This procedure replaces the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly in the steering column, which maintains electrical connections for the airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls while allowing steering wheel rotation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Honda 77900-TVA-A01 or equivalent
• Steering column cover clips (if broken) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointed straight
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key/fob from vehicle
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from terminal
5. Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Ensure you have the radio security code if applicable for your vehicle before disconnecting battery

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Use trim removal tool to carefully pry out the lower steering column cover clips. Remove the lower cover screws if present, then remove the lower cover. The lower cover typically has 2-3 screws holding it in place.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper steering column covers
   Remove the upper steering column cover screws and clips. Carefully separate the upper cover from the column. Note the location of any wire harness clips attached to the covers for reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the two Torx access holes on the sides of the steering wheel (behind the wheel). Insert T50 Torx bit into each access hole and turn counterclockwise to release the airbag module retaining bolts. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector and horn connector by pressing the release tabs. Place airbag module face-up on a clean, safe surface away from work area.
   ⚠️Never point airbag deployment surface toward your body. Always handle by the sides and place face-up.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Use masking tape or marker to mark the exact alignment between the steering wheel and steering shaft. This is critical for maintaining proper steering wheel position. Disconnect any steering wheel control connectors. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using a 24mm socket. Use a steering wheel puller if necessary to remove the wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer.
   ⚠Mark the alignment carefully. Incorrect reassembly will result in off-center steering wheel position.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate the two main electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly (yellow airbag connector and control connector). Press the connector lock tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors. Note the routing of the wire harnesses for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the clock spring, identify and mark the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and steering column. Use a marker or tape to create additional reference marks showing the centered position of the clock spring. Take a photo if possible for reference.
   ⚠️These alignment marks are critical. If the clock spring is not properly centered during reinstallation, it may break during normal steering operation.
7. 7

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the clock spring retaining screws (typically 3-4 screws around the perimeter). Carefully lift the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Do not rotate the steering shaft while the clock spring is removed.
   ⚠️Do not allow the steering shaft to rotate from this point until the new clock spring is installed. Place tape across the shaft position as a reminder.
   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 (should have a locking pin or tab holding it centered, or a visible centering indicator showing GREEN or alignment marks lined up). If the new clock spring is not centered, rotate the inner hub slowly in one direction until it stops, then rotate back approximately 2.5-3 full turns until the alignment marks or centering window shows proper center position. Some replacement units come pre-centered with a removable locking pin.
   ⚠Installing an off-center clock spring will cause it to fail. Verify centering before installation.
9. 9

   Install new clock spring
   Verify the steering shaft has not rotated and wheels are still pointing straight ahead. Align the clock spring assembly with the steering column shaft and mounting holes. Ensure the alignment marks on the clock spring match the marks on the steering column. Carefully slide the clock spring onto the shaft. Install the clock spring retaining screws and tighten in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Remove any centering pins or locking tabs from the new clock spring after securing it.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect clock spring connectors
    Route the wire harnesses as noted during removal. Connect both electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly (yellow airbag connector and control connector). Ensure both connectors click fully into place and locks are engaged.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Route the clock spring wiring through the steering wheel center opening. Align the steering wheel to the shaft using the alignment marks made during removal. Ensure the wheel is positioned correctly for straight-ahead driving. Slide the steering wheel onto the shaft. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to specified torque. Reconnect all steering wheel control connectors.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Connect the horn connector and airbag electrical connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure both connectors lock securely. Carefully align the airbag module to the steering wheel, ensuring wire harnesses are not pinched. Insert the airbag module retaining bolts through the side access holes and tighten to specified torque using T50 Torx bit.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the upper steering column cover and secure with screws and clips. Install the lower steering column cover and secure with screws and clips. Ensure all wire harness clips are properly routed and secured to the covers.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and test system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify the airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6 seconds then turns off, indicating proper system operation. If the light stays on or flashes, there is a fault that must be diagnosed before driving.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointing straight ahead
3. Confirm all steering column covers are properly secured
4. Double-check that airbag module is securely fastened

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify the airbag warning light follows normal sequence (6 seconds on, then off)
• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary to verify clock spring operation
• Test horn functionality by pressing horn button
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio controls, phone buttons) to verify proper operation
• Drive vehicle at low speed and verify steering wheel is centered during straight-line driving
• If airbag light remains illuminated or any functions don't work, re-inspect all connections and use a scan tool to check for diagnostic codes

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