column shroud around the column and install its retaining fasteners. Position the upper steering column shroud and align it with the lower shroud. Install upper shroud retaining fasteners and torque to specification. Verify covers fit properly and do not interfere with column operation or switch movement.
18. 18

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Remove tape or release the locking pin from the clockspring. Verify the clockspring is still centered (centered position mark visible through access window). Align the marks made during removal and install the steering wheel onto the steering shaft, ensuring proper spline engagement. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque to the vehicle-specific service manual specification (do not rely on a generic value — confirm the exact figure for the 2005 Viper). Connect the horn connector.
    ⚠Verify alignment marks on wheel and shaft match exactly. Incorrect positioning will affect clockspring operation and may cause premature failure.
19. 19

    Install driver airbag module
    Connect the airbag electrical connector to the airbag module, ensuring the connector is fully seated and locked. Position the airbag module against the steering wheel and align mounting points. Install airbag module retaining fasteners and tighten to specification (use hand tools only, never impact tools on airbag fasteners).
    ⚠️Never use impact tools on airbag fasteners. Hand-tighten only to prevent accidental deployment.
20. 20

    Reinstall dash trim and knee bolster
    Reinstall the driver's side knee bolster panel, connecting any electrical connectors and securing all fasteners. Reinstall any additional lower dash trim panels removed for access. Verify all trim pieces are properly secured and aligned.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect positive battery cable followed by negative battery cable
2. Before starting engine, turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify all dashboard warning lights illuminate then extinguish as normal
3. Verify airbag warning light extinguishes after approximately 6-8 seconds (if light stays on, airbag system requires further diagnosis)
4. Start engine and verify all steering column functions operate correctly: turn signals, wipers, ignition switch positions, tilt/telescope (if equipped)
5. With engine running and wheels straight, verify steering wheel is centered and steering effort is normal

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock (engine off) and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position smoothly when released
• Test all multi-function switch operations: turn signals (left/right/hazard), windshield wipers (all speeds), high beam, and any other column-mounted controls
• Verify horn operation by pressing horn button/pad
• Confirm ignition switch operates correctly through all positions: OFF, RUN, START (engine starts normally)
• Check that airbag warning light behaves normally (illuminates with ignition ON, extinguishes after 6-8 seconds)
• Perform a short test drive in a safe area to verify steering response, centering, and proper operation under driving conditions
• Verify no abnormal steering column noises during test drive (especially during turns and over bumps)
• After test drive, recheck all mounting bolt torque values to ensure nothing has loosened

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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