Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

CLOCKSPRING







Removal

WARNING:
- Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE:
- The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.
- The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
- Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

1. Depower the system.
2. Make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
3. Tilt the steering wheel in downward position.
4. Remove the steering column lower finish panel.
- Remove the 2 screws and detach the retaining clips.

5. Remove the driver air bag module.
6. Remove the steering wheel.
7. Remove the cluster finish panel.







8. Remove the 3 screws and the lower steering column shroud.







9. NOTE: If the clockspring is to be reinstalled, do not allow the clockspring to turn from its removal position.

If reusing the clockspring, tape the clockspring center rotor to the outer housing to keep it from rotating.







10. Disconnect the 2 clockspring electrical connectors.







11. Remove the 4 clockspring screws and remove the clockspring.

Installation

Vehicles needing clockspring recentering







1. WARNING: Incorrect centralization may result in premature component failure. If in doubt when centralizing the clockspring, repeat the centralizing procedure. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

If the vehicle's clockspring has rotated out of center, follow these steps to center the clockspring.

1 Hold the clockspring outer housing stationary.

2 CAUTION: Overturning will destroy the clockspring. The internal ribbon wire acts as the stop and can be broken from its internal connection.

While turning the rotor counter clockwise, carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length and for a slight resistance. Stop turning at this point.

3 Turn the clockspring clockwise (approximately 3 turns) until the ribbon wire shows anywhere across the window (window will be near the 2 o'clock position) and the arrow on the rotor lines up with the arrow on the bottom left of the housing. Clockspring is now centered.
- Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.

All vehicles







2. Install the clockspring and the 4 screws.







3. Connect the 2 clockspring electrical connectors.

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring







4. NOTE: When the tape is removed, do not allow the clockspring to turn.

Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.

Vehicles installing a new clockspring

5. CAUTION: Do not rotate the new clockspring between removing the sealing key and installing the steering wheel. If the vehicle is left unattended by the technician between removing the sealing key and installing the steering wheel, carry out the centralizing procedure.

Remove the sealing key.

All vehicles







6. Install the lower steering column shroud and the 3 screws.
7. Install the cluster finish panel.

8. CAUTION: If the vehicle is left unattended by the technician between centralizing the clockspring and installing the steering wheel, the centralizing procedure must be repeated.

Install the steering wheel.

9. Install the driver air bag module.
10. Install the steering column lower finish panel.
- Align and seat the retaining clips and install the 2 screws.

11. Repower the system.