Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

Clockspring

Removal

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down.

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the ECS module fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: A 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.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

1. Depower the system. Service and Repair

2. Remove the driver air bag module. Service and Repair






3. Pull to release the retaining clips and remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.






4. Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
1 Release the pin-type retainers and remove the electrical connector.
2 Remove the screw and data link connector.
3 Remove the bolts.
4 Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.






5. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors at the base of the steering column.

6. NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the steering wheel.






7. If so equipped, twist the tilt wheel handle and shank and remove.






8. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
1 Remove the three screws.
2 Remove the steering column shroud.






9. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
1 Position the lock cylinder to RUN.
2 Using a suitable tool, push upward on the cylinder release tab through the hole in the lower shroud while pulling the cylinder outward.






10. Remove the upper steering column shroud.






11. Apply two strips of masking tape across the clockspring.






12. Remove the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.
13. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector and separate the air bag electrical connector from the bracket.






14. Pry the retaining clips loose.
15. Separate the wire from the two retaining clips holding the wire to the column.






16. Remove the clockspring.
- Feed the wiring harness through the instrument panel (04320).

Installation

Vehicles receiving a new clockspring

1. NOTE: A new clockspring is supplied in a centralized position and held there with a key.

Remove the key from the clockspring, holding the rotor in its centralized position.
- Do not allow the clockspring rotor to turn.

Vehicles needing clockspring recentering






2. 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, follow through with this step.

Centralize 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 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 counterclockwise approximately 2.25 turns. This is the center point of the clockspring.
- Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring

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

Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.

All vehicles






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

With the flats of the clockspring aligned to the flats of the steering column, slide the clockspring onto the steering column engaging the retaining tabs.






5. Press at the six, twelve, and three o'clock positions to seat the clockspring.
6. Rotate the wiring and secure into two wire clips.
7. Connect the clockspring electrical connector.
- Connect the clockspring electrical connector.
- Install the pin-type retainer into the bracket.






8. Install the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.
9. If a new clockspring is used, remove the yellow anti-rotation tab.






10. Install the upper steering column shroud.
11. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder.
1 Turn the ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.
2 Insert the ignition switch lock cylinder into the steering column housing.
3 Make sure the ignition switch lock cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the inter-locking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will permit the retaining pin of the ignition switch lock cylinder to extend into the hole in the steering column.

12. Rotate the ignition switch lock cylinder, using the key, to make sure of correct mechanical operation in all positions.






13. Install the lower steering column shroud.
14. Install the steering column opening cover.






15. If so equipped, install the tilt wheel handle and shank.

16. Install the steering wheel.

17. Connect the clockspring electrical connectors.
Install the pin-type retainers into the bracket.

18. Install the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
1. Position the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
2. Install the bolts.
3. Install the electrical connector pin-type retainers.
4. Position the data link connector and install the screws.






19. Align the steering column opening lower finish panel and push in to seat the retaining clips.










20. Install the driver air bag module. Service and Repair
1. Connect the horn electrical connector.
2. Connect the driver air bag module electrical connector.
3. Position the driver air bag module into the steering wheel.
4. Install the two bolts.
5. Install the two steering wheel back cover plugs.






21. Repower the system. Service and Repair