2002 JEEP LIBERTY steering column

airbag unit, the headliner, as well as the upper A, B,
and C-pillar trim must be replaced. These compo-
nents are not intended 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.
On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof
drain tubes and hoses must be closely inspected fol-
lowing a side curtain airbag deployment. It is also
critical that the mounting surfaces and/or mounting
brackets for the Airbag Control Module (ACM), Side
Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM), and front
impact sensors be closely inspected and restored to
their original conditions following any vehicle impact
damage. Because the ACM, SIACM, and each front
impact sensor are used by the supplemental restraint
system to monitor or confirm the direction and sever-
ity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or inse-
cure 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 other sup-
plemental restraint deployment, but are to be
replaced only as required by the extent of the visible
damage incurred.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
Multistage airbags with multiple initiators (squibs)
must be checked to determine that all squibs were
used during the deployment event. The driver and
passenger airbags in this model are deployed by elec-
trical signals generated by the Airbag Control Mod-
ule (ACM) through the driver or passenger squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflators. Typically, both initiators are used andall potentially hazardous chemicals are burned dur-
ing an airbag deployment event. However, it is possi-
ble for only one initiator to be used due to an airbag
system fault; therefore, it is always necessary to con-
firm that both initiators have been used in order to
avoid the improper handling or disposal of poten-
tially live pyrotechnic or hazardous materials. The
following procedure should be performed using a
DRBIIItscan tool to verify the status of both airbag
squibs before either deployed airbag is removed from
the vehicle for disposal.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initia-
tors (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not
have live pyrotechnic material within the inflator. Do
not dispose of these airbags unless you are sure of
complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Sub-
stance Control System for proper disposal proce-
dures. Dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
airbags in a manner consistent with state, provin-
cial, local, and federal regulations.
(1) Be certain that the DRBIIItscan tool contains
the latest version of the proper DRBIIItsoftware.
Connect the DRBIIItto the 16-way Data Link Con-
nector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the
steering column.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(3) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
Using the active DTC information, refer to theAir-
bag Squib Statustable to determine the status of
both driver and/or passenger airbag squibs.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
IF the Active DTC is: Conditions Squib Status
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDthe stored DTC minutes for both
Driver or Passenger squibs are within 15
minutes of each otherBoth Squib 1 and 2
were used.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 open
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDthe stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 2 open is GREATER than
the stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 1 by 15 minutes or moreSquib 1 was used;
Squib 2 is live.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 open
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDthe stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 1 open is GREATER than
the stored DTC minutes for Driver or
Passenger Squib 2 by 15 minutes or moreSquib 1 is live; Squib
2 was used.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 open
Driver or Passenger Squib 1 openANDDriver or Passenger Squib 2 open is
NOT an active codeSquib 1 was used;
Squib 2 is live.
Driver or Passenger Squib 2 openANDDriver or Passenger Squib 1 open is
NOT an active codeSquib 1 is live; Squib
2 was used.
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

Ifnone of the Driver or Passenger Squib 1 or 2
open are active codes, the status of the airbag squibs
is unknown. In this case the airbag should be han-
dled and disposed of as if the squibs were both live.
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 sure to wear safety glasses, rubber
gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup (Fig.
3).
WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION
DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE
AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE IRRITA-
TION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE VEHICLE
FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF
IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.
(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: Deployed front airbags having two initiators
(squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not have livepyrotechnic material within the inflator. Do not dispose
of these airbags unless you are sure of complete
deployment. Refer to AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS . Refer
to the Hazardous Substance Control System for
proper disposal procedures. Dispose of all non-de-
ployed and deployed airbags 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 DRBIIItscan tool to verify proper supplemental
restraint system operation following the service or
replacement of any supplemental restraint system
component.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
Fig. 3 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
Typical
Fig. 4 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical
8O - 8 RESTRAINTSKJ
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

(1) During the following test, the battery negative
cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was
during the airbag component removal and installa-
tion procedures.
(2) Be certain that the DRBIIItscan tool contains
the latest version of the proper DRBIIItsoftware.
Connect the DRBIIItto the 16-way Data Link Con-
nector (DLC). The DLC is located on 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 DRBIIItscan tool.
(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the DRBIIItto 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 DRBIIItto erase the stored DTC data.
If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not
erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion 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 six to eight seconds,and then go out. This indicates that the supplemen-
tal restraint system is functioning normally and that
the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails
to light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is also some-
times referred to as the Occupant Restraint Control-
ler (ORC) (Fig. 6). The ACM is secured with two long
screws within a tray-like stamped steel mounting
bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel trans-
mission tunnel forward of the instrument panel cen-
ter support bracket and below the instrument panel
center stack in the passenger compartment of the
vehicle.
Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die
cast aluminum ACM housing is the electronic cir-
cuitry of the ACM which includes a microprocessor,
an electronic impact sensor, an electromechanical saf-
ing sensor, and an energy storage capacitor. A
stamped metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of
the ACM housing with four screws to enclose and
protect the internal electronic circuitry and compo-
nents. An arrow cast into the top of the ACM housing
near the front provides a visual verification of the
proper orientation of the unit, and should always be
pointed toward the front of the vehicle.
Fig. 5 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
1 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
2 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
Fig. 6 Airbag Control Module
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - ORIENTATION ARROW
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLES
4 - MOUNTING HOLES
5 - GROUND LUG
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 9
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

magnitude than that of the electronic impact sensors,
and must be closed in order for the airbags/seat belt
tensioner to deploy. A pre-programmed decision algo-
rithm in the ACM microprocessor determines when
the deceleration rate as signaled by the impact sen-
sors and the safing sensor indicate an impact that is
severe enough to require front supplemental
restraint system protection and, based upon the sta-
tus of the seatbelt switch inputs and the severity of
the monitored impact, determines what combination
of driver seat belt tensioner and/or front airbag
deployment is required for each front seating posi-
tion. When the programmed conditions are met, the
ACM sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the
driver seat belt tensioner and/or the multistage dual
front airbags at the programmed force levels.
The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ACM
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in
the diagnosis of the ACM, the PCI data bus network,
or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ACM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the ACM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the electronic message inputs to and out-
puts from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAM-
AGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALI-
BRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE ISACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE
MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED
WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMEN-
TAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the center console from the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, remove the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) cover from the ACM (Fig. 7). The cover flange
is secured to the silencer pad on the floor panel
transmission tunnel with double-faced tape.
(4) Remove the ground screw that secures the
ground lug on the left rear corner of the ACM hous-
ing to the ACM bracket on the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel.
Fig. 7 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - FLANGE
2 - COVER
3 - TAPE
4 - SCREW
5 - BRACKET
6 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
7 - FLOOR PANEL TRANSMISSION TUNNEL
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 11
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

(5) Remove the two screws that secure the ACM to
the ACM bracket that is welded onto the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel (Fig. 8).
(6) Lift the ACM from the ACM bracket on the top
of the floor panel transmission tunnel and move the
unit to the left far enough to access the ACM wire
harness connectors.
(7) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacles on the right side of the module. To discon-
nect the large instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor from the ACM:
(a) Slide the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock on the top of the connector toward the
side of the connector.
(b) Depress the connector latch tab and pull the
connector straight away from the ACM connector
receptacle.
(8) Remove the ACM from the left side of the floor
panel transmission tunnel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THEBATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAM-
AGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALI-
BRATION. 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 ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMEN-
TAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Position the Airbag Control Module (ACM) to
the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel
near the ACM bracket (Fig. 8).
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors for the ACM to the ACM connector recep-
tacles on the right side of the module. Be certain that
the latches on both connectors and the red Connector
Position Assurance (CPA) lock on the large connector
are each fully engaged.
(3) Carefully position the ACM into the ACM
bracket on the top of the floor panel transmission
tunnel. When the ACM is correctly positioned, the
arrow on the ACM housing will be pointed forward in
the vehicle.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the ACM to the ACM bracket that is welded onto the
floor panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the screws
to 36 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the ground screw that
secures the ground lug on the left rear corner of the
ACM housing to the ACM bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel (Fig. 7). Tighten the screw to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, carefully position the ACM cover back
over the top of the ACM.
Fig. 8 Airbag Control Module Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR (2)
3 - BRACKET
4 - SCREW (2)
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSKJ
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

NOTE: The integral flange on the left side of the
ACM cover is secured to the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel with a short piece of double-faced tape
as an assembly aid during the manufacturing pro-
cess, but this tape does not require replacement
following service removal.
(7) Reinstall the center console onto the top of the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).
(8) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
CHILD TETHER ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with three, fixed-position,
child seat tether anchors (Fig. 9). Two anchors are
integral to the back of the right rear seat back panel,
and one is integral to the left rear seat back panel.
The child seat tether anchors cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced as a unit with the rear seat back panel.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of the factory-in-
stalled child seat tether anchors.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the upper steering column
housing near the top of the steering column behind
the steering wheel (Fig. 10). The clockspring consists
of a flat, round molded plastic case with a stubby tail
that hangs below the steering column and contains
two connector receptacles that face toward the
instrument panel (Fig. 11). Within the plastic hous-
ing is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large
exposed hub and several plastic rollers. The upper
surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, a
release button, a clear plastic inspection window, two
short pigtail wires with connectors, and a connector
receptacle that faces toward the steering wheel. Two
versions of the clockspring are used on this model,
one is a seven circuit unit for vehicles not equipped
with optional remote radio switches on the steering
wheel and can be visually identified by the use of yel-
low heat-shrink tubing on the pigtail wires, while the
other is a nine circuit unit for vehicles with remote
radio switches and can be visually identified by the
use of black heat-shrink tubing on the pigtail wires.
A rubber bumper block is located on each side of
the tower formation that contains the connector
receptacle and pigtail wires on the upper surface of
the rotor hub. The lower surface of the rotor hub has
Fig. 9 Child Tether Anchors
1 - REAR SEAT BACK (LEFT)
2 - REAR SEAT BACK (RIGHT)
3 - CHILD TETHER ANCHOR (3)
Fig. 10 Clockspring
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
2 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
3 - BUMPER (2)
4 - BRACKET (2)
5 - LABEL
6 - SHIELD
7 - CASE
8 - WINDOW
9 - ROTOR
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 13
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with a single
lobe that is integral to the rotor. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacles that face the instrument panel,
while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pig-
tail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic shield that snaps
onto the rotor over the release button. The release
button secures the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case and the shield prevents the release
button from being inadvertently depressed during
shipment and handling, but the shield must be
removed from the clockspring after it is installed on
the steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - 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 instrument panel
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, the horn switch, the speed control switches,and the remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the upper steering column housing near
the top of the steering column. The connector recep-
tacles on the tail of the fixed clockspring case connect
the clockspring to the vehicle electrical system
through two take outs with connectors from the
instrument panel wire harness. The clockspring rotor
is movable and is keyed by the tower formation that
is molded onto the upper surface of the rotor hub to
an opening that is cast into the steering wheel arma-
ture. Rubber bumper blocks on either side of the
clockspring tower formation eliminate contact noise
between the clockspring tower and the steering
wheel. The lobe of the turn signal cancel cam on the
lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub contacts a
turn signal cancel actuator of the multi-function
switch to provide automatic turn signal cancellation.
The yellow-sleeved pigtail wires on the upper surface
of the clockspring rotor connect the clockspring to the
driver airbag, while a steering wheel wire harness
connects the connector receptacle on the upper sur-
face of the clockspring rotor to the horn switch and,
if the vehicle is so equipped, to the optional speed
control switches and remote radio switches on 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 and must be re-cen-
tered following completion of the service or the tape
may be damaged. Service replacement clocksprings
are shipped pre-centered and with a plastic shield
installed over the clockspring release button. This
shield should not be removed and the release button
should not be depressed until the clockspring has
been installed on the steering column. If the release
button is depressed before the clockspring is installed
on a steering column, the clockspring centering pro-
cedure must be performed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
Fig. 11 Clockspring Latches
1 - CASE
2 - LATCH (2)
3 - ROTOR
4 - CANCEL CAM
5 - LOWER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSKJ
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging 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, with the release button
engaged (raised) and a molded plastic shield installed
over the release button. This release button should
not be disengaged and the shield should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is disen-
gaged before the clockspring is installed on a steering
column, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
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) Depress the release button (Fig. 12).(4) Keeping the release button depressed, rotate
the clockspring rotor clockwise to the end of its
travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise,
then release the release button. The clockspring
tower formation with the pigtail wires for the driver
airbag and the connector receptacle for the steering
wheel wire harness should end up at the top, the
blue roller should be visible through the inspection
window, and the printed arrow on the label of the
clockspring rotor should be aligned with the arrow
molded into the clockspring case. The clockspring is
now centered.
(6) 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.
Fig. 12 Clockspring Centering
1 - ROTOR LABEL
2 - RELEASE BUTTON
3 - ALIGNMENT ARROWS
4 - INSPECTION WINDOW
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)