Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair
Clockspring
Removal
NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.
NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
1. Depower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures.
2. Remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module Driver Air Bag Module in the Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to Steering Column.
4. Remove the 3 screws and steering column opening trim panel.
5. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
- Remove the 3 screws.
- Unclip the lower steering column shroud from the upper steering column shroud and remove.
- If equipped, disconnect the power tilt switch electrical connector.
- If equipped, position the selector lever boot aside.
6. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.
7. Remove the 2 screws and clockspring.
Installation
1. NOTICE: If installing a new clockspring, do not remove the clockspring anti-rotation key until the steering wheel is installed. If the anti-rotation key has been removed before installing the steering wheel, the clockspring must be centered. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.
Install the clockspring and 2 screws.
2. Connect the clockspring electrical connector.
3. Install the lower steering column shroud and 3 screws.
- If equipped, connect the power tilt switch electrical connector.
4. Attach the upper steering column shroud to the lower steering column shroud.
- If equipped, position the selector lever boot.
5. Install the steering column opening trim panel and 3 screws.
6. WARNING: If the clockspring is not correctly centralized, it may fail prematurely. If in doubt, repeat the centralizing procedure. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
NOTICE: Do not over-rotate the clockspring inner rotor. The internal ribbon wire is connected to the clockspring rotor. The internal ribbon wire acts as a stop and can be broken from its internal connection. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.
If a new clockspring was installed and the anti-rotation key has not been removed, proceed to Step 8.
If a new clockspring was installed and the anti-rotation key has been removed before the steering wheel is installed or the same clockspring is being installed, rotate the clockspring inner rotor counterclockwise and carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length with slight resistance. Stop rotating the clockspring inner rotor at this point.
7. Starting with the clockspring inner rotor, wiring and electrical connector in the 12 o'clock position, rotate the inner rotor clockwise through 4 revolutions to center the clockspring.
Verify that the clockspring is correctly centered by observing that after 4 revolutions:
- the clockspring rotor window is in the 4 o'clock position and the yellow indicator shows in the window.
- the 2 arrows located on the clockspring inner and outer rotor line up in the 6 o'clock position.
- the clockspring inner rotor, wiring and electrical connector are in the 12 o'clock position.
8. NOTICE: Before installing the steering wheel, make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Damage to the clockspring may occur.
Install the steering wheel.
9. If a new clockspring was installed, remove the anti-rotation key.
10. Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module Driver Air Bag Module in the Removal and Installation.
11. Repower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures.