What is the first step a technician should take when servicing a steering column?

When servicing a steering column, deactivating the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) circuit is crucial for safety. The steering column often houses components related to the airbag system, and if the system is not deactivated before working on it, any unintended activation could pose a serious threat of injury to the technician.

This step ensures that any work performed, such as replacing or repairing the steering wheel or column components, is done without the risk of the airbag deploying. It is a standard safety practice to disconnect the battery and deactivate the SRS before conducting any repairs on components that might interact with or affect the airbag system.

As for the other choices, while draining power steering fluid, adjusting toe settings, and raising the vehicle safely are all relevant to various aspects of handling steering systems, they are not the immediate priority when focusing specifically on servicing the steering column and ensuring technician safety. These tasks can be performed at different stages of the service process, but the first step must always prioritize disabling potentially hazardous systems.