Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clock spring install?

[DWest]

Does anyone have instructions for installing the clock spring in the steering column? My air bag warning light keeps coming on when I turn the wheel any amount. Orderedthe part online and saved $70 from the dealer. DWest

 

[fox]

It is straight forward.

Unhook the batteries for 30 minutes, open the steering wheel , unhook it and place the new in and of course don't undo the new until it is in place, so the spring doesn't spin.

It is in the sevice manual.

 

[DWest]

Don't have service manual

I don't have the service manual, what do you open on the column? Top, side, bottom or do you pull the wheel. I don't know where to start. I've done my own turbo and injectors, just don't know where to start with this. DWest

 

[fox]

Back side of the steering wheel are some screws to remove. Now the air bag/horn all is open. But UNHOOK the BATTERIES first. 30 minutes. If you get a static spark or a spark while you are unplugging it it can fire!!!

New clock spring has instructions. Do not play with it as it is a tensioned spring. If it gets loose and you install it, the steering wheel will damage it.

 

[hsmith]

It's beneath the wheel. With the bag removed, remove the nut holding the wheel on and using a suitable puller remove the wheel. You will see the spring then.

 

[Bob4x4]

2 minutes is enough :-laf 30 is not needed





WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.



NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.



Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.

Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).

If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connectors from the speed control switches and the remote radio switches located within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.

Remove the nut that secures the steering wheel armature to the steering column upper shaft, which is located within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.

Pull the steering wheel off of the steering column upper shaft spline using a steering wheel puller (Special Tool C-3428-B).

Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).

If the vehicle is so equipped, unscrew the lever from the tilt steering column adjuster mechanism located on the left side of the column just below the multi-function switch control stalk. Turn the lever counterclockwise to unscrew it from the adjuster.

From below the steering column, remove the two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to the lower outer shroud (Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install - Typical).

Press carefully inward on each side of the outer shrouds to release the snap features and remove the upper outer shroud from the lower outer shroud.

From below the steering column, remove the one center screw that secures the lower outer shroud to the steering column housing.

Remove the lower outer shroud from the steering column.

From below the steering column, remove the two screws that secure the lower inner shroud to the steering column housing and the upper inner shroud.

Press carefully inward on the gearshift lever side of the inner shrouds to release the snap features and remove the lower inner shroud from the steering column.

Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector for the clockspring from the lower clockspring connector receptacle.

Disconnect the lower clockspring pigtail wire connector from the instrument panel wire harness, located on the instrument panel lower reinforcement below the steering column.

Carefully disengage the plastic latches of the clockspring assembly from the steering column lock housing and remove the clockspring from the column.

 

[DWest]

Thanks!

Thanks Bob4x4! Just what I was looking for. Will install as soon as part comes in. DWest