Restraints (Service Information) - 500 - Except Electric: CLOCKSPRING: Installation
To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbags, airbag curtains, knee blocker, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS)/negative battery cable assembly from the negative battery post, 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.
Always turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Then, prior to disconnecting the steering column from the steering gear, lock the steering wheel to the steering column. If clockspring centering has been compromised for ANY reason, the entire Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) and clockspring unit MUST be replaced with a new unit.
A service replacement clockspring and stalk unit is shipped with the clockspring pre-centered and with a molded plastic locking pin installed. This locking pin should not be removed until the clockspring and stalk unit has been installed on the steering column.
- While holding the clockspring locking ring compressed, position the clockspring and stalk unit (1) to the top of the steering column jacket.
- Engage the instrument panel wire harness take outs for the clockspring and stalk unit into the retainer (3) on the back of the stalk unit housing.
- Connect the two instrument panel wire harness connectors to the two connector receptacles (2) on the back of the stalk unit housing near the top.
- While holding the clockspring locking ring compressed, tighten the screw (4) that tensions the clamp (5) that secures the stalk unit to the top of the steering column jacket. Tighten the screw to 5 N.m (44 in. lbs.).
- Connect the instrument panel wire harness connector to the clockspring connector receptacle (3).
- Install the upper and lower shrouds onto the steering column. Refer to COLUMN, INSTALLATION .
- Move the steering column back to the fully raised (up) position.CAUTION:
The clockspring locking pin is removed by rotating it in a clockwise direction, breaking it off in the SCCM housing. Do not bend the locking pin to break it off as this may damage the SCCM housing.
- If a new clockspring and stalk unit is being used, break off the plastic locking pin (2) that secures the clockspring rotor (1) to the stalk unit housing to maintain clockspring centering. Rotate the pin in a clockwise direction to break it off in the stalk unit housing.
- Install the steering wheel onto the steering column. Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, INSTALLATION .
- Connect the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), connect the IBS connector.