RAM 3500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1998)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair
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
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 from the steering wheel. See Airbag Module Replacement for the procedures.
4. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional vehicle speed control, unplug the wire harness connectors from the speed control switches in the
steering wheel.
5. Remove the nut that secures the steering wheel to the steering column upper shaft.
6. Remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller (Special Tool C-3428-B).
7. Remove the knee blocker from the instrument panel. Refer Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators/Instrument Panel to Knee Blocker
8. If the vehicle is so equipped, remove the tilt steering column lever by grasping the lever firmly and pulling it sharply away from the column.
Lower Steering Column Shroud Screws
9. Remove the two screws from the bottom of the lower steering column shroud that secure it to the upper shroud.
10. Unsnap the front and both sides of the lower shroud from the upper shroud.
