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. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the 4 screws and pull outward to release the retaining clip and remove the instrument panel lower knee bolster.







5. Detach the steering column upper shroud from the steering column lower shroud.
- Using a thin-bladed screwdriver, release the 2 clips (one on each side).







6. If equipped, detach the audio control switch from the steering column lower shroud.
- Using a thin-bladed screwdriver, release the locking tab.







7. If equipped, disconnect the electrical connector and remove the audio control switch.
8. Release the steering column locking lever and remove the 3 steering column lower shroud retaining screws, then remove the steering column lower shroud.
9. If installing the same clockspring, apply 2 strips of masking tape across the clockspring rotor to the outer housing to prevent accidental rotation when the clockspring is removed.







10. Detach the multi-function switches from the clockspring and position them aside.
- Depress the locking tabs and slide each switch upwards.

11. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.







12. CAUTION: Note the position of the spacing collar within the center of the clockspring.

Remove the clockspring.
- Release the locking tabs from the steering column.

Installation

Vehicles needing clockspring recentering







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.

NOTE: If a clockspring has rotated out of center, carry out this step.

Centralize the clockspring.
1 Turn the clockspring in a counterclockwise direction until resistance is felt.
2 Turn the clockspring in a clockwise direction, until the arrow marked on the rotor of the clockspring aligns with the raised "V" section at the 12 o'clock position on the outer cover of the clockspring (approximately 2.50 turns).

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring

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

Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.

All vehicles







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

Install the clockspring.
- Make sure the retaining tabs lock into position on the steering column.

4. Connect the clockspring electrical connector.

5. NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the locking tabs are fully engaged.

Attach the multifunction switches to the clockspring.

6. Install the steering column lower shroud and the 3 screws.

7. NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the locking tabs are fully engaged.

If equipped, install the audio control switch.
- Connect the audio control switch electrical connector.
- Install the audio control switch.

8. Install the steering column upper shroud.
9. Attach the instrument panel lower knee bolster to the instrument panel.
- Secure the clip and install the 4 screws.

Vehicles installing a new clockspring

10. CAUTION: Do not rotate the new clockspring between removing the sealing key and installing the steering wheel. If the vehicle is left unattended by the technician between removing the seal and installing the steering wheel, carry out the centralizing procedure.

Remove the sealing key.

All vehicles







11. CAUTION: Make sure the spacing collar is correctly located when installing the steering wheel. Do not install the steering wheel if the spacer collar is missing.

Install the spacing collar.

12. CAUTION: If the vehicle is left unattended by the technician between centralizing the clockspring and installing the steering wheel, the centralizing procedure must be repeated.

Install the steering wheel.

13. CAUTION: Always apply a liberal bead of electrical grease XG-12 to the driver air bag module electrical connector face prior to connecting the driver air bag module electrical connector to the clockspring. Failure to follow this instruction may result in poor connectivity and may set intermittent/on-demand supplemental restraint system (SRS) DTCs.

Install the driver air bag module.

14. Repower the system. Service and Repair