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.
Restraints System (Service Information): CLOCKSPRING: Description
The clockspring assembly is secured with three screws (1) onto the top of the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE - DESCRIPTION) near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel.
The clockspring consists of a flat, round molded plastic case. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a hub. The surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole. Within the plastic case and wound around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the connector terminals that align themselves into the SCCM self-docking connector that faces the instrument panel, while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pigtail wires and connector receptacles on the hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with the screws backed out and holding the clockspring into place. If reusing a clockspring or installing a new one that you are unsure if it is centered or not, (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING) .
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
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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.