Service Procedure
1. If the vehicle has LESS than 70,000 miles, the clockspring assembly MUST be replaced even if it is functioning properly. Proceed to Step 4.IMPORTANT:
If an owner requests this recall service on a minivan that has more than 70,000 miles and an AIRBAG light that operates normally even though the owner letter clearly states that no action is necessary at this time, then to ensure customer satisfaction, dealers should perform Steps 2 and 3 of the service procedure to verify that the "Driver Squib Circuit Open" DTC is not present.
2. Connect the DRBIII scan tool to the vehicle diagnostic connector and turn the ignition key to the ON position.
3. Using the DRB III, check for Airbag System Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
> If the DTC "DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN" is present (either active or stored), the clockspring assembly MUST be replaced. Erase the DTC and continue with Step 4.
> If there are no DTC's or if any other airbag system DTC is present, the recall service procedure does not apply. Diagnosis and repairs are the owner's responsibility.
4. Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
5. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:
To enhance customer satisfaction, remember to reset the clock when you have completed the service procedure.
6. From the backside of the steering wheel, remove the three (3) screws that secure the driver's airbag module to the steering wheel (Figure 1).
7. Pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel far enough to access the wire harness connectors on the back of the airbag module.
8. Disconnect the clockspring horn switch wire harness connector from the horn switch wire connector on the back of the airbag module (Figure 2).
9. Disconnect the clockspring airbag wire harness connector (Figure 2) from the back of the airbag module by firmly grasping and pulling, or gently prying, the connector.
NOTE:
Do NOT pull on the clockspring wire harness to disengage the connector from the airbag module connector receptacle.
10. Disconnect the clockspring wire harness connectors from the speed control switches and steering wheel mounted radio controls (if equipped) (Figure 2).
11. Remove the airbag module and set it aside.
12. Remove the steering wheel nut.
13. Remove the steering wheel damper from the steering wheel (if equipped).
14. Remove the steering wheel from the steering column using a steering wheel puller (Special Tool C-3428-B).
15. Remove the three (3) screws that attach the upper and lower shrouds to the steering column, then remove the shrouds from the steering column (Figure 3).
16. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the clockspring assembly (Figure 4).
17. Remove the clockspring from the multi-function switch by depressing the two tabs on the clockspring (Figure 5). Discard the clockspring assembly.
18. Slide the new clockspring over the steering column shaft until the clockspring latches engage the multi-function switch housing (Figure 5).
19. Connect the wire harness connectors to the clockspring assembly (Figure 4).
20. Install the upper and lower shrouds onto the steering column (Figure 3). Tighten the screws securely.
21. Install the steering wheel onto the steering column shaft.
22. Install the steering wheel damper (if equipped).
23. Install the steering wheel retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 45 ft-lbs (61 N.m).
24. Connect the clockspring wire harness connectors to the speed control switches and steering wheel mounted radio controls (if equipped) (Figure 2).
25. Connect the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to the back of the airbag module (Figure 2).
26. Connect the clockspring horn switch wire harness connector to the horn switch wire connector on the back of the airbag module (Figure 2).
27. Install the airbag module onto the steering wheel. Make sure that the clockspring wire harnesses in the steering wheel hub area are not pinched between the airbag module and the steering wheel.
28. From the backside of the steering wheel, install the three (3) screws that secure the driver's airbag module to the steering wheel (Figure 1). Tighten the screws to 100 in-lbs (11 Nm).
29. With the ignition switch in the ON position, connect the negative battery cable.
30. From outside the vehicle, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for about 10 seconds and then turn it back to the ON position.
31. Observe the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. It should illuminate for 6-8 seconds and then go out.
NOTE:
If the airbag warning light fails to light or lights and stays on, there is a system malfunction. Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual to diagnose and repair the problem.