Clock Spring

Replace the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly in the steering column to restore airbag, horn, and steering wheel control functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Mopar 05093254AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key.
3. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointed straight.
4. Disconnect negative battery cable, then disconnect positive battery cable. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system discharge.
5. Mark the relationship between steering wheel and steering shaft using masking tape or paint pen for proper reinstallation alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the airbag module retention (either Torx fasteners or spring clips accessed through holes in the wheel spokes). Refer to service documentation to confirm the retention method, then remove/release the airbag module accordingly. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Remove airbag module and place face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect horn and cruise control connectors
   With the airbag removed, locate the horn connector and cruise control switch connectors at the back of the steering wheel. Press the locking tabs and disconnect all electrical connectors. Note their positions for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a breaker bar or ratchet (not an impact wrench), remove the steering wheel retaining nut in the center of the steering wheel. Do not discard the nut. Verify your alignment marks between wheel and shaft are visible.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel
   With the retaining nut removed, grasp the steering wheel and pull it straight off the splined shaft by hand, rocking gently side to side if needed. If the wheel is stiff and threaded puller holes are present in the hub, a steering wheel puller may be used. Do not strike the steering shaft or wheel with a hammer. Remove the steering wheel and set aside.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering shaft from this point forward until the new clock spring is installed.
5. 5

   Remove steering column upper and lower covers
   Locate the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers (typically on the underside of the column). Remove the screws and separate the two halves of the column shroud. The covers may have plastic clips in addition to screws; use trim tools to carefully release clips if needed.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connector
   Locate the clock spring electrical connector at the base of the clock spring assembly. Press the connector locking tab and carefully disconnect the harness from the clock spring. Note the routing of the wiring for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the clock spring, note the current position of the clock spring alignment marks. Most clock springs have alignment arrows or marks on the rotor and housing. Mark their relationship with tape or paint pen for reference. This ensures the new unit is installed in the same centered position.
   ℹ️Even though you will center the new clock spring, noting the old position confirms the steering wheel was at center when removed.
8. 8

   Remove clock spring mounting screws
   Remove the screws securing the clock spring to the steering column (count and fastener size per service documentation). Carefully lift the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Carefully lift the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft.
   Torque spec

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

   Center the new clock spring
   Remove the new clock spring from its packaging. Most new units come pre-centered with a locking pin or tape. If the lock pin is present, leave it in place. If there is no lock pin, verify centering by rotating the rotor fully in one direction while counting turns, then rotating back half that number of turns. The alignment marks on the rotor and housing should align when properly centered. Do not remove centering lock until after installation.
   ⚠️Installing an off-center clock spring will cause it to reach the end of travel during steering operation and break the internal ribbon cable. Verify centering before installation.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    With the steering shaft still in the straight-ahead position (do not rotate), align the new clock spring onto the steering column shaft. Verify that the clock spring alignment marks are visible and in the correct centered position. Install the 3 mounting screws and torque to specification. Connect the clock spring electrical connector until it clicks into place.
    Torque spec

    Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove clock spring centering lock
    If the new clock spring has a centering lock pin or locking tab, remove it now. Store the lock pin with the old clock spring for disposal. Verify the rotor moves slightly in both directions (do not force rotation).
12. 12

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the lower and upper steering column covers back onto the column. Align any clips and press the covers together. Install and torque the cover screws to specification.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the steering shaft using the alignment marks made during removal. Slide the steering wheel onto the shaft, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque to specification. Reconnect the horn and cruise control electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Connect the airbag electrical connector to the back of the airbag module until it clicks into place. Position the airbag module into the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Install the two Torx fasteners through the back of the steering wheel and torque to specification. Verify the airbag module is fully seated and secure.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully locked before installing module. A loose connection may prevent airbag deployment in a crash.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the positive battery cable first, then reconnect the negative (ground) battery cable last. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). The airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds and then turn off. If the light remains on or flashes, recheck all connections. Start the engine and verify horn operation by pressing the horn button.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above, following reverse order of disassembly.
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before operating the vehicle.
3. Do not skip torque specifications, especially for airbag and steering wheel fasteners.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly and then turns off (normal bulb check).
• Test horn operation by pressing the center of the steering wheel.
• Test cruise control switch operation if equipped.
• Turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock in both directions while stationary to verify clock spring does not bind or make noise.
• If airbag light remains illuminated, use a scan tool to check for diagnostic trouble codes related to the clock spring or airbag system.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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