Removal And Installation: Clockspring: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.

WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface can contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generant combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.

WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be installed new, not repainted.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a supplemental restraint system (SRS) fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: A repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and perform the diagnostic procedure again.

Depower the system. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures portion of this section.
Remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module in this article.

NOTE: Make sure the wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN article.
Remove the ignition lock cylinder. For additional information, refer to HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS article.
Remove the 2 screws and position the hood release handle out of the way.
Remove the 2 screws from the lower steering column opening finish panel. Then pull out to release the retaining clips and remove the lower steering column opening finish panel.
Remove the 4 bolts and remove the lower steering column opening finish panel reinforcement.
If equipped, remove the tilt wheel handle and shank.
Remove the 3 screws and the lower steering column shroud.
Position the upper steering column shroud up enough to access the clockspring retaining clips.
Detach the clockspring wire harness from the wiring retainer.
Remove the clockspring electrical connectors.

Fig 1: Identifying Clockspring Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Remove the clockspring ground wire bolt.
- Release the pin-type retainer and disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.
- Release the pin-type retainer and disconnect the clockspring electrical connector.
Release the lower clockspring retaining clip.

Fig 2: Locating Lower Clockspring Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the clockspring.
- Detach the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch from the lock cylinder housing.
- Release the remaining 2 clockspring retaining clips.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Retaining Clips, Warning Indicator Switch & Clockspring
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Remove the clockspring.