Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair
CLOCKSPRINGREMOVAL
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.
- Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
- Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
- The restraint system diagnostic tool is for restraint system service only. Remove from vehicle prior to road use. Failure to remove could result in injury and possible violation of vehicle safety standards.
- Do not handle, move or change the original horizontal mounting position of the restraints control module (RCM) while the RCM is connected and the ignition switch is ON. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the inadvertent deployment of the safety canopy and risk of personal injury.
- To reduce the risk of serious 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 perform the diagnostic procedure again.
1. Depower the system.
2. Make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
3. Remove the driver air bag module.
4. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the steering wheel removal and installation procedure.
Remove the steering wheel.
Part 1:
Part 2:
5. NOTE: If the clockspring is to be reinstalled, do not allow the clockspring to turn from its removal position.
Remove the parts in the order indicated in the illustration and table.
Item 3: Gear Shift Lever Boot Removal Note
1. CAUTION: Do not use a prying device to detach the shift lever boot or damage to the steering column shrouds can result.
Detach the gear selector boot from the shrouds.
Item 6: Upper Steering Column Shroud Removal Note
1. Remove the upper steering column shroud.
1 Lift where shown to release the retaining clips, and rotate the upper steering column trim panel out of the instrument cluster finish panel.
2 Remove the upper steering column shroud hard shell.
Item 7: Tape Removal Note
1. If installing the same clockspring, apply two strips of masking tape across the clockspring to prevent accidental rotation when the clockspring is removed.
Item 9: Multi-function Switch Removal Note
1. While releasing the retaining tab at the top of the multi-function switch, slide the multi-function switch up and out of the way.
Item 14: Clockspring Mounting Bracket Removal Note
1. Inspect the clockspring mounting bracket for damage and remove as necessary.
INSTALLATION
Part 1:
Part 2:
1. Install the components in the order indicated in the illustration and table.
2. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions, notes, and instructions in the steering wheel removal and installation procedure.
Install the steering wheel.
3. Install the driver air bag module.
4. Repower the system.
Item 4: Clockspring Installation Note
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 counterclockwise, 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 three turns. This is the center point of the clockspring.
- Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.
2. NOTE: Slight turning of the clockspring rotor is allowable for alignment purposes to the steering column.
Install the clockspring onto the steering column.
1 With the flats of the clockspring aligned to the flats of the steering column, slide the clockspring onto the steering column.
2 Install the bolts.
Item 6: Retaining Pin Installation Note
1. For vehicles receiving a new clockspring, remove the retaining pin.
Item 7: Tape Installation Note
1. For vehicles reusing the clockspring that was removed, remove the tape.