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.
- 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.
- Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
- 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.
- Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
- Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
- 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. Make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Tilt the steering column all the way down and extend it all the way out.
3. Depower the system.
4. Remove the driver air bag module.
5. Remove the steering wheel.
6. Remove the screws and the instrument panel lower steering column cover.
7. Remove the instrument panel upper steering column cover.

8. NOTE: If the clockspring is to be reinstalled, do not allow the clockspring to turn from its removal position.

Apply 2 strips of masking tape across the clockspring to prevent accidental rotation when the clockspring is removed.

9. NOTE: Remove the clockspring and multifunction switch as an assembly.

Disconnect the 2 clockspring lower electrical connectors, the multifunction switch electrical connector and remove the clockspring and multifunction switch assembly.

10. Remove the 2 multifunction switch screws.
11. Remove the 2 clockspring screws and the clockspring assembly.







12. Release the tabs and slide the multifunction switch out of the clockspring.

Installation







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

If the 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 counterclockwise, carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length and feel for a slight resistance. Stop turning at this point.

3 Turn the clockspring clockwise approximately 2-1/2 turns. This is the center point of the clockspring.
- Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.







2. Align the multifunction switch to the clockspring and slide the 2 together.
- Make sure the tabs are interlocked.







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

With the flat of the clockspring aligned to the flat of the steering column, slide the clockspring onto the steering column.

4. Connect the 2 clockspring lower electrical connectors and the multifunction switch electrical connector.
5. Install the 2 multifunction switch screws.
6. Install the 2 clockspring screws.
7. For vehicles receiving a new clockspring, remove the retaining pin.
8. For vehicles reusing the clockspring that was removed, remove the tape.







9. Install the instrument panel upper steering column cover.
10. Install the instrument panel lower steering column cover and screws.
11. Install the steering wheel.
12. Install the driver air bag module.
13. Repower the system.