Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base, 2D Convertible, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Standard Procedure - CLOCKSPRING Centering
If the rotating tape within the clockspring is not positioned properly with the steering wheel and the front wheels, the clockspring may fail during use. The following procedure MUST BE USED to center the clockspring if:
- The clockspring is not known to be properly positioned.
- The front wheels were moved.
- The steering wheel was moved from the half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise) position.
- Open hood.
- Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag system or component service. Failure to do so may result in accidental airbag deployment, personal injury or death.
- Remove clockspring (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL) .
- Rotate the clockspring rotor in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
- From the end of travel, rotate the rotor three full turns in the counterclockwise direction. The horn wire and the squib wire should end up at the bottom. If not, rotate the rotor counter clockwise until the wires are properly oriented, but not more than half turn (180 degrees). Engage clockspring locking mechanism.
- Install the clockspring (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION) .WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative cable (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM) . Personal injury or death may result if the system test is not performed first.
- Close hood.
- Verify vehicle and system operation.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
