Restraints Control Systems: CLOCKSPRING: Installation

The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.

If the clockspring is not properly centered in relation to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steering gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING) . Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with a plastic locking pin installed. This locking pin should not be removed until the clockspring has been installed on the steering column. If the locking pin is removed before the clockspring is installed on a steering column, the clockspring centering procedure must be performed.

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead position.

Be certain that the left multi-function switch control stalk is in the neutral position, then carefully slide the centered clockspring down over the steering column upper shaft until both the upper and lower clockspring latches engage the steering column upper housing. See Figure.
Reconnect the two body wire harness connectors for the clockspring to the two connector receptacles below the steering column on the back of the clockspring housing.
Position both the upper and lower shrouds onto the steering column. See Figure. Be certain that the locating tabs for the left and right multi-function switch control stalk watershields are properly engaged in the openings of both the upper and lower shrouds.
Align the snap features on the upper shroud with the receptacles on the lower shroud and apply hand pressure to snap them together.
From below the steering column, install and tighten the two screws that secure the lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (18 in. lbs.).
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt steering column, move the tilt steering column to the fully raised position and secure it in place by moving the tilt release lever back to the locked (up) position.
Reinstall the steering column opening cover onto the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION) .
If a new clockspring has been installed, remove the locking pin that is securing the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering.
Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering column. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - INSTALLATION) .
Reconnect the two upper clockspring pigtail wire connectors to the two speed control switches or the two trim bezels located within the two spoke cavities of the steering wheel.
Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering wheel. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION) .