CLOCKSPRING Centering

If the rotating tape within the clockspring is not positioned properly with the steering wheel and the front wheels, the clockspring may fail during use. The following procedure MUST BE USED  to center the clockspring if:

• The clockspring is not known to be properly positioned.
• The front wheels were moved.
• The steering wheel was moved from the half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise) position.

1. Place the wheels in the straight ahead position.
2. Open hood.
3. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
   WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag system or component service. Failure to do so may result in accidental airbag deployment, serious or fatal injury.
4. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering/Column/WHEEL, Steering - Removal .
   NOTE: Once the driver airbag and steering wheel are removed, the clockspring doesn't have to be removed to center it. The clockspring rotor moves freely once the steering wheel is removed.
5. Rotate the clockspring rotor in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
6. From end of travel rotate counterclockwise more than 180 degrees so the connector and squib wire are at the twelve o'clock position (top). Rotate counter clockwise two additional full turns. Engage clockspring locking mechanism.
7. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering/Column/WHEEL, Steering - Installation .
8. Install the driver airbag. See Restraints/AIR BAG, Driver - Installation .
   WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative cable. See Restraints - Diagnosis and Testing . Serious or fatal injury may result if the system test is not performed first.