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 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 AIRBAG SQUIB STA-
TUS . Refer to the Hazardous Substance Control
System for proper disposal procedures. Dispose of
all non-deployed 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, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(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.
Fig. 4 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical
Fig. 5 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
1 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
2 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
8O - 8 RESTRAINTSWJ
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 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 SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE AIR-
BAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE
IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. 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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT 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) Remove the two nuts that secure the center
console bracket to the studs on the floor panel trans-
mission tunnel just forward of the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) (Fig. 7).
(4) Remove the center console bracket from the
two studs on the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(5) Disconnect the airbag overlay wire harness
connector for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacle (Fig. 8). To disconnect the airbag overlay
wire harness connector from the ACM:
(a) Slide the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock on the top of the connector toward the
front of the vehicle.
(b) Depress the forward edge of the CPA lock to
release the connector latch tab and pull the connec-
tor straight away from the ACM connector recepta-
cle.(6) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacle.
Fig. 7 Center Console Bracket Remove/Install
1 - SHIFTER
2 - NUT (2)
3 - BRACKET
4 - PARK BRAKE LEVER
5 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
6 - FLOOR PANEL TRANSMISSION TUNNEL
7 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS
Fig. 8 Airbag Control Module Connector
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - LATCH TAB
3 - CPA LOCK
4 - AIRBAG OVERLAY WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 11
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
(7) Remove the four screws that secure the ACM to
the mount that is welded onto the top of the floor
panel transmission tunnel (Fig. 9).
(8) Remove the ACM from the ACM mount on the
top of the floor panel transmission tunnel.
INSTALLATION
Two different Airbag Control Modules (ACM) are
available for this vehicle. For vehicles equipped with
the optional side curtain airbags, both ACM connec-
tor receptacles are black in color and the ACM con-
tains a second bi-directional safing sensor for the
side airbags. For vehicles not equipped with the
optional side curtain airbags, the ACM connector
receptacles are gray.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 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 SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE AIR-
BAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE
IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. 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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Carefully position the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) to the mount that is welded onto the top of
the floor panel transmission tunnel (Fig. 9). The bot-
tom of the ACM housing is keyed. When the ACM is
correctly positioned, the bottom of the housing will fit
flush with the mount and the orientation arrow on
the label on top of the housing will be pointed for-
ward in the vehicle.
(2) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the ACM to the mount that is welded onto the top of
the floor panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the
screws to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the ACM to the ACM connector recep-
tacle. Be certain that the connector latch and the red
CPA lock are fully engaged (Fig. 8).
(4) Reconnect the airbag overlay wire harness con-
nector for the ACM to the ACM connector receptacle.
Be certain that the connector latch and the red CPA
lock are fully engaged.
(5) Reinstall the center console bracket onto the
two studs on the floor panel transmission tunnel just
forward of the ACM (Fig. 7).
(6) Install and tighten the two nuts that secure
the center console bracket to the studs on the floor
panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the nuts to 28
N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(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 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).
Fig. 9 Airbag Control Module Remove/Install
1 - SCREW (4)
2 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
3 - FLOOR PANEL TRANSMISSION TUNNEL
4 - MOUNT
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSWJ
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
INSTALLATION
The following service procedure applies to vehicles
manufactured for sale in North America, which have
removable child seat tether anchor brackets that are
located on the inner liftgate opening header. Vehicles
manufactured for sale in Rest-Of-World (ROW) mar-
kets have child tether anchors that are integral to,
and are only serviced with the rear seat back panels.
(1) Position the child tether anchor bracket onto
the inner liftgate opening header (Fig. 12).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
child tether anchor bracket to the inner liftgate open-
ing header. Tighten the screw to 11.8 N´m (105 in.
lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the cover into the child tether anchor
bezel in the headliner near the liftgate opening
header.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two
screws to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing near the top of the steering column behind the
steering wheel (Fig. 13). 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. 14). Within the plastic hous-ing is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large
exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has
a large center hole, two large flats, an index hole,
two short pigtail wires with connectors, and two con-
nector receptacles that face toward the steering
wheel.
The lower surface of the rotor hub has three pins,
two round and one oblong. These pins index the
clockspring to the turn signal cancel cam unit in the
multi-function switch mounting housing. Within the
plastic case and wound around the rotor spool is a
long ribbon-like tape that consists of several thin cop-
per wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic
membranes. 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 pigtail wires and connector receptacles on the
hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering
wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic locking pin
installed. The locking pin secures the centered clock-
spring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment
and handling, but must be removed from the clock-
spring after it and the multi-function switch mount-
ing housing are installed on the steering column.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING 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.
Fig. 13 Clockspring (Upper View)
1 - MOUNTING EAR (2)
2 - LOCKING PIN
3 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
4 - LABEL
5 - OBLONG PIN
6 - ALIGNMENT ARROWS
7 - CASE
8 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
Fig. 14 Clockspring (Lower View)
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - CASE
3 - OBLONG PIN
4 - ROUND PIN (2)
5 - LOWER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
6 - ROTOR
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSWJ
CHILD TETHER ANCHOR (Continued)
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 multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing on the upper steering column housing by two
screws. The two connector receptacles 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 har-
ness. The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed
to the hub of the steering wheel by two large flats
that are molded into the rotor hub. The three pins
(two round and one oblong) on the lower surface of
the clockspring rotor hub engage and index the clock-
spring rotor to the turn signal cancel cam. The turn
signal cancel cam is integral to the multi-function
switch mounting housing and is keyed to the upper
steering column shaft. Two short, yellow-sleeved pig-
tail wires on the upper surface of the clockspring
rotor connect the clockspring to the driver airbag,
while a steering wheel wire harness connects the two
connector receptacles on the upper surface of the
clockspring rotor to the horn switch, the two speed
control switches, and the remote radio switches on
vehicles that are so equipped.
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 must be centered when it is installed on
the steering column. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to the movable steering
components 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 locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed 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
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 and with a molded plastic lock-
ing pin installed. This locking pin should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the locking pin is removed
before the clockspring is installed on a steering col-
umn, 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, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 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).
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
(3) Hold the clockspring case in one hand so that it
is oriented as it would be when it is installed on the
steering column (Fig. 15).
(4) Use your other hand to 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,
until the arrows on the clockspring rotor label and
the clockspring case are aligned. The uppermost pin
on the lower surface of the clockspring rotor should
now be the oblong pin.
(6) The clockspring is now centered. Secure the
clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the
steering column.
(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: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 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 driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connectors from the upper clockspring connector
receptacles.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) From below the steering column, remove the
screw that secures the lower tilting steering column
shroud to the steering column multi-function switch
mounting housing (Fig. 16).
(6) Using hand pressure, push gently inward on
both sides of the upper shroud near the parting line
between the upper and lower shrouds to release the
snap features that secure the two halves to each
other.
(7) Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from
the steering column.
(8) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the clockspring from the two con-
nector receptacles below the steering column on the
back of the clockspring case.
(9) Remove the two screws that secure the clock-
spring case to the multi-function switch mounting
housing (Fig. 17).
(10) Remove the clockspring from the multi-func-
tion switch mounting housing. The clockspring can-
not be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or
damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.
(11) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain to secure the clockspring rotor to the clock-
spring case to maintain clockspring centering until it
is reinstalled on the steering column. If clockspring
centering is not maintained, the clockspring must be
centered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to 8 -
Fig. 15 Clockspring
1 - MOUNTING EAR (2)
2 - LOCKING PIN
3 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
4 - LABEL
5 - OBLONG PIN
6 - ALIGNMENT ARROWS
7 - CASE
8 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSWJ
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with a locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed 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, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) While holding the centered clockspring rotor
and case stationary in relation to each other, care-
fully slide the clockspring down over the steering col-
umn upper shaft.
(2) Align and seat the three pins on the lower sur-
face of the clockspring rotor hub with the three holes
in the hub of the turn signal cancel cam (Fig. 17). It
should be noted that when the clockspring is prop-
erly centered the uppermost pin on the clockspring
rotor hub is the oblong pin, and it will only fit in the
oblong hole in the hub of the turn signal cancel cam.
Fig. 16 Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install
1 - UPPER TILTING COLUMN SHROUD
2 - FIXED COLUMN SHROUD
3 - LOWER TILTING COLUMN SHROUD
4 - SCREW
Fig. 17 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - OBLONG HOLE
2 - TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM
3 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH MOUNTING HOUSING
4 - RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
5 - SCREW (2)
6 - OBLONG PIN
7 - CLOCKSPRING
8 - LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 17
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)
OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electri-
cal signals generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the driver airbag squib 1 and squib 2
circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By
using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at
multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled
by the ACM to suit the monitored impact conditions
by providing one of four delay intervals between the
electrical signals provided to the two initiators. The
longer the delay between these signals, the less force-
fully the airbag will deploy. When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signals to each initiator, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic charge which, in turn ignites chemical
pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, these chem-
ical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity
of nitrogen gas. The inflator is sealed to the back of
the airbag housing and a diffuser in the inflator
directs all of the nitrogen gas into the airbag cush-
ion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion
inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at pre-
determined breakout lines, then fold back out of the
way along with the horn switch and tray unit. Fol-
lowing an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion
quickly deflates by venting the nitrogen gas towards
the instrument panel through vent holes within the
fabric used to construct the back (steering wheel
side) panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the nitrogen
gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, both ini-
tiators are used and all potentially hazardous chem-
icals are burned during an airbag deployment event.
However, it is possible for only one initiator to be
used during a deployment due to an airbag system
fault; therefore, it is necessary to always confirm
that both initiators have been used in order to avoid
the improper disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic
or hazardous materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SER-
VICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT). The nitrogen gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, a small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with
plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are
irritated, move to another area where there is plenty
of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not
alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the driver airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR,
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 19).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing.
(4) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector for the horn switch from the horn switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
WJRESTRAINTS 8O - 19
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)