Clock Spring

This procedure covers the replacement of the clock spring (steering wheel position sensor) in a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, which is necessary for proper airbag and steering wheel control function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar part for proper fitment

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes before proceeding
4. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels straight ahead and mark steering shaft position relative to column
5. Set parking brake and place transmission in Park
6. Lower driver's seat fully to provide better access to steering column area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver's side airbag module
   From the back of the steering wheel, locate the two airbag retaining fasteners accessible through holes on left and right sides. Use the appropriate Torx bit (verify size against factory service information, commonly T20/T27) to remove both fasteners. Carefully pull airbag module away from steering wheel and disconnect the yellow airbag connector and horn connector. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
2. 2

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Locate the large steering wheel retaining nut at the center of the steering wheel hub. Use the correct socket size (verify against factory service information) and breaker bar if necessary to loosen and remove the nut. Do not allow the steering wheel to turn during this process. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with a marker or paint pen for proper alignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel
   After removing the retaining nut, attempt to pull the steering wheel straight off the shaft by hand while rocking gently. If it will not release, install a steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel hub, ensure it is properly centered and threaded, and gradually tighten to apply even pressure until the wheel releases. Remove the puller and lift the steering wheel straight off the shaft. Secure the steering column with tape or a steering wheel lock to prevent rotation.
4. 4

   Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds
   Locate the screws securing the lower steering column shroud (verify size against service information, commonly small Torx T15/T20 or Phillips). Remove all visible screws. The upper shroud typically snaps into place - carefully separate the upper shroud from the lower by releasing the retaining clips. Remove both shrouds to expose the clock spring assembly on the steering column.
5. 5

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate the clock spring electrical connectors on the left side of the steering column. There will be multiple connectors including the airbag squib connector (yellow), and connectors for cruise control, horn, and steering wheel controls. Carefully disconnect all connectors by releasing their locking tabs. Note the routing and position of wiring for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Locate the clock spring retaining screws or tabs securing the clock spring housing to the steering column. Remove all fasteners (typically 3-4 Torx screws). Carefully slide the clock spring assembly off the steering column shaft. Do not allow the clock spring rotor to turn once removed. If the old clock spring is not damaged, use tape to secure the rotor in its current position.
7. 7

   Prepare and center new clock spring
   Verify the new clock spring is in the centered position - it should have a locking pin or tape holding it centered. If not visibly centered, locate the centering window or mark on the clock spring. Rotate the rotor fully clockwise until it stops, count the rotations, then rotate counterclockwise half that number of rotations to center. New OEM clock springs are shipped pre-centered and locked — do not remove the lock or rotate the rotor to count turns. If the centering was disturbed, follow the factory centering procedure using the clock spring's centering window/arrow marks rather than counting lock-to-lock rotations. Keep the centered position secured until after the steering wheel is installed.
8. 8

   Install new clock spring assembly
   With the steering column still secured in the straight-ahead position, slide the new centered clock spring onto the steering column shaft. Align the mounting holes and ensure proper fitment. Install all retaining screws or fasteners and tighten securely. Verify the clock spring housing is properly seated against the steering column.
9. 9

   Reconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly in reverse order of removal. Ensure the airbag squib connector (yellow) is fully seated and locked. Reconnect cruise control, horn, and steering wheel control connectors. Route all wiring properly to avoid pinching during column shroud installation.
10. 10

    Reinstall steering column shrouds
    Position the lower steering column shroud around the column and clock spring assembly. Install the upper shroud and align all retaining clips. Install all Torx screws to secure both shrouds. Ensure no wiring is pinched and all shroud edges are properly aligned and seated.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Remove the centering lock or tape from the clock spring. Verify the steering column is still in the straight-ahead position. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal and slide it onto the steering shaft. The splines should align with the shaft - do not force. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to the factory-specified torque (verify exact value with proper service information).
12. 12

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Reconnect the yellow airbag connector and horn connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure connectors are fully seated and locked. Carefully position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Insert and tighten both Torx T30 retaining fasteners from the back of the steering wheel until secure.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). The airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds then extinguish. If the light remains on or flashes, there may be an issue with installation or the system requires code clearing with a scan tool. Use a compatible scan tool to clear any stored airbag system codes if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Confirm steering wheel is properly centered with wheels straight ahead
3. Ensure no wiring is pinched under steering column shrouds
4. Test horn function and all steering wheel controls before driving

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light performs normal self-test (illuminates 6-8 seconds then goes out)
• Start engine and verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated
• Test horn operation by pressing horn pad
• Test all steering wheel-mounted controls including cruise control and radio controls
• Turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock in both directions while stationary to verify clock spring operates through full range without binding or noise
• Use scan tool to verify no active airbag system codes are present
• Road test vehicle and verify all steering wheel functions operate normally through various steering positions

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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