Dakota 4WD V8-4.7L VIN N (2000)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver side airbag has been deployed.
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.
REMOVAL
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 side airbag module from the steering wheel. Refer to Driver Side Airbag Module in the Removal and Installation for the
procedures.
3. If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the upper clockspring wire harness connectors from the vehicle speed control switches and the remote
radio switches located within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
4. Remove the nut that secures the steering wheel armature to the steering column upper shaft, which is located within the hub cavity of the steering
wheel.
5. Pull the steering wheel off of the steering column upper shaft spline using a steering wheel puller (Special Tool C-3428-B).
6. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to Steering Column Opening Cover in the Removal and Installation.
7. If the vehicle is so equipped, unscrew the lever from the tilt steering column adjuster mechanism located on the left side of the column just below
the multi-function switch stalk. Turn the lever counter clockwise to unscrew it from the column.
Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install - Typical
8. Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.
9. Remove the lower fixed column shroud from the steering column.
10. Remove the two tamper proof mounting screws (a Snap On tamper proof Torx bit TIXR20B2 or equivalent is required) that secure the
multi-function switch to the left side of the steering column lock housing.
