My 98 CSVT is flashing the airbag light and the code corresponds to the clock spring being bad. I know this is in the steering column, has anyone here changed theirs? How hard is it to replace? Messing with the airbag kind of scares me to be honest, but it would be nice to have the horn and cruise work again. How much would a dealer charge for this type of repair?
2-4 little screws on the rear of the steering wheel, and the airbag comes off as a module.. pop the spring off, replace... reverse.
EASY!
Thanks guys!!! I have 2 quesions though, 1) How do you disconnect the supplemental power supply to the airbag? And 2)Do you have to remove the steering wheel to access the clock spring?
Can I get this part form like a NAPA or Autozone? If so I may do the repair tomorrow. So I can get my cruise and horn back!
I got mine from a junkyard, also remove battery power for about 30 minutes, then unscrew your AirBag module, then unplug it
"1) How do you disconnect the supplemental power supply to the airbag?"
It is a capacitor. Wait 15 minutes and the power should dissipate.
"2)Do you have to remove the steering wheel to access the clock spring?"
Yes. If you need to remove it. If it is just a connector
which came loose, maybe you can just reattach it and hope that will solve your airbag light/no horn/no cruise issue.
"Can I get this part from like a NAPA or Autozone?"
I think you need to get it from Ford.
Here are the Ford CD instructions to remove the clock spring/air bag sliding contact. Good luck.
Sliding Contact Air Bag
Removal and Installation
1. Make sure that vehicle's front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Remove steering wheel and driver side air bag module as outlined.
3. Remove steering column shrouds as outlined.
4. Disconnect air bag sliding contact wiring harness.
5. Apply tape across air bag sliding contact assembly stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation.
6. Release three air bag sliding contact locking tabs and lift air bag sliding contact from steering column.
7. To install, reverse Removal procedure.
Disconnect the battery and wait at least ONE MINUTE.
You can wait longer, but it is not needed. The reserve power capacity in the airbag module is not that great.
See the service manual for exact details.
Steve
So I assume these steps:
"5. Apply tape across air bag sliding contact assembly stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation.
6. Release three air bag sliding contact locking tabs and lift air bag sliding contact from steering column. "
make more sense once you have car apart? Theres no chance of shorting anything out or setting off the other airbag accidentally once you are in there, right?
Oh and does anyone have a part number from Ford for this? Given the average parts guy, they'll look at me like Im nuts if I ask for a clock spring.
As I said, play it safe, remove the battery for 30 minutes, Maybe go grab a bite to eat. Air bags arn't toys and should be handled safely, one wrong move you could have accidential firing, then probaly going to have serious injuries or damage to SRS and or replacing the air bag module.
Ive taken my air bag off many times, it's just a matter of lettin the unit discharge. I took mine off to install cruise control, then replace the clock spring. So I know how the air bag unit is.
Hi,
I just replaced my clockspring 2 weeks ago. You will need a t27 torx bit to remove the airbag, a ratchet and 15mm socket to remove the steering wheel. a 3inch extension bar will be helpful.
THe clockspring costs $47 at any Ford dealership. Go to one with online specials. I got mine 15% off.
Contact Steve at Tousley ford, or Bill at teamford (duratec maintenance faq) for anywhere from 30-60% off list on any ford part.
i did mine last year. .it was easy
