This procedure replaces the clock spring assembly located behind the steering wheel, which provides electrical connection to the airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Mopar 68078700AB or equivalent
• Steering wheel bolt (if needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels pointing straight ahead)
4. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable, then positive cable
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the two screws securing the lower steering column cover using a T20 Torx bit. Separate the lower cover from the upper cover and remove it from the vehicle. Remove the upper cover by pulling it straight back.
2. 2

   Disconnect steering wheel controls
   Locate the electrical connectors on both sides of the steering column behind the steering wheel. Press the release tabs and disconnect the connectors for the cruise control and audio controls. If equipped with heated steering wheel, disconnect that connector as well.
3. 3

   Mark steering wheel position
   Use masking tape or a marker to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and steering shaft. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation. Mark the top center position clearly.
4. 4

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the two access holes on the back side of the steering wheel (one on each side). Insert a small flat-blade tool into each hole and push to release the spring clips. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector by pressing the red locking tab and pulling straight out. Disconnect the horn connector. Remove airbag module and store in a safe location with the airbag facing up.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a clean, stable surface away from work area.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the large center bolt securing the steering wheel using a socket. Note the damper assembly (if equipped) underneath the bolt. Install a steering wheel puller according to manufacturer instructions and apply even pressure to remove the steering wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer.
   ⚠The steering wheel bolt is a one-time use fastener. Install a new bolt during reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove clock spring retaining screws
   Locate the three screws securing the clock spring assembly to the steering column. These are typically T30 Torx screws. Remove all three screws completely and place them in a magnetic tray for safekeeping.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Identify the clock spring electrical connectors. There are typically two connectors: one for the airbag circuit (yellow) and one for the steering wheel controls (may be white or gray). Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors from the clock spring.
8. 8

   Remove old clock spring
   Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Note the orientation and position of any alignment features. Inspect the steering column shaft for damage or debris and clean if necessary.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering shaft from this point forward until the new clock spring is installed.
9. 9

   Verify new clock spring centering
   Verify the new clock spring is centered. Most replacement clock springs come pre-centered with a locking pin or tape. If the locking mechanism is present, leave it in place. If centering is required, turn the rotor clockwise until it stops, then rotate counterclockwise approximately 2.5 turns until the arrow marks align. The wire ribbon should have equal slack on both sides when centered.
   ⚠️An improperly centered clock spring will be damaged immediately upon turning the steering wheel and will cause airbag system malfunction.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    Align the clock spring assembly with the steering column shaft and any alignment features. Slide the clock spring straight onto the shaft, ensuring it seats completely against the column housing. The mounting holes should align perfectly with the column.
11. 11

    Connect clock spring electrical connectors
    Connect the airbag connector (yellow) and steering wheel controls connector to the new clock spring. Ensure both connectors click securely into place and locking tabs are fully engaged. Route wiring away from moving parts.
12. 12

    Secure clock spring to column
    Install the three mounting screws to secure the clock spring to the steering column. Start all three screws by hand, then tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Torque the screws to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Remove the centering lock or tape from the clock spring if present. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and slide it onto the shaft, ensuring the clock spring electrical connector routes through the steering wheel properly. Install the damper (if equipped) and a NEW steering wheel bolt. Torque the bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall airbag module
    Connect the horn connector and airbag connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure the airbag connector red locking tab clicks into place. Align the airbag module with the steering wheel and press firmly until both spring clips engage with an audible click. Verify the module is secure by attempting to pull it away from the wheel.
15. 15

    Reconnect components and restore power
    Reconnect all steering wheel control electrical connectors. Reinstall the upper and lower steering column covers, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install cover screws and tighten to specification. Reconnect the positive battery cable, then the negative cable. Torque battery terminal bolts to specification.
    ℹ️Clean battery terminal contact surfaces before reconnecting to ensure proper electrical connection.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify steering wheel is aligned with wheels in straight-ahead position
3. Confirm airbag module is securely clipped into steering wheel
4. Check that steering column covers are properly installed with no gaps

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then turns off (approximately 6-8 seconds)
• Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio, phone if equipped)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock in both directions and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Use a scan tool to verify no airbag system fault codes are present
• If airbag light remains on or fault codes are present, recheck clock spring installation and centering

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