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. Service and Repair
2. Remove the driver air bag module.
3. Pull to release the retaining clips and remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.
4. On the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement, detach the pin-type retainer and remove the electrical connector.
5. On the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement, remove the 2 screws and the data link connector.
6. Remove the 6 bolts and the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
7. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors at the base of the steering column and detach the connectors from the bracket.

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

Remove the steering wheel.

9. If equipped, loosen the tilt wheel shank handle and remove.







10. 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.

11. Remove the 3 screws and the lower steering column shroud.
12. Remove the upper steering column shroud.







13. 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.







14. If equipped, remove the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.







15. Release the 3 clockspring retaining clips.
16. Detach the 2 clockspring retaining clips holding the wire to the steering column.
17. Route the clockspring wiring through the instrument panel and remove the clockspring.

Installation

Vehicles installing a new clockspring

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

Remove the sealing 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.

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







5. Press at the 6, 12 and 3'o clock positions to seat the clockspring.
6. Route the clockspring wiring through the instrument panel.
7. Attach the 2 clockspring retaining clips holding the wire to the steering column.







8. If equipped, install the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.
9. Install the upper steering column shroud.
10. Install the lower steering shroud and the 3 screws.
11. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder.
- Position the ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.
- Insert the ignition switch lock cylinder into the steering column housing.
- 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. If equipped, install the tilt wheel shank handle.
14. Install the steering wheel.
15. Connect the clockspring electrical connectors.
- Install the pin-type retainers into the bracket.

16. Install the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement and the 6 bolts.
17. Install the 2 screws and the data link connector.
18. On the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement, install the electrical connector and the pin-type retainer.
19. Install the steering column opening lower finish panel.
- Align the steering column opening lower finish panel and push in to seat the retaining clips.

20. Install the driver air bag module.
21. Repower the system. Service and Repair