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 the mounting screws backed out from the case far enough to engage the access holes in the upper surface of the rotor. The clockspring mounting screws should not be tightened into the clockspring case until the clockspring has been installed on the steering column. If the screws are tightened into or removed from the case 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, 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.

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

Carefully slide the centered clockspring down over the steering column upper shaft until the screws in the clockspring case are aligned with the mounting holes on the multi-function switch housing.
Tighten the two screws that secure the clockspring to the multi-function switch mounting housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (18 in. lbs.).
Reconnect the two clockspring lower pigtail connectors to the vehicle wire harness connectors located between the steering column and the back of the fuse block underneath the steering column. See Figure.

Route the clockspring lower pigtail wires around the lug on the bottom of the multi-function switch housing and behind the fuse block underneath the steering column. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Clockspring Pigtail Routing

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

2 - FUSE BLOCK

3 - CLOCKSPRING LOWER PIGTAILS (2)

Reinstall the steering column opening cover onto the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION) .
Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering column. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - INSTALLATION) .
Reconnect the clockspring upper pigtail wire connectors to the terminals of the horn switch located in the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering wheel. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION) .