Replace Steering Angle Sensor + related parts for access. DTC--C1295

Vehicle is 2003 XK8. The S.A.S is located behind the Switch Pack inside the Steering Column Cowling. To access the S.A.S. requires removing the Air Bag, Steering Wheel Assembly, Upper and Lower Column Cowls, and the Switch pack. The Switch Pack has adequate wiring slack to lift it up and over the shaft w/o disconnecting the connectors. The S.A.S has 2 pozi drive PZ2 (NOT Phillips #2) holding it to the column mount.

Begin by collecting the tools: 10 mm Combo Wrench for battery, 10 mm socket, T-30 torx bit & 1/4" ratchet and short extension (air bag), Smaller Torx T-25? for 4 screws holding the Switch Pack, **Pozi Drive PZ2 Screwdriver with Min. 4" Shaft L., and 15mm (Older Cars 17mm) socket with ratchet and possibly a pull handle to break the Steering Wheel bolt loose. Mirror and Light to help with visual accuracy. . Perhaps some pics on your camera phone will help in reassembly.


We began with the Str. Wheel straight ahead, then turned it (Vertical) 90 degrees with engine running to turn wheel for access to the 1st Air Bag mounting Screw (T30) and shut engine off. After the screw was loose (it does not fall out, captive screw), we started the engine again and turned wheel 180 degrees to access the remaining screw. Once loose, we returned the Str. Wheel to straight ahead for a reference point. Air Bag remained attached to Wheel at this time. Shut engine off and went to boot and disconnected the battery. After 1 minute wait, per JTIS Instructions, the Air Bag was lifted from the wheel to reveal 2 connectors (1 Black & 1 Yellow). They have Male end fitting vertically into the Air Bag. The BLACK one is removed first to gain access to release the YELLOW one. There are 2 Tangs or Square Stalks on opposite sides & ends from wires of each connector that have to be pressed inward at same time to remove the Male ends. They lift up and off once the 2 tangs are correctly pressed in. The Air Bag can be lifted from the wheel at this time and laid aside. Next step is removal of the Str. Wheel. Loosen the 15mm bolt Head (it has loctite on it). The bolt has a large washer between it and the wheel so marking the washer is useless. Do not remove the wheel at this step, just remove the bolt and washer to reveal the steering shaft. Take a Sharpie or pointed tool and mark relationship of the shaft and wheel so you can replace it in same exact position. Now replace the bolt and washer until snug, then loosen a few turns to prevent the wheel from coming off completely. Rock the wheel from side to side and up and down while pulling rearward, it will come loose, but not hit you in face due to the bolt holding it. Place the Str. Wheel aside.

Next step is removing the lower cowl (2 Pozi Screws). Once loose, squeeze in on left side split and it should drop down revealing the Tilt and Illumination Switches. Disconnect these 2 switches and press in on the right side of lower cowl split to release it from upper cowl.
Upper cowl is retained by 3 screws (Pozi). Hope to attached Pics of the 3 locations for the screws into U. cowl. First (1st) screw is located at (easy) Left Rear near dash ( Use mirror to locate). Second (2nd) screw is located on Right side up near the warning speaker magnet. May have to move wiring to locate. NOTE: the magnet can catch the screw and prevent it falling onto floor. The third *(3rd) (hard to see) remaining screw is on left front of the column near the location where the column housing bells out. Using a mirror is only way we located it. Pics have the locations marked for your use. Remove the upper cowl and you have access to the switch pack. (4 T-25? screws)
The Switch Pack has adequate wire slack to allow it to lift up and over the shaft and support itself for access to the S.A.S.. Remove the 2 attaching screws (PZ2) holding the S.A.S. to its mounting point, then attach the new replacement S.A.S., The S.A.S. connector to the dash harness required us to remove the lower Scuttle Pnl. to gain access to the connector (right side of column) for the S.A.S.. (10mm socket for 2 captive screws & 1/4" ratchet).

Reassembly is reverse of above steps.
* Replace the U. Cowl screw (#3) (most difficult one ) in hole and sit the U. Cowl down onto it, then tighten. Easiest way to get it mounted.
** Reason the many Screw Heads were CAMED OUT, Using #2 Phillips rather correct Pozi Drive PZ2. Search Pozi Drive for way to ID them.