Restraints Control Systems: CLOCKSPRING: Removal

Place the front road wheels in the straight ahead position then:
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Wait two minutes for the system reserve capacitor to discharge before servicing any airbag components.
Remove steering wheel. Refer to STEERING , Column, Steering Wheel, Removal.
Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds to gain access to clock spring wiring. Refer to STEERING , Column, Upper Shroud Removal.
Remove multi-function switch. Refer to MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH , Removal.
Disconnect the 7-way connector between the clock spring and the instrument panel wiring harness at the base of the clock spring.

Remove clock spring by lifting the top latch tab up slightly to guide it over the lock housing. See Fig 1. The clock spring cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if faulty.

Fig 1: Clock Spring Latch Hooks

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CLOCK SPRING

2 - LATCH HOOKS

3 - STEERING COLUMN

Rotate clock spring rotor a half turn (180 degrees) to the left (counter clockwise).
Lock the clock spring rotor in the center position as follows: Insert a paper clip wire through the hole in the rotor at the 10 O'clock position and bend to prevent it from falling out.