Restraints System (Service Information): CLOCKSPRING: Installation

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, occupant classification system, 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 supplemental restraint system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

CAUTION: 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 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.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Clockspring Components

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1. While holding the centered clockspring rotor and case stationary in relation to each other, carefully slide the clockspring down over the steering column upper shaft.
2. Align and seat the hole in the locating tab (2) on the clockspring case over the locating pin on the multi-function switch mounting housing.
3. Install and tighten the two screws (3) that secure the clockspring to the multi-function switch mounting housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
4. Reconnect the two instrument panel wire harness connectors to the two connector receptacles located below the steering column on the back of the clockspring housing.
   Fig 2: Removing/Installing Steering Column Shrouds

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
5. Position the lower shroud (3) onto the steering column (4).
6. From below the steering column, install and tighten the one center screw that secures the lower shroud to the steering column. Tighten the screw to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
7. Position the upper shroud (1) onto the steering column over the lower shroud. Be certain to engage the gearshift lever gap hider into the opening in the right side of both shroud halves.
8. Align the snap features on the upper shroud with the receptacles in the lower shroud and apply hand pressure to snap them together.
9. Install and tighten the two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to the lower shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
   Fig 3: Locating Steering Wheel And Steering Column Knob

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
10. Align the tilt steering column knob (3) with the tilt adjuster lever on the left side of the steering column and use hand pressure to snap it back into place.
11. If a new clockspring has been installed, remove the plastic locking pin that is securing the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering.
    NOTE: When reinstalling the steering wheel, be certain to index the yellow rubber booted engagement dowel on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor between the two fins cast into the lower surface of the steering wheel armature hub.
12. Reinstall the steering wheel (1) onto the steering column. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - INSTALLATION) .
13. Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness connectors to the upper clockspring connector receptacles. Be certain that the steering wheel wire harness is routed between the steering wheel back trim cover and the steering wheel armature.
14. Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering wheel. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION) .
15. Reconnect the battery negative cable.