Replace the clock spring assembly in a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo to restore functionality to the steering wheel airbag, horn, and controls.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
4. Wait minimum 3 minutes for SRS system capacitor discharge
5. Confirm front wheels are locked in straight position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the lower steering column cover screws using appropriate driver. Carefully separate the upper and lower column covers by releasing the plastic clips. Work around the perimeter gently to avoid breaking clips.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the two Torx access holes on the sides of the steering wheel. Insert T50 Torx bit and turn counterclockwise to release airbag retaining bolts. Carefully pull airbag module away from steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag connector and horn connector by pressing the release tabs. Place airbag module face-up in safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Do not strike or jar the airbag module. Place face-up only on clean, padded surface.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Use masking tape or marker to mark the relationship between steering wheel and steering shaft for proper reassembly alignment. Remove the steering wheel center nut using appropriate socket. If wheel is tight, use steering wheel puller. Do not strike wheel with hammer. Carefully pull steering wheel straight off while feeding wiring through center opening.
   ⚠Note the position of all wiring and connectors during removal for proper routing during reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect clock spring connectors
   Locate the clock spring electrical connectors on the back of the assembly. Disconnect all connectors: airbag connector (yellow), steering wheel control connectors, and horn connector. Note the routing and positions of each connector. If equipped, disconnect any additional auxiliary connectors for paddle shifters or other controls.
5. 5

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing clock spring, verify the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and steering column are visible. Use masking tape or marker to create additional reference marks showing the exact rotational position. This is critical for proper installation.
   ⚠️Clock spring must be installed in exact same rotational position. Misalignment will cause premature failure or wire breakage.
6. 6

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the clock spring retaining screws using appropriate Torx or Phillips driver. There are typically 3-4 screws securing the clock spring to the steering column. Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the column shaft while supporting the wiring harness. Do not rotate the steering shaft during this process.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare new clock spring
   Verify the new clock spring is properly centered. OEM Honda clock springs come with a locking pin or tape holding them in centered position. Do not remove the locking pin until installation is complete. Verify the new clock spring part number matches the old unit and is correct for your vehicle's specific features (with/without paddle shifters, etc.).
   ⚠Do not remove centering pin or rotate clock spring until it is installed and steering wheel is attached.
8. 8

   Install new clock spring
   With steering column shaft still in straight-ahead position, align the new clock spring to the column. Match the alignment marks and splines. Guide the wiring harness through the column opening. Install and hand-tighten the clock spring retaining screws, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect clock spring wiring
   Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring: airbag connector (yellow), steering wheel control connectors, horn connector, and any auxiliary connectors. Ensure all connectors click firmly into place and locking tabs are fully engaged. Route wiring through steering wheel opening as noted during removal.
10. 10

    Install steering wheel
    Route clock spring wiring through steering wheel center opening. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal and slide onto steering shaft. Ensure proper alignment with splines and that wheel is centered. Install steering wheel nut and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove clock spring centering lock
    With steering wheel now installed, remove the centering pin or locking tape from the new clock spring. Gently rotate steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify smooth operation and adequate wire travel in both directions. Return wheels to center position.
12. 12

    Install airbag module
    Connect the horn connector and airbag connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure connectors are fully seated. Carefully position airbag module onto steering wheel, aligning mounting points. Install airbag retaining bolts through side access holes and torque to specification using T50 Torx bit.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connectors are properly seated before securing module. Verify no wiring is pinched.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position upper and lower steering column covers, ensuring all clips align properly. Install cover screws and torque to specification. Verify covers are secure and not interfering with steering column operation.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. The SRS light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then turn off. If light remains on or flashes, there is a fault that must be diagnosed. Use Honda HDS or equivalent scan tool to verify no DTCs are present and clock spring is communicating properly.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all connectors are properly seated and locking tabs engaged
2. Confirm steering wheel is properly centered and aligned with marks
3. Ensure no wiring is pinched or stressed during reassembly
4. Check that all trim pieces and covers are secure

Verification

• Start engine and verify SRS warning light turns off after 6 seconds
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel controls (audio, cruise control, phone buttons)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding or clicking
• Use scan tool to verify no airbag system DTCs are present
• Test drive vehicle and verify all steering wheel functions operate normally

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