Clock Spring

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly on a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, restoring proper electrical connection between the steering wheel controls and vehicle systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Mopar OEM or quality aftermarket
• Steering wheel alignment marks tape × 1 — Use masking tape

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Engage parking brake and place transmission in Park
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor to fully discharge
6. Position steering wheel so it is perfectly centered with wheels straight ahead
7. Take photos of steering wheel orientation and mark steering wheel position relative to column with tape or paint pen

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   Depending on model year, the driver airbag module is retained either by two Torx screws accessed from the rear of the steering wheel or by spring clips accessed through rear holes. Remove the retaining screws, or for spring-clip designs insert a small screwdriver or pick tool into each rear access hole and depress the spring clip while pulling the module away from the steering wheel. Once both clips are released, carefully pull the airbag module toward you to access the electrical connectors on the back. Disconnect the airbag connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Disconnect the horn connector if equipped. Remove the airbag module and place it face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a stable surface. Never place face-down as accidental deployment could cause the module to become a projectile.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   With the steering wheel centered and wheels straight, use masking tape or a paint pen to mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using the appropriate socket. If equipped with threaded puller holes, thread the steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel hub using the provided bolt holes; otherwise the wheel may pull off by hand once the retaining nut is removed. Tighten the puller center bolt gradually and evenly to pull the steering wheel off the shaft. Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer. Remove the steering wheel and set aside in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove steering column covers
   Locate the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers. On most models there are 2-3 screws on the bottom cover and the upper cover may have plastic clips in addition to screws. Remove the screws and carefully separate the lower cover first, then the upper cover. Some covers may require gentle prying at the clip locations. Be careful not to break the plastic clips. Set covers aside.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors attached to the clock spring assembly. Typical connectors include the airbag circuit (yellow connector with locking tab), cruise control switches, and potentially radio controls depending on trim level. Carefully note the position and routing of each connector before removal, or take photos for reference. Press the locking tabs and disconnect each connector from the clock spring. Some connectors may have secondary locking tabs or sliding locks that must be released first.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the clock spring, verify that alignment marks on the clock spring housing and rotor are visible and aligned. The clock spring should have alignment marks or arrows showing the centered position. Use masking tape or a paint pen to create additional reference marks across the clock spring housing and the steering column to document the exact rotational position. Take a photo of the alignment marks for reference during installation.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marking is critical. The clock spring internal ribbon cable has limited rotation and will break if installed in the wrong position.
6. 6

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the screws securing the clock spring to the steering column. Most models have 3-4 small screws around the perimeter of the clock spring housing. Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Some resistance is normal due to the splined connection. Do not rotate the clock spring assembly after removal. If the assembly must be set down, tape the rotor to the housing to prevent rotation, or use the locking mechanism if the new part includes one.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Prepare and center new clock spring
   Remove the new clock spring from packaging. Most new clock springs come pre-centered with a locking pin or tape to prevent rotation during shipping. Verify the clock spring is centered by checking that alignment marks or arrows on the housing and rotor are aligned. If the new clock spring has been rotated or you are unsure of center position, center it manually: rotate the rotor fully in one direction until it stops (do not force), then rotate in the opposite direction counting the turns until it stops. Rotate back half the number of turns to reach center. The alignment marks should now be aligned. Install any locking device or tape to hold position during installation.
   ⚠If the replacement clock spring locking mechanism has been removed or lost, temporarily tape the rotor to the housing to prevent rotation during installation.
8. 8

   Install new clock spring
   With the steering column shaft still in the straight-ahead position as marked earlier, carefully align the new clock spring with the steering column shaft splines. Ensure the alignment marks you made on the column match up with the clock spring orientation. The clock spring will only fit in one position due to the splined shaft. Push the clock spring onto the column until it seats fully against the column housing. Install the clock spring retaining screws and tighten in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Remove any locking pins or tape from the clock spring after it is secured to the column.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Reconnect all electrical connectors to the new clock spring in their original positions. Ensure each connector is fully seated and the locking tabs click into place. Route the wiring as it was originally to prevent pinching during steering column cover reinstallation. Verify the yellow airbag connector is fully engaged with the secondary lock in place if equipped. Tug gently on each connector to confirm it is locked.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the upper steering column cover, aligning any clips with their receptacles. Position the lower cover and align all mounting points. Install the cover screws and tighten to specification. Ensure no wires are pinched between the cover halves. Check that the covers fit flush and all clips are properly engaged.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Verify the steering column shaft is still in the straight-ahead position as marked. Align the steering wheel with the alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide the steering wheel onto the shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly and the wheel seats fully against the clock spring. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to the specified torque. Double-check that the steering wheel is centered with the front wheels still straight ahead.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall airbag module
    Reconnect the horn connector if equipped. Carefully route the airbag connector to avoid pinching and connect it to the airbag module, ensuring the connector locks fully. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting clips with their receptacles. Push firmly until both spring clips audibly click into place on both sides. Verify the airbag module is secure by attempting to pull it away from the wheel.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully seated before installing module. A loose connection can cause airbag malfunction or inadvertent deployment.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and test
    Ensure all tools and materials are clear of the vehicle. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten to specification. Clean the battery terminal and cable end if necessary before reconnecting. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. The airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds then extinguish. If the light remains on or flashes, there is a fault in the system requiring diagnosis. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stopped to verify full steering range without binding. Test all steering wheel controls including horn, cruise control, and audio controls if equipped.
    ⚠If the airbag warning light remains illuminated, do not drive the vehicle. A fault code has been set and must be diagnosed with a proper scan tool.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Confirm steering wheel is centered with front wheels straight ahead
3. Ensure airbag module is securely clipped into steering wheel on both sides
4. Check that no wires are pinched behind steering column covers
5. Verify battery terminal is clean and tight

Verification

• Start engine and verify airbag warning light extinguishes after 6-8 seconds
• Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or clicking from clock spring
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test cruise control functions if equipped (set, resume, cancel buttons)
• Test steering wheel audio controls if equipped
• Road test vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making several full steering inputs in both directions to verify clock spring operates through full range
• Verify airbag warning light does not illuminate during or after road test
• Confirm no clicking, popping, or rubbing noises from steering column during steering inputs

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