electrical

Clock Spring

for 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the clock spring (spiral cable) in the steering column of a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, which enables electrical connections to the airbag and steering wheel controls.

Warnings

⚠️The airbag system must be fully deactivated and discharged before beginning work. Wait minimum 3 minutes after battery disconnect before touching any airbag components.

⚠️Failure to center the clock spring correctly during installation will cause component failure and potential airbag non-deployment in a collision.

⚠The high voltage battery must be properly isolated following Rivian service procedures before any steering column work.

⚠Never rotate the steering wheel or clock spring when the clock spring is disconnected or removed, as this will cause misalignment.

ℹ️This vehicle contains sensitive electronic components. Ensure proper ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions are observed.

Tools required

Torx driver set (T20, T25, T30)Essential

Steering wheel pullerEssential

Battery disconnect toolEssential

Trim removal tool set

Diagnostic scan toolEssential

Steering wheel locking device or steering wheel holderEssential

Anti-static wrist strap

Parts

Clock spring (spiral cable assembly) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Steering column trim clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
Place front wheels in straight-ahead position
Using diagnostic scan tool, document current steering angle sensor calibration values
Access high voltage battery disconnect following Rivian service manual procedures for EDV 500
Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using battery disconnect tool
Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
Lock steering wheel in centered position using steering wheel locking device
Verify wheels remain in straight-ahead position throughout procedure

Procedure

1
Remove lower steering column covers
Remove the lower dash trim panel below the steering column. Remove Torx screws securing lower steering column cover (typically T20 or T25). Carefully separate lower cover from upper cover and remove. Disconnect any electrical connectors for column-mounted switches if present on lower cover.
2
Remove upper steering column cover
Remove remaining Torx screws securing upper steering column cover. Gently lift and remove upper cover, taking care not to damage retention clips. Set covers aside in clean workspace.
3
Disconnect driver airbag module
Locate airbag module connectors on sides or rear of steering wheel. Depress connector locking tabs and carefully disconnect both airbag connectors. Use caution to avoid damaging connector pins. If connectors have secondary locks, remove those first.
4
Remove steering wheel center fastener
Locate the center steering wheel retention bolt (typically T30 or similar). Remove and retain the fastener. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with paint marker or tape for proper reassembly alignment.
5
Remove steering wheel
Install steering wheel puller onto steering wheel according to tool manufacturer instructions. Apply steady, even pressure to separate steering wheel from steering shaft splines. Once loose, remove puller and carefully lift steering wheel away from column. Route airbag connectors through wheel opening as you remove it. Place steering wheel airbag-side up in safe location.
6
Disconnect steering wheel control connectors
Identify all electrical connectors behind the steering wheel including steering wheel controls, horn connection, and paddle shifter connections if equipped. Depress connector locks and carefully disconnect each connector. Document connector positions with photos if needed.
7
Remove clock spring retention fasteners
Locate the clock spring assembly fasteners securing it to the steering column (typically 3-4 Torx screws around the perimeter). Remove all fasteners and retain for reinstallation. Note the position and orientation of any grounding straps or brackets.
8
Disconnect clock spring electrical connector
Locate the main clock spring connector on the steering column side of the assembly. Depress the connector lock and carefully disconnect the clock spring from the column wiring harness. Support the clock spring to prevent it from hanging by wires.
9
Remove failed clock spring
Carefully slide the clock spring assembly off the steering shaft. Observe the orientation and any alignment marks for proper installation of new component. Keep the assembly level and do not allow it to rotate.
10
Prepare and center new clock spring
Remove new clock spring from packaging. Verify the clock spring is in the centered position - it should have a locking pin, tape, or arrow indicator showing center position. If centering mechanism is not present, carefully rotate the clock spring rotor fully in one direction counting turns, then rotate back half the total number of turns to reach center. Confirm steering wheel remains locked in straight-ahead position before proceeding.
11
Install new clock spring
Align new clock spring assembly with steering shaft, ensuring proper orientation matches removal position. Slide clock spring onto shaft and align mounting holes with column. Install and hand-tighten all clock spring mounting fasteners, then tighten in star pattern to ensure even seating. Reattach any grounding straps.
12
Connect clock spring electrical connector
Route clock spring connector to column harness connector. Align and firmly connect the clock spring electrical connector until lock clicks into place. Verify connection is secure by gently tugging on connector.
13
Reinstall steering wheel
Remove any centering lock from new clock spring per manufacturer instructions. Route steering wheel control connectors through steering wheel opening. Align steering wheel with shaft using alignment marks made during removal. Ensure steering wheel splines fully engage with shaft splines and wheel seats completely. Install center retention fastener and tighten securely.
14
Reconnect steering wheel components
Reconnect all steering wheel control connectors, horn connector, and paddle shifter connectors. Verify each connector locks fully. Reconnect driver airbag module connectors, ensuring secondary locks are engaged if equipped. Verify no connectors are pinched or strained.
15
Reinstall steering column covers
Position upper steering column cover and install retention screws. Position lower steering column cover, reconnect any electrical connectors, and install lower cover screws. Reinstall lower dash trim panel. Verify all trim pieces are secure and properly aligned.

Reassembly

Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
Restore high voltage battery system following Rivian procedures
Do not start vehicle yet - proceed to verification steps first

Verification

Using diagnostic scan tool, clear any airbag system fault codes that resulted from disconnection
Perform steering angle sensor calibration using scan tool following Rivian calibration procedure
Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify airbag warning light performs proper self-test sequence (illuminates then extinguishes after approximately 6 seconds)
Test all steering wheel controls including horn, cruise control, audio controls, and any paddle shifters for proper operation
Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises from clock spring area
Verify steering wheel is properly centered when wheels are straight ahead
Perform test drive at low speed in safe area to confirm all systems operate normally
Verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated after test drive
Use scan tool to confirm no active or pending fault codes in airbag or steering systems