Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

The content of this article reflects the changes called out by TSB 26-07-99.

WARNING:

- DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

- ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG COMPONENTS.

REMOVAL

1. Place the front road wheels in the straight ahead position then:
- Rotate the steering wheel half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise).
- Lock column with ignition lock cylinder.

Battery Negative Cable Remove/Install:

2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Wait one minute for the reserve capacitor to discharge before removing non-deployed module.
4. Remove steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Removal and Installation.
5. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds to gain access to clockspring wiring. Refer to Instrument Panel Systems, Steering Column Shroud Removal and Installation.
6. Remove multi-function switch. Refer to Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems, Multi-Function Switch Removal and Installation.
7. Disconnect the 7-way connector between the clockspring and the instrument panel wiring harness at the base of the clockspring.

Clockspring Latch Hooks:

8. Remove clockspring by lifting the top latch tab up slightly to guide it over the lock housing. The clockspring cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if faulty.
9. Rotate clockspring rotor a half turn (180 degrees) to the left (counter clockwise).
10. Clock the clockspring rotor in the center position as follows: Insert a paper clip wire through the hole in the rotor at the 10 O'clock position and bend to prevent it from falling out.

INSTALLATION
1. Confirm that:
- The steering wheel position is a half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise).
- The column is locked with the ignition cylinder lock.
- Check that the turn signal stalk is in the neutral position.
- When reusing the clockspring, remove locking wire and rotate clockspring rotor one half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise). Locate the clockspring on the steering shaft and push down on the rotor until the clockspring is fully seated on the steering column.
- When installing a new clockspring, position the front wheels straight ahead. Remove grenade pin.
2. Connect the clockspring to the instrument panel harness, ensure wiring is properly routed. Then check that the connectors, locking tabs are properly engaged and the halo lamp wire is in position.
3. Install steering column shrouds. Be sure all wires are inside of shrouds.
4. Install steering wheel ensuring the flats on hub align with the clockspring. Pull the horn, airbag and speed control leads through the larger slot. Ensure leads do not get pinched under the steering wheel.
5. Route speed control wires under and behind the airbag module mounting tabs.
6. Connect the horn lead wire and the airbag lead wire to the airbag module.
7. Install the airbag module and tighten bolts to 12 - 14 Nm (105 - 125 in. lbs.) torque.
8. Connect the speed control wires to the switches and install switches. Tighten screws to 2 Nm (20 in. lbs.) torque.
9. Do not connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System Test procedures.