Cherokee 4WD L6-4.0L VIN S (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 AIR-BAG 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 AIR-BAG
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 from the steering wheel.
4. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional vehicle speed control, unplug the speed control switch wire harness connector 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 steering column, opening cover from the instrument panel.
8. If the vehicle is so equipped, move the tilt steering column to the fully raised position.
9. Insert the key in the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch to the On position.
10. Insert a small screwdriver or pin punch through the access hole in the lower steering column shroud and depress the ignition lock cylinder
retaining tumbler.
11. While holding the retaining tumbler depressed, pull the ignition lock cylinder and key out of the ignition lock housing.
12. Remove the three screws that secure the lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud.
13. If the vehicle is equipped with a standard non-tilt steering column, loosen the two upper steering column mounting nuts. If the vehicle is equipped
with the optional tilt steering column, move the tilt steering column to the fully lowered position.
14. Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.
