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.
Standard Procedure - Clock Spring Centering
If the rotating tape within the clock spring is not positioned properly with the steering wheel and the front wheels, the clock spring may fail during use. The following procedure MUST BE USED to center the clock spring if:
- The clock spring 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.
Follow all Warnings for airbag component service. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - WARNING) .
- Open deck lid.
- Remove four bolts to battery compartment cover and remove cover.
- Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
- Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning any airbag system or instrument panel component service.
- Remove clock spring. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK SPRING - REMOVAL) .
- Rotate the clock spring rotor in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of travel. Do not apply excessive force/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 top. If not, rotate the rotor counter clockwise until the wires are properly oriented, but not more than half turn (180 degrees). Engage clock spring locking mechanism.
- Install the clock spring. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK SPRING - INSTALLATION) .WARNING: Do not connect battery negative cable. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM) .
- Connect the battery negative cable.
- Place battery access cover into place and install four bolts.
- Close deck lid.
- Verify vehicle and system operation.
NO RELATED
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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.