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 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel alignment mark tape × 1 — Masking tape acceptable

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels straight
4. Disconnect negative battery cable first, then positive cable
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Place battery cables away from terminals to prevent accidental reconnection
7. Mark steering wheel position relative to column with tape or paint pen for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering column covers
   Release plastic clips around lower steering column cover perimeter. Separate lower cover from upper cover. Remove upper steering column cover by pulling away from column. Set covers aside in clean area to prevent damage to clips.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate two Torx T50 bolts on rear of steering wheel (accessible from back side). Remove both airbag module bolts. Carefully pull airbag module straight back from steering wheel. Disconnect yellow two-wire airbag connector by pressing release tab and pulling straight apart. Disconnect horn connector if equipped. Place airbag module face-up on clean surface away from work area.
   ⚠️Never place airbag module face-down. Always store face-up on clean, flat surface away from work area.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Mark steering wheel position relative to steering shaft with paint pen or tape for alignment reference. Disconnect all electrical connectors at steering wheel (cruise control, audio controls, etc). Remove steering wheel center nut using appropriate socket. Install steering wheel puller and evenly tighten bolts to remove steering wheel from shaft. Do not hammer or pry on wheel. Remove wheel and set aside.
   ⚠Steering wheel may release suddenly when using puller. Keep hands clear of wheel rim during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and disconnect clock spring
   Before removing clock spring, verify steering column shaft has not rotated from center position. Mark clock spring position relative to column housing with tape or paint pen on at least two reference points. Disconnect all electrical connectors from clock spring assembly (typically 4-wire and 6-wire connectors). Note connector positions and routing for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove three clock spring mounting screws using Torx T30 bit. These screws secure clock spring to steering column housing. Carefully slide clock spring straight off steering column shaft while noting position of locating tabs. Inspect clock spring for damage, broken ribbon cable visible through housing, or incorrect centering. Set old clock spring aside.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Prepare new clock spring
   Remove new clock spring from packaging carefully. Verify clock spring is in centered position - it should have a locking pin or tape holding it centered. DO NOT remove centering lock until after installation. Verify new clock spring part number matches old unit and vehicle application. Check that all connector positions match original configuration.
   ⚠️New clock spring must remain locked in center position until fully installed on vehicle. Removing centering lock prematurely will destroy the clock spring.
7. 7

   Install new clock spring
   Verify steering column shaft is still in center position with wheels straight ahead. Align clock spring locating tabs with slots in steering column housing. Slide clock spring onto steering column shaft ensuring proper engagement of locating features. Install three clock spring mounting screws and torque to specification using Torx T30 bit and torque wrench. Ensure clock spring is seated flush against column housing.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect clock spring electrical connectors
   Connect all electrical connectors to clock spring in their original positions. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place with locking tab engaged. Route wiring in original paths to prevent pinching during steering wheel installation. Verify no wires are twisted or under tension. NOW remove centering lock pin or tape from new clock spring.
9. 9

   Reinstall steering wheel
   Verify steering column shaft and wheels are still in straight-ahead center position. Align steering wheel to shaft using marks made during disassembly. Slide steering wheel onto shaft ensuring proper spline engagement and alignment. Install steering wheel nut and torque to specification. Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors (cruise control, audio controls, paddle shifters if equipped).
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Connect horn connector if equipped. Connect yellow two-wire airbag connector ensuring positive locking engagement. Position airbag module into steering wheel aligning mounting holes. Install two airbag module bolts through rear of steering wheel. Torque bolts to specification using Torx T50 bit and torque wrench in cross pattern.
    ⚠Ensure no wires are pinched between airbag module and steering wheel before tightening bolts.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position upper steering column cover around column and snap into place. Align lower steering column cover and press firmly to engage all plastic clips. Verify all clips are fully seated and covers fit flush with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative cable. Torque battery terminal bolts to specification if applicable. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Allow airbag system to complete self-test (airbag light should illuminate then extinguish after 5-7 seconds). If airbag light remains on or flashes, diagnose with scan tool before operating vehicle.
    ⚠Do not start or drive vehicle if airbag warning light remains illuminated after self-test cycle completes.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify steering wheel is properly centered with wheels straight ahead
2. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated with positive locks engaged
3. Test horn operation before driving vehicle
4. Verify all steering column covers are securely installed with no loose clips

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates then extinguishes within 5-7 seconds
• Test horn button operation - should produce audible horn sound
• Test all steering wheel mounted controls (cruise control, audio, phone, paddle shifters if equipped)
• Turn steering wheel full lock left and right while stationary - should move smoothly without binding or unusual noises from clock spring area
• If equipped with scan tool, verify no airbag system fault codes are present and clock spring communication is normal
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify all steering wheel functions operate correctly during wheel rotation

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