Clock Spring

Remove and replace the clock spring (steering angle sensor and airbag contact assembly) in the steering column behind the steering wheel of a 2008 Dodge Viper.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Mopar 05143320AB or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels in straight-ahead position
2. Turn ignition to LOCK position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable end away from battery post
4. Wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Mark steering wheel and shaft position with paint pen for installation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   Access the driver airbag module fasteners per the FSM for the 2008 Viper. Depending on configuration, release the retaining spring clips or remove the retaining fasteners securing the airbag module, then disconnect the airbag electrical connector by releasing the connector lock and pulling straight out. Remove the airbag module and place it face-up in a safe location away from the work area. 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 the work area.
2. 2

   Disconnect steering wheel harness connectors
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors behind the steering wheel hub. This includes the horn connector and any cruise control or switch connectors mounted to the back of the steering wheel. Note routing and positions for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Remove the steering wheel center retaining nut using a socket. Verify in the FSM whether this nut is reusable or must be replaced; many airbag-equipped columns specify a single-use nut. Thread the nut back onto the shaft several turns to protect threads and provide a backstop for the puller.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel
   Verify the steering wheel mounting type in the FSM. If the wheel is a splined slip-fit, it can typically be removed by hand after removing the retaining nut. If it is a tapered press fit, install a steering wheel puller, tighten evenly while supporting the wheel, and remove the wheel once it breaks free. Be careful not to rotate the steering shaft from this point forward. Be careful not to rotate the steering shaft from this point forward.
5. 5

   Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds
   Locate the screws securing the upper and lower steering column shrouds. Remove these screws and separate the shroud halves. The lower shroud typically has 2-3 screws accessible from underneath, while the upper shroud may have additional fasteners. Remove both shroud pieces to expose the clock spring assembly.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate the clock spring electrical connectors. There are typically two connectors: one for the airbag circuit (yellow connector) and one for steering wheel controls. Press the locking tabs on each connector and carefully disconnect them from the clock spring. Note the connector positions and routing.
7. 7

   Remove clock spring retaining screws
   Refer to the FSM to identify the clock spring retention method for the 2008 Viper. Depending on design, the clock spring may be secured by retaining screws or by integral snap tabs/latches. Remove or release the fasteners/latches as specified to free the clock spring assembly.
8. 8

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. The clock spring slides over the steering column shaft and off the column mounting bracket. Note the alignment of any locating pins or tabs. Inspect the removed clock spring for damage, broken ribbon cable, or contamination that would confirm replacement is necessary.
9. 9

   Prepare new clock spring
   Verify the new clock spring is in the centered position. Most new clock springs come with a locking pin, plastic tab, or tape holding them centered. Do not remove this centering device yet. If the clock spring does not have a centering device, verify through the windows in the housing that the internal ribbon is centered with equal turns available in both directions. Confirm the steering column shaft and front wheels remain in the straight-ahead position.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    Align the clock spring locating pins or tabs with the corresponding slots on the steering column. Slide the clock spring onto the steering column shaft and seat it fully onto the column mounting bracket. Ensure the clock spring is fully seated with no gaps.
11. 11

    Install clock spring retaining screws
    Install the 3 Torx retaining screws and tighten them evenly in a cross pattern to secure the clock spring to the steering column. Do not overtighten; snug them firmly until the clock spring is secure against the column housing.
12. 12

    Connect clock spring electrical connectors
    Reconnect the clock spring electrical connectors. Connect the yellow airbag connector first, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Then connect the steering wheel control connector. Verify both connectors are fully seated and locked. Route the wiring harness as noted during disassembly.
13. 13

    Remove clock spring centering device
    Now that the clock spring is installed and the steering system is aligned, remove the centering pin, tab, or tape from the new clock spring. Store or discard the centering device as it is no longer needed.
14. 14

    Reinstall steering column shrouds
    Position the lower steering column shroud and then the upper shroud around the steering column. Align the shroud halves and install all retaining screws. Tighten screws snugly but do not overtighten plastic threads.
15. 15

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the alignment marks made during removal and slide it onto the steering column shaft. Ensure the wheel is fully seated against the clock spring. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten it to the FSM-specified torque (verify the exact value for the 2008 Viper before final tightening). Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors including horn and cruise control switches.
16. 16

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Connect the airbag electrical connector to the back of the airbag module, ensuring it clicks into place. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel and press firmly until both spring clips engage and lock the module to the wheel. Verify the module is secure by attempting to pull it away from the wheel.
17. 17

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. The airbag warning light should illuminate briefly during the system self-test (typically several seconds) then extinguish. If the light remains on or flashes, there may be an issue with the installation or the system may need to be scanned and codes cleared with a diagnostic tool.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify steering wheel is aligned properly with front wheels straight ahead
3. Confirm airbag module is securely latched to steering wheel on both sides
4. Check that all steering column shroud screws are installed and tight

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes
• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel full lock in both directions to verify horn and steering wheel controls function properly
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position smoothly without binding
• Use a scan tool to verify no airbag system codes are present
• Test horn function by pressing horn button

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