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. Remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module Driver Air Bag Module.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover.
- Pull outward on the steering column opening cover to release the retaining clips.
3. Detach the pin-type retainer and remove the electrical connector on the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
4. Remove the 2 Data Link Connector (DLC) screws and position aside.
5. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors and detach them from the bracket at the base of the steering column.
6. Place the road wheels in the straight-ahead position and remove the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to Steering Wheel Removal and Replacement.
7. If equipped, loosen the tilt lever/handle and remove.
8. Remove the ignition lock cylinder.
1. Turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position.
2. Using a suitable tool, push upward on the lock cylinder release tab through the hole in the lower shroud while pulling outward.
9. Remove the 3 screws and lower steering column shroud.
10. Remove the upper steering column shroud.
11. NOTE: Do not allow the clockspring to turn if it will be reused.
If reusing the clockspring, tape the rotor to the outer housing to prevent it from rotating.
12. If equipped, remove the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.
13. Release the 3 clockspring retaining clips.
14. Detach the 2 clockspring retaining clips holding the wire to the steering column.
15. Route the wiring through the instrument panel and remove the clockspring.
Installation
Installing a new clockspring
1. NOTE: A new clockspring is supplied in a centralized position and held 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.
Installing clockspring requiring recentering
2. 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: To prevent damage to the clockspring, make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
NOTE: The clockspring inner rotor, wiring and connector must be in the 12 o'clock position to install the steering wheel.
If the vehicle clockspring has rotated out of center, follow these steps to center the clockspring.
1. Hold the clockspring outer housing stationary.
2. 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.
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.
Installing original clockspring
3. NOTE: When the tape is removed, do not allow the clockspring to turn.
Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.
All clocksprings
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 3 screws.
11. Install the ignition lock cylinder.
- Put the ignition lock cylinder in the RUN position.
- Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the steering column housing.
- Make sure the ignition lock cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning to the OFF position. This will allow the ignition lock cylinder retaining pin to extend into the steering column bore.
12. Using the key, rotate the ignition lock cylinder through all of the switch positions.
- If the lock cylinder does not operate correctly, refer to Ignition Switch - Mechanical Component Test in the Diagnosis and Testing portion of Steering Column Switches Component Tests and General Diagnostics.
13. If equipped, install the tilt lever/handle.
14. Install the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to Steering Wheel Steering Column.
15. Connect the clockspring electrical connectors.
- Install the pin-type retainers into the bracket.
16. Install the steering column opening trim panel reinforcement and 6 bolts.
17. Install the DLC and 2 screws.
18. Install the steering column opening cover.
- Align the steering column opening cover and push in to seat the 6 retaining clips.
19. Install the DLC electrical connector and 2 screws.
20. Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module Driver Air Bag Module.