Replace the clock spring (steering wheel position sensor) to restore functionality of steering wheel controls, horn, and airbag systems on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM GM part number

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle
4. Open hood and locate 12V battery in front compartment
5. Document radio presets and seat memory settings as they may be lost
6. Take a photo of steering wheel position for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect 12V battery
   Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery located in the front compartment. Loosen the battery terminal bolt and carefully remove the negative cable. Secure the cable away from the terminal. Wait a minimum of 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Release the plastic clips securing the lower steering column cover panels. Remove the lower cover screws and gently pull the covers away from the steering column. Disconnect any electrical connectors for the ignition switch or other components attached to the covers.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the airbag module access holes on the sides or rear of the steering wheel. Insert a Torx bit through the access holes and remove the airbag module retaining bolts. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector by releasing the locking tab. Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean surface. Never place face-down as accidental deployment could cause serious injury.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Use a center punch or marker to create alignment marks on the steering wheel and steering shaft to ensure proper reinstallation. Disconnect the horn connector and any other electrical connectors behind the steering wheel (cruise control, paddle shifters if equipped). Remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Use a steering wheel puller if necessary to separate the wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft.
   ⚠Never use a hammer or pry tool to remove the steering wheel as this may damage the steering column or clock spring.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the clock spring, carefully mark the alignment position between the clock spring housing and the steering column. The clock spring has alignment marks that must be referenced. Take a clear photo showing the current position and any visible alignment indicators or tabs. Note the position of the centering window if visible.
   ⚠Proper documentation of clock spring position is critical. The new clock spring must be installed in the exact centered position.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors attached to the clock spring assembly. These typically include the airbag connector, horn connector, and steering wheel control connectors. Release the connector locking tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Note the routing and position of each wire harness.
7. 7

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the clock spring retaining screws securing the assembly to the steering column. There are typically 3-4 screws around the perimeter. Carefully slide the clock spring assembly off the steering shaft. Do not rotate the steering shaft or the internal mechanism of the old clock spring during removal.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Prepare and center new clock spring
   Remove the new clock spring from packaging. Verify it is in the centered position by checking the centering window or alignment marks. If the clock spring is not centered, gently rotate the hub in one direction until it stops, then rotate it back approximately 2.5 to 3 full turns until the centering window shows the centered position or alignment marks align. Some new clock springs come with a locking pin that must remain in place until installation is complete.
   ⚠Do not remove centering lock pin (if equipped) until after clock spring is fully installed and steering wheel is attached.
9. 9

   Install new clock spring
   With the steering column shaft still pointed straight ahead, carefully slide the centered clock spring onto the steering shaft. Align the mounting holes and any locating tabs or notches. Install the clock spring retaining screws and tighten to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring in their original positions. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and the locking tabs are engaged. Route the wiring harnesses as noted during removal to prevent pinching during steering wheel installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Route the airbag and control wiring through the steering wheel. Align the marks made during removal and slide the steering wheel onto the shaft. Install the steering wheel nut and tighten to specification. Reconnect the horn and any steering wheel control connectors. If the new clock spring had a centering lock pin, remove it now.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall airbag module
    Reconnect the airbag electrical connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Position the airbag module on the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Install the airbag module retaining bolts through the access holes and tighten to specification using a Torx bit and torque wrench.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully seated. Partial connection will cause airbag warning light and potential non-deployment in a crash.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Reconnect any electrical connectors to the steering column covers. Position the covers around the steering column and secure the retaining screws. Ensure all plastic clips engage properly and there are no gaps between cover sections.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery and tighten the battery terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start). The airbag warning light should illuminate briefly then extinguish. If the light remains on, there may be a connector issue or the system requires code clearing with a diagnostic tool.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure steering wheel is properly aligned with front wheels pointing straight ahead
3. Check that all trim panels and covers are properly secured with no rattles
4. Reset clock, radio presets, and any vehicle settings that were lost during battery disconnect

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then turns off within 6 seconds
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Verify all steering wheel controls function properly (cruise control, audio controls, phone buttons)
• Turn steering wheel fully left and right to verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noises
• Check for proper steering wheel return to center after turning
• If equipped with lane keeping assist or adaptive cruise control, perform steering angle sensor calibration using a compatible diagnostic tool following manufacturer procedures
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to confirm all systems operate normally before returning to service

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