2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission HELP, Air bag light and chime driving me crazy!!!!

[rbernath]

I have a 98. 5 24v with 70,000 miles and when I turn the steering wheel the air bag light and chime come on..... Does it on right and left turns..... Any suggestions??????

 

[zimman20]

clock spring? Anyone?

 

[Whitmore]

sounds like your clockspring, thats a wiring harness that goes around the column and allows all your switches on the steering wheel to be hooked up, if you loose it totaly your cruze will also fail, I would get one from Dodge and fix it myself it aint to hard... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . Kevin

 

[zimman20]

rbernath- First of all, welcome aboard.



If you don't already have the OEM manul (available from DC or do a search on 'Service manual' or 'OEM manual' to get sources (read cheaper) than DC) suggest getting one.



Also do a search on 'clock spring' or 'clockspring' and see if the symptoms fit and what other members found/did.



zman

 

[mimprevento]

Clockspring

Get it fixed at dealer- the part was defective by design and it just took awhile for the internal wires in the unit to break. You will NOT have airbag function in the event of a serious crash- make dealer diagnose but this seems like it is the problem. Do NOT fix yourself- this needs to be done by a dealer because it is a serious safety item and DC will avoid responsibility if something happens after a self-fix. DC is fighting with NHTSA right now to avoid a huge recall of vehicles with these clocksprings and they ought to be very accomodating- I would also let NHTSA know through their web page if it is confirmed that the clockspring is responsible.

 

[MJawsman]

Shortly after I bought my 2001, I received a clockspring recall. Maybe yours is covered under this notice?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Go figure the recall does not start til 2001 All others blame someone else?

TSB~Recall 08-010-01 Airbag/clock spring service.

When servicing any airbag system, it is essential to follow the proper Service Manual and/or Diagnostic Manual procedures for diagnosing, testing, and replacing of any component. Do not use silicone or any other lubricant spray on or near the clock spring. Lubricants are often used in the clock spring area of the steering column to eliminate noise. Any repair that may disrupt the positioning of the steering wheel with the front wheels will require that the clock spring be centered. This includes clock spring replacement, steering column service, HVAC service, steering gear service, and front suspension crossmember service.





TSB 08-010-01

Airbag/Clock Spring Service





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Date: May 25, 2001



Models: 1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup, 2002 (DR) Ram Pickup



1990 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/Lebaron Sedan

1995 - 2002 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon

1990 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon

1990 - 1993 (AG) Daytona

1990 - 1995 (AJ) LeBaron Coupe/Convertible

1990 - 1994 (AQ) Chrysler Maserati

1990 (AL) Horizon/Omni

1994 - 2002 (AN) Dakota

1990 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance

1988 - 1995 (AM) Diplomat/Gran Fury/New Yorker Fifth Avenue

1991 - 1995 (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue

1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup

1995 - 1996 (B7) Stealth

1998 - 2002 (DN) Durango

2002 (DR) Ram Pickup

1995 - 2000 (FJ) Avenger/Sebring/Talon

1995 - 2000 (JA) Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus

2001 - 2002 (JR) Sebring Sedan/Stratus Sedan/Sebring Convertible

1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible

2002 (KJ) Liberty

1993 - 2002 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker/300M

1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/ Voyager

1995 - 2002 (PL) Neon

1997 - 2002 (PR) Prowler

2002 (PG) PT Cruiser (International Markets)

2001 - 2002 (PT) PT Cruiser

2001 - 2002 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

2001 - 2002 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/ Voyager

1996 - 2002 (SR) Viper

2001 - 2002 (ST) Seebring Coupe

1997 - 2002 (TJ) Wrangler

2001 - 2002 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)

1999 - 2002 (WJ) Grand Cherokee

1995 - 2001 (XJ) Cherokee

1995 - 1998 (ZG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)

1993 - 1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer



NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL MODELS EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG.



Discussion:

Airbag

When servicing any airbag system, it is essential to follow the proper Service Manual and/or Diagnostic Manual procedures for diagnosing, testing, and replacing of any component. When diagnosing any airbag squib circuit Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) with a DRBIII, the use of the Airbag Load Tool (Special Tool 8310 and 8443) is required. The Airbag Load Tool, used in conjunction with DRBIII are used to isolate and test components and wiring for failure. Only replace the component or wiring that has failed.



NOTE: AIRBAG REPLACEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED EVERY TIME IT IS REMOVED OR WHEN ANOTHER COMPONENT HAS FAILED. USE OF THE DRBIII AND AIRBAG LOAD TOOL WILL DETERMINE IF THE AIRBAG HAS FAILED AND REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED.



NOTE: TECHNICIANS SHOULD RECORD ALL STORED AND ACTIVE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAULT CODES ON THE REPAIR ORDER.



Clock Springs

Recent analysis of returned clock springs have indicated that prior service may have contributed to the clock spring's failure.



Do not use silicone or any other lubricant spray on or near the clock spring. Lubricants are often used in the clock spring area of the steering column to eliminate noise. Lubricants may have an adverse effect on the clock spring.

Clock spring centering. Any repair that may disrupt the positioning of the steering wheel with the front wheels will require that the clock spring be centered. This includes clock spring replacement, steering column service, HVAC service, steering gear service, and front suspension crossmember service. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for the clock spring centering procedure.