Restraints System (Service Information): CLOCKSPRING: Installation: Installation

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, 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 SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

NOTE: A service replacement clockspring is shipped with the clockspring pre-centered and with a molded plastic locking pin installed. This locking pin should not be removed until the steering wheel has been installed on the steering column. If the locking pin is removed before the steering wheel is installed, the clockspring centering procedure must be performed.

NOTE: When a clockspring is installed into a vehicle without properly centering and locking the entire steering system, the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) data does not agree with the true position of the steering system and causes the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system to shut down. This may also damage the clockspring without any immediate malfunction. Unlike some other Chrysler vehicles, this SAS never requires calibration. See Restraints/CLOCKSPRING - Standard Procedure .

NOTE: Determining if the clockspring/SAS is centered is also possible electrically using the diagnostic scan tool. Steering wheel position is displayed as ANGLE with a range of up to 900 degrees. Refer to the appropriate menu item on the diagnostic scan tool.

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position and that the entire steering system is locked or inhibited from rotation.

Fig 1: Steering Column Housing, Clockspring & Screws

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. If a new clockspring (2) is being installed, transfer the multifunction switch jumper harness from the old clockspring or position a new jumper harness onto the new clockspring.
2. Carefully slide the clockspring down over the steering column upper shaft far enough to reconnect the three instrument panel wire harness connectors to the receptacles on the back of the clockspring case.
3. Position the clockspring onto the steering column housing (1).
4. Loosely install the two screws (3) that secure the back of the clockspring to the steering column bracket.
   Fig 2: Identifying Left/Right Multi-Function Switches, Screw & Clockspring

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
5. Loosely install the screw (3) that secures the face of the clockspring (4) to the steering column bracket.
   NOTE: Use of an improper sequence when tightening the clockspring mounting screws may result in an audible ticking noise as the steering wheel is rotated.
6. Tighten the three screws in the following sequence: lower right, upper left, upper right. Tighten the screws to 3 N.m (27 in. lbs.).
7. Reinstall the left multi-function switch (1) onto the clockspring. Refer to Electrical - Lamps and Lighting/Lamps/Lighting - Exterior/SWITCH, Multifunction - Installation .
8. Reinstall the right multi-function switch (2) onto the clockspring. Refer to Electrical - Wipers/Washers/Wipers/Washers/SWITCH, Multifunction - Installation .
9. Reinstall the upper and lower shrouds onto the steering column. Refer to Steering/Column/SHROUD, Steering Column - Installation .
10. Move the steering column back to the fully raised position and move the tilt release lever back to the locked (up) position.
11. Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering column. Refer to Steering/Column/WHEEL, Steering - Installation .
12. Remove the plastic locking pin that secures the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering.
13. Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering wheel. See Restraints/AIR BAG, Driver - Installation .
14. Reconnect the battery negative cable.