Dakota 4WD V6-239 3.9L Magnum (1996)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair
Removal
WARNING: The airbag system is a sensitive, complex electromechanical unit. Before attempting to diagnose or service any airbag system or
related steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel components you must first disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground)
cable. Then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further system service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag
system. Failure to do this could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.
1. Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position before starting the procedure.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the airbag has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before further service.
3. Remove the driver side airbag module.
4. Remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller (Special Tool C-3428B).
5. Unplug wiring for the horn switches.
6. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds to gain access to the clockspring wire harness connectors.
7. Disconnect the two-way connector between the clockspring and the instrument panel wiring harness at the base of the steering column.
8. To remove, lift the locating fingers of the clockspring assembly from the steering column as necessary. The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must
be replaced if faulty, or if the airbag system has been deployed.
9. When installing, snap the clockspring onto the steering column. If the clockspring is not properly positioned, see Clockspring Centering before
installing the steering wheel.
10. Connect the clockspring wiring to the instrument panel wiring harness. Be certain that the wiring locator clips are properly seated on the outside of
the wiring trough and that the locking tabs are engaged.
11. Reinstall the steering column shrouds. Be certain that the airbag wire is inside the shrouds.
12. The front wheels should still be in the straight-ahead position. Install the steering wheel being certain to fit the flats on the hub of the steering
wheel onto the formations on the inside of the clockspring.
13. Pull the horn wiring through the upper, smaller hole in the steering wheel hub. Pull the airbag and speed control wiring through the bottom, larger
hole in the steering wheel hub. Tighten the steering wheel nut to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.). Be certain not to pinch the wiring between the steering wheel
and the nut.
14. Connect the horn switch wire, then the airbag wire to the airbag module. To assure complete connection, the latching arms must be visibly on top
of the airbag wiring connector housing.
15. Install the airbag module and tighten the nuts to 9 - 11 Nm (80 - 100 in lb).
16. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. SEE Airbag System Arming for the proper procedure.
