Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

CLOCKSPRING

Material






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. Service and Repair
2. Remove the steering wheel.







3. Detach the instrument panel lower knee bolster from the instrument panel.
1 Remove the retaining screws.
2 Release the clip.







4. Detach the steering column upper shroud from the steering column lower shroud.
- Using a thin-bladed screwdriver, release the two clips (one on each side).







5. Detach the audio control switch from the steering column lower shroud (if equipped).
- Using a thin-bladed screwdriver, release the locking tab.







6. Remove the audio control switch (if equipped).
- Disconnect the electrical connector.







7. Remove the steering column lower shroud.
1 Release the steering column locking lever.
2 Remove the retaining screws.

8. If installing the same clockspring, apply two strips of masking tape across the clockspring rotor to the outer housing to prevent accidental rotation when the clockspring is removed.







9. Detach the multifunction switches from the clockspring and position them aside.
- Depress the locking tabs and slide each switch upwards.







10. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.
- Using a thin-bladed screwdriver, release the locking tab.







11. CAUTION: Note the position of the spacing collar within the center of the clockspring.

Remove the clockspring.
- Release the locking tabs from the steering column.

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.

NOTE: If a clockspring has rotated out of center, carry out this step.

Centralize the clockspring.
1 Turn the clockspring in a counterclockwise direction until resistance is felt.
2 Turn the clockspring in a clockwise direction, until the arrow marked on the rotor of the clockspring aligns with the raised "V" section at the 12 o'clock position on the outer cover of the clockspring (approximately two and one half turns).

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring

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

Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.

All vehicles







3. NOTE: Slight turning of the clockspring rotor is allowable for alignment purposes to the steering column.

Install the clockspring.
- Make sure the retaining tabs lock into position on the steering column.







4. NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the locking tabs are fully engaged.

Connect the clockspring electrical connector.







5. NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the locking tabs are fully engaged.

Attach the multifunction switches to the clockspring.







6. Install the steering column lower shroud.
1 Install the screws.
2 Lock the steering column locking lever.







7. NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the locking tabs are fully engaged.

Install the audio control switch (if equipped).
1 Connect the audio control switch electrical connector.
2 Install the audio control switch.







8. Install the steering column upper shroud.







9. Attach the instrument panel lower knee bolster to the instrument panel.
1 Secure the clip.
2 Install the screws.







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

Break the red sealing key, if necessary.







11. CAUTION: Make sure the spacing collar is correctly located when installing the steering wheel. Do not install the steering wheel if the spacer collar is missing.

Install the spacing collar.

12. 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.

13. CAUTION: Always apply a liberal bead of electrical grease XG-12 to the driver air bag module electrical connector face prior to connecting the driver air bag module electrical connector to the clockspring. Failure to follow this instruction may result in poor connectivity and may set intermittent/on-demand supplemental restraint system (SRS) DTCs.

Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module in this section.

14. Repower the SRS. For additional information, Service and Repair