Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

Fig. 14 Replacing Airbag & Clock Spring. Sigma:

1. Disable airbag as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. Set front wheels and steering wheel to straight forward position.
3. Remove airbag module in numbered sequence shown in Fig. 14, noting the following:
a. Remove airbag module mounting nut using a suitable socket wrench.
b. When disconnecting the clock spring connector from the airbag module, press airbag's lock toward the outer side to spread it open. Use a screwdriver to pry and remove connector gently. When disconnecting the airbag module lock spring connector, do not apply excessive force to it.
c. Remove steering wheel.
d. Remove rear console assembly then use a screwdriver to push in the lock spring of the lock lever of the SRS diagnosis unit to unlock.
e. Remove the 2-pin red connector of the clock spring from the SRS diagnosis unit while pressing down the lock of the clock spring connector.
4. Inspect airbag module as follows:
a. Check pad cover for dents, cracks or deformities.
b. Check hooks and connectors for damage, terminals for deformities and harness for binds.
c. Install airbag module to steering wheel to check fit or alignment.

Fig. 17 Checking Clock Spring Continuity. Sigma:

5. Inspect clock spring as follows:
a. Check connectors and protective tube for damage and terminals for deformities.
b. Visually check case and gears for damage.
c. Check for continuity between the No. 1 connector of the clock spring and connectors Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Refer to Fig. 17.
d. Connect the No. 2 connector (airbag side) and No. 7 connector of the clock spring to connector Nos. 4 and 3, respectively, of the SRS check harness. When connecting SRS check harness connector No. 4, align its white paint with hollow portion of the No. 2 connector of the clock spring.
e. Ensure that continuity between terminals 1 and 21, between terminals 2 and 22 of the SRS check harness connector No. 5, using a digital multi-meter, is less than .4 ohms.
f. If in above check, even one abnormal point is discovered, replace clock spring.
6. Reverse numbered sequence shown in Fig. 14 to install, noting the following:
a. Perform inspection before installing.
b. Connect multi-use tester Nos. MB991341 and MB991359, to diagnosis check connector.
c. Reconnect battery ground cable and turn ignition switch to On position.
d. Conduct self diagnosis using tester to ensure entire SRS operates properly, except open circuit of airbag module (22. SQUIB TRBL 2).
e. Again, disable airbag as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.

The content of this article reflects the changes identified in TSB-08-52B-001

A modified clock spring has been adopted for Service Parts on affected vehicles as of September 2007. New and old style parts are interchangeable. This TSB advises the procedures for alignment of the neutral point of the new clock spring when a part is replaced.

Parts Identification

Replacement Clockspring Alignment As Per Manual Update TSB-08-52B-001:

Mating Mark Alignment

Replacement Clockspring Alignment As Per Manual Update TSB-08-52B-001 (Part 2):

1. Turn the clockspring clockwise fully.
2. Turn the clockspring anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise) approx. 3/4 turns to align the mating marks.
3. Check that the white or yellow roller can be seen from the window for checking the neutral point when the mating marks are aligned.

NOTE: If the white or yellow roller cannot be seen or black roller can be seen, the neutral point is not aligned correctly.

4. Install the clockspring to the column switch.

If the clock spring's mating mark is not properly aligned, the steering wheel may not be completely rotational during a turn, or the flat cable within the clock spring way be severed, obstructing normal operation of the SRS and possibly leading to serious injury to the vehicles driver.

- After securely and correctly installing clock springs connector to the SRS diagnosis unit, ensure to press down the lock lever of the SRS diagnosis unit.
- Install steering wheel and after securing, turn steering wheel from stop to stop to confirm normal operation.

Fig. 19 Installing Airbag:

- Arrange and hook wiring on horn switch as shown, Fig. 19.
- Install airbag module, ensuring that no wiring is caught.
- After installing clock spring, steering wheel, column covers and airbag module, check steering for noise, binds or difficult operation.
- Perform POST INSTALLATION INSPECTION.