wheel MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual
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Page 985 of 2305
(4) Remove the cover panel from the top of the
driver side seat riser.
(5) Remove the time delay relay from its vehicle
wire harness connector by grasping it firmly and
pulling it straight out from the connector within the
driver side seat riser.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Position the time delay relay to its vehicle wire
harness connector within the driver side seat riser.
(2) Align the time delay relay terminals with the
terminal cavities in the vehicle wire harness connec-
tor.
(3) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the time
delay relay until the terminals are fully seated in the
terminal cavities in the vehicle wire harness connec-
tor.
(4) Position the cover panel onto the top of the
driver side seat riser (Fig. 12).
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the cover panel to the top of the seat riser under the
driver side front seat. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).(6) Move the driver side front seat back to its driv-
ing position.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 12 Seat Riser Cover
1 - DRIVER SEAT BACK
2 - COVER PANEL
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - SEAT RISER
8L - 36 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORVA
Page 994 of 2305
travelling end-release seat belt buckles secured to
the inboard seat track. The driver side front seat belt
buckle of all models includes an integral seat belt
switch that detects whether its seat belt has been
fastened.
²Rear Seat Belts- All rear seating positions are
equipped with three-point seat belt systems. Each
rear seating position belt employs an integral seat
cushion frame mounted inertia latch-type retractor, a
fixed position upper seat back frame mounted turn-
ing loop, and a fixed lower seat belt anchor secured
to the seat cushion frame. All rear seat belts have
fixed end-release seat belt buckles that are also
secured to the seat cushion frame.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
A Next Generation driver airbag is standard facto-
ry-installed safety equipment on this model, while a
passenger side front airbag and side curtain airbags
are optional. This airbag system is a passive, inflat-
able, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and vehi-
cles with this equipment can be readily identified by
the ªSRS - AIRBAGº logo molded into the driver air-
bag trim cover in the center of the steering wheel
and, if the vehicle is so equipped, also into the pas-
senger airbag door on the instrument panel above
the glove box (Fig. 2). Vehicles with the airbag sys-
tem can also be identified by the airbag indicator,
which will illuminate in the instrument cluster for
about six seconds as a bulb test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position. A pyrotech-
nic-type seat belt tensioner is integral to the front
seat belt retractor mounted on the lower B-pillar on
the driver side, and to the passenger side retractor of
vehicles equipped with the optional passenger side
airbag.
The supplemental restraint system includes the
following major components, which are described in
further detail elsewhere in this service information:²Airbag Control Module- The Airbag Control
Module (ACM) is located on a mount on the floor
panel within the driver side seat riser, beneath the
driver seat in the passenger compartment.
²Airbag (SRS) Indicator- The airbag indicator
is integral to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Clus-
ter (EMIC), which is located on the instrument panel
in front of the driver.
²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover.
²Driver Knee Blocker- The structure of the
lower instrument panel serves as a knee blocker for
the driver.
²Passenger Airbag- The optional passenger air-
bag is located within the instrument panel, behind
the passenger airbag door on the instrument panel
above the glove box on the passenger side of the vehi-
cle.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The structure of
the glove box door and the lower instrument panel
serve as a knee blocker for the front seat passenger.
²Seat Belt Tensioner- A seat belt tensioner is
integral to the driver side front seat belt retractor
unit, and to the passenger side front seat belt retrac-
tor unit on vehicles equipped with an optional pas-
senger airbag.
²Side Curtain Airbags- Optional side curtain
airbags are available for this model when it is also
equipped with dual front airbags. In vehicles
equipped with this option, a side curtain airbag is
located on the inside of the roof side rail within a
garnish molding that extends from the A-pillar to the
B-pillar above each front door opening within the
passenger compartment of the vehicle.
²Side Impact Sensor- Two side impact sensors
are used on vehicles equipped with the optional side
curtain airbags, one on each side of the vehicle. One
sensor is located near the front of each front door
step well, concealed behind the step well trim.
The ACM contains a central processing unit and
programming that allows it to communicate on a
serial data bus diagnostic circuit connected to the
16-way Data Link Connector (DLC) located below the
left end of the instrument panel. This method of com-
munication is used for initialization of the ACM and
for diagnosis of the SRS circuits and components
using a diagnostic scan tool.
Hard wired circuitry connects the supplemental
restraint system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system,
Fig. 2 SRS Logo
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 3
Page 996 of 2305
WARNINGS - RESTRAINT SYSTEM
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, tether straps, and anchors for proper
installation, operation, or damage. Replace any belt
that is cut, frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that
is twisted. Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any
belt that has a damaged or inoperative buckle or
retractor. Replace any belt that has a bent or dam-
aged latch plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to
repair a seat belt component. Always replace dam-
aged or faulty seat belt components with the cor-
rect, new and unused replacement parts listed in
the DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death on
vehicles equipped with airbags, before performing
any welding operations disconnect and isolate the
battery negative (ground) cable and disconnect all
wire harness connectors from the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment
and other possible damage to the supplemental
restraint system circuits and components.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, do not
attempt to dismantle an airbag unit or tamper with
its inflator. Do not puncture, incinerate, or bring
into contact with electricity. Do not store at temper-
atures exceeding 93É C (200É F). An airbag inflator
unit may contain sodium azide and potassium
nitrate. These materials are poisonous and
extremely flammable. Contact with acid, water, or
heavy metals may produce harmful and irritating
gases (sodium hydroxide is formed in the presence
of moisture) or combustible compounds. An airbag
inflator unit may also contain a gas canister pres-
surized to over 2500 psi.WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
handling a seat belt tensioner retractor, proper care
should be exercised to keep fingers out from under
the retractor cover and away from the seat belt
webbing where it exits from the retractor cover.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death,
replace all restraint system components only with
parts specified in the DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts
Catalog. Substitute parts may appear interchange-
able, but internal differences may result in inferior
occupant protection.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, the
fasteners, screws, and bolts originally used for the
restraint system components must never be
replaced with any substitutes. These fasteners have
special coatings and are specifically designed for
the restraint system. Any time a new fastener is
needed, replace it with the correct fasteners pro-
vided in the service package or specified in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
a steering column has an airbag unit attached,
never place the column on the floor or any other
surface with the steering wheel or airbag unit face
down.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the supplemental
restraint system components or the Airbag Control
Module (ACM), initialization of the ACM, as well as
the retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 5
Page 997 of 2305
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING NON -
DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of a non-de-
ployed airbag or seat belt tensioner. When carrying a
non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be pointed away from the
body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental
deployment. If the airbag unit is placed on a bench or
any other surface, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be face up to minimize move-
ment in the event of an accidental deployment. When
handling a non-deployed seat belt tensioner, take
proper care to keep fingers out from under the
retractor cover and away from the seat belt webbing
where it exits from the retractor cover. In addition,
the supplemental restraint system should be dis-
armed whenever any steering wheel, steering col-
umn, seat belt tensioner, airbag, impact sensor, or
instrument panel components require diagnosis or
service. Failure to observe this warning could result
in accidental deployment and possible personal
injury.
All damaged, faulty or non-deployed airbags and
seat belt tensioners which are replaced on vehicles
are to be handled and disposed of properly. If an air-
bag or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or damaged
and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous Substance
Control System for proper disposal. Dispose of all
non-deployed and deployed airbags and seat belt ten-
sioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial,
local and federal regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT STORAGE
Airbags and seat belt tensioners must be stored in
their original, special container until they are used
for service. Also, they must be stored in a clean, dry
environment; away from sources of extreme heat,
sparks, and high electrical energy. Always place or
store any airbag on a surface with its trim cover or
airbag cushion side facing up, to minimize movement
in case of an accidental deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use follow-
ing a supplemental restraint deployment, must have
the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the
driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring and
the steering wheel must be replaced. If the passenger
airbag has been deployed, the instrument panel must
be replaced. The seat belt tensioners are deployed by
the same signal that deploys the driver and passen-
ger airbags and must also be replaced if either front
airbag has been deployed. These components are notintended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened
as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment,
which may or may not be obvious during a visual
inspection.
It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or
mounting brackets for the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) and the side impact sensors be closely
inspected and restored to their original conditions fol-
lowing any vehicle impact damage. Because the ACM
and each impact sensor are used by the supplemental
restraint system to monitor or confirm the direction
and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation
or insecure fastening of these components may cause
airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy
when not required.
All other vehicle components should be closely
inspected following any supplemental restraint
deployment, but are to be replaced only as required
by the extent of the visible damage incurred.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following a supplemental restraint deployment,
the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue.
This residue consists primarily of harmless particu-
late by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge that
initiates the propellant used to deploy a supplemen-
tal restraint. However, this residue may also contain
traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical
by-product of the propellant material that is used to
generate the inert gas that inflates the airbag. Since
sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat, be certain to wear safety glasses,
rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during
cleanup (Fig. 3).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, if you
experience skin irritation during cleanup, run cool
water over the affected area. Also, if you experience
irritation of the nose or throat, exit the vehicle for
fresh air until the irritation ceases. If irritation con-
tinues, see a physician.
Fig. 3 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
Typical
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSVA
Page 998 of 2305
(1) Begin the cleanup by using a vacuum cleaner
to remove any residual powder from the vehicle inte-
rior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your
way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a
non-cleaned area.
(2) Be certain to vacuum the heater and air condi-
tioning outlets as well (Fig. 4). Run the heater and
air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting
and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets.
CAUTION: All damaged, faulty, or non-deployed
supplemental restraints which are replaced on vehi-
cles are to be handled and disposed of properly. If
an airbag unit or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or
damaged and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous
Substance Control System for proper disposal. Be
certain to dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
supplemental restraints in a manner consistent with
state, provincial, local and federal regulations.
(3) Next, remove the deployed supplemental
restraints from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate
service removal procedures.
(4) You may need to vacuum the interior of the
vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST
The following procedure should be performed using
a diagnostic scan tool to verify proper supplemental
restraint system operation following the service or
replacement of any supplemental restraint system
component.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to dischargebefore performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) During the following test, the battery negative
cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was
during the supplemental restraint system component
removal and installation procedures.
(2) Be certain that the diagnostic scan tool con-
tains the latest version of the proper diagnostic soft-
ware. Connect the diagnostic to the 16-way Data
Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is located on the
dash panel beneath the driver side lower edge of the
instrument panel, outboard of the steering column
(Fig. 5).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
exit the vehicle with the diagnostic scan tool.
(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the diagnostic, read and record the
active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the diagnostic to read and record any
stored (historical) DTC data.
(7) If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) Use the diagnostic to erase the stored DTC
data. If any problems remain, the stored DTC data
will not erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information to diagnose any stored DTC that will not
erase. If the stored DTC information is successfully
erased, go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should illuminate for four seconds, and
then go out. This indicates that the supplemental
Fig. 4 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical
Fig. 5 16-Way Data Link Connector
1 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - CONNECTOR COVER
3 - 16-WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
4 - DASH PANEL
5 - INSIDE HOOD RELEASE LEVER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 7
Page 1001 of 2305
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, never
strike or drop the airbag control module as it can
damage the impact sensor or affect its calibration.
The airbag control module contains the impact sen-
sor, which enables the system to deploy the supple-
mental restraints. If an airbag control module is
accidentally dropped during service, the module
must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit.
Failure to observe this warning could result in acci-
dental, incomplete, or improper supplemental
restraint deployment.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Move the driver side front seat to its most for-
ward position for easiest access to the seat riser
cover panel (Fig. 8).(3) Remove the two screws that secure the cover
panel to the top of the seat riser under the driver
side front seat (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove the cover panel from the top of the
driver side seat riser.
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the control
module bracket to the top of the seat riser under the
driver side front seat (Fig. 10).
Fig. 8 Airbag Control Module Location
1 - DRIVER SEAT
2 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
3 - SEAT RISER
Fig. 9 Seat Riser Cover
1 - DRIVER SEAT BACK
2 - COVER PANEL
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - SEAT RISER
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSVA
Page 1002 of 2305
(6) Remove the control module bracket from the
top of the driver side seat riser.
(7) Locate the Airbag Control Module (ACM) in the
right rear corner of the area within the driver side
seat riser. Firmly grasp and pull upward on the
molded plastic cover to unsnap it from over the ACM
(Fig. 11).
(8) Remove the three screws that secure the ACM
to the bracket that is welded onto the floor panel
under the driver side front seat (Fig. 12).(9) Lift the ACM upward far enough to access the
ACM wiring connection. Depress the release and lift
the lever arm to disconnect the vehicle wire harness
connector for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacle located on the left facing side of the mod-
ule.
(10) Remove the ACM from within the driver side
front seat riser.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, never
strike or drop the airbag control module as it can
damage the impact sensor or affect its calibration.
The airbag control module contains the impact sen-
sor, which enables the system to deploy the supple-
mental restraints. If an airbag control module is
accidentally dropped during service, the module
must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit.
Failure to observe this warning could result in acci-
dental, incomplete, or improper supplemental
restraint deployment.
Fig. 10 Control Module Bracket
1 - SEAT RISER
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - CONTROL MODULE BRACKET
Fig. 11 ACM Cover
1 - SEAT RISER
2 - COVER
3 - ACM
Fig. 12 Airbag Control Module Remove/Install
1 - ACM LABEL
2 - ACM
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - GROUND EYELET
5 - CONNECTOR
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 11
Page 1003 of 2305
(1) Reconnect and latch the vehicle wire harness
connector for the ACM to the ACM connector recep-
tacle located on the left facing side of the module
(Fig. 12).
(2) Carefully position the ACM cover base plate
onto the mounting bracket that is welded onto the
floor panel under the driver side front seat (Fig.
13).
(3) Carefully position the ACM onto the ACM cover
base plate. When the ACM is correctly positioned, the
three ACM mounting tabs will be aligned with the
holes in the cover base plate and the mounting
bracket, and the orientation arrow on the ACM label
will be pointed forward in the vehicle.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the ACM to the mounting bracket that is welded onto
the floor panel within the driver side front seat riser.
Be certain that the ground eyelet terminal is
installed under the screw for the left rear mounting
tab. Tighten the screws to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(5) Position the ACM cover over the ACM and
press it down firmly and evenly until it snaps into
position over the ACM cover base plate (Fig. 11).
(6) Position the control module bracket onto the
top of the driver side seat riser (Fig. 10).
(7) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the control module bracket to the top of the seat riser
under the driver side front seat. Tighten the screws
to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(8) Position the cover panel onto the top of the
driver side seat riser (Fig. 9).
(9) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the cover panel to the top of the seat riser under the
driver side front seat. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).(10) Move the driver side front seat back to its
driving position.
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
NOTE: If the Airbag Control Module (ACM) has been
replaced with a new unit, it will be necessary to ini-
tialize the new ACM. In order to function properly,
the ACM must be programmed for the correct stan-
dard and optional supplemental restraint system
components installed in the vehicle. To initialize the
ACM, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two
screws onto the multi-function switch housing near
the top of the steering column directly below the
steering wheel (Fig. 14). The clockspring consists of a
flat, round molded plastic case that contains a spool-
like molded plastic rotor with a large exposed hub
covering the entire upper surface of the case. The
rotor hub has a large center hole that is internally
ribbed to engage splines on the upper steering col-
umn shaft, and two small clearance holes that pro-
vide access to the case mounting screws. The lower
Fig. 13 ACM Cover Base Plate
1 - BASE PLATE
2 - SEAT RISER
3 - GROUND EYELET TERMINAL
4 - ACM CONNECTOR
5 - FLOOR PANEL
Fig. 14 Clockspring
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR (2)
2 - CASE
3 - CANCEL CAM
4 - ROTOR
5 - SCREW (2)
6 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR (2)
7 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSVA
Page 1004 of 2305
side of the rotor hub also serves as an integral
molded plastic turn signal cancel cam.
A single connector receptacle on the upper surface
of the rotor has pigtail wires that connect to the horn
switch and the driver airbag on the steering wheel,
while a single connector receptacle on the lower sur-
face of the case has pigtail wires that connect the
clockspring to the vehicle wire harness on the steer-
ing column. Within the plastic case and wound
around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like tape that
consists of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched
between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end
of the tape terminates at the connector receptacle
that faces the steering column, while the inner end of
the tape terminates at the connector receptacle on
the hub of the clockspring rotor that faces the steer-
ing wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with the mounting screws backed out
from the case far enough to engage the access holes
in the upper surface of the rotor. The mounting
screws secure the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case during shipment, but allow free
rotation of the rotor once the clockspring is properly
installed on the steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed vehicle wire harness
and the electrical components mounted on or in the
rotating steering wheel. On this model the rotating
electrical components include the driver airbag and
the horn switch. The clockspring case is positioned
and secured to the multi-function switch housing
near the top of the steering column. The connector
receptacle on the underside of the fixed clockspring
case connects the clockspring to the vehicle electrical
system through two take outs with connectors from
the vehicle wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
integral molded ribs on the inner circumference of
the rotor hub to the splines on the external circum-
ference of the upper steering column shaft. The two
integral lobes of the turn signal cancel cam formation
on the lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub con-
tact the turn signal cancel actuator of the multi-func-
tion switch to provide automatic turn signal
cancellation. The yellow sleeved pigtail wire on the
upper surface of the clockspring rotor connects the
clockspring to the driver airbag, while two single pig-
tail wires connect to the feed and ground terminals ofthe horn switch located within the hub cavity of the
steering wheel.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring is centered when it is installed on the
steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes
the clockspring tape to the movable steering compo-
nents so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components. The clockspring must
be re-centered following completion of this service or
the tape may be damaged.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with the mounting screws backed out
from the case far enough to engage the access holes
in the upper surface of the rotor. The mounting
screws secure the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case during shipment, but allow free
rotation of the rotor once the clockspring is properly
installed on the steering column. The clockspring
mounting screws should not be tightened into the
clockspring case until the clockspring has been
installed on the steering column. If the screws are
tightened into or removed from the case before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
six to seven complete rotations) as the steering wheel
can be turned from stop to stop. Centering the clock-
spring indexes the clockspring tape to other steering
components so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated three to three and one-half turns in either
direction from the centered position, without damag-
ing the clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with the mounting screws
backed out from the case far enough to engage the
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 13
Page 1005 of 2305
access holes in the upper surface of the rotor (Fig.
15). The clockspring mounting screws should not be
tightened into the clockspring case until the clock-
spring has been installed on the steering column. If
the screws are tightened into or removed from the
case before the clockspring is installed on a steering
column, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deploy-
ment.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Tighten the two clockspring mounting screws
all the way into the clockspring case.
(4) Rotate the clockspring rotor counterclockwise
to the end of its travel.Do not apply excessive
torque.(5) From the end of the counterclockwise travel,
rotate the rotor about three to three and one-half
turns clockwise, until the clearance holes in the
clockspring rotor are aligned with the two mounting
screws in the clockspring case. The clockspring is
now centered.
(6) Loosen the two clockspring mounting screws
far enough so that they extend into the clearance
holes in the upper surface of the clockspring rotor,
preventing the rotor from changing position relative
to the clockspring case.
(7) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the clockspring upper pigtail wire
connectors from the terminals of the horn switch
located in the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
Fig. 15 Clockspring Centering
1 - CLOCKSPRING ROTOR
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR (2)
4 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSVA