OEM 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Clock Spring

2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Clock Spring Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Replace a Faulty Clock Spring on 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: You should replace the Clock Spring if it is broken, damaged or if the driver air bag has been used, because it cannot be repaired. Start by disconnecting the negative battery cable and isolating it. It's important to allow the system capacitor to discharge for two minutes before you turn your key. Always turn the steering wheel so the front wheels are straight ahead. Pull the driver air bag out of the steering wheel, unplug the upper Clock Spring receptacle from the steering wheel wire harness connector and take off the steering wheel from the steering column. On some models, pull the steering column tilt knob straight rearward to detach it from the tilt lever and then remove the cover from the steering column opening. Remove the two screws in the outer ends of the upper shroud, press the upper shroud inward to release the snaps and then bring it off. Loose the middle screw that is joining the lower shroud to the steering column lock housing and take the shroud off. From the back of the steering column, remove the wire harness connectors for the Clock Spring from the panel instrument wirings and remove the screws holding the Clock Spring inside the multi-function switch housing. If you want to reuse the removed Clock Spring, put the rotor back in place until the spring is installed; if it is not to be reused, you must center it again before installation. Make sure that the Clock Spring is in the middle of the steering wheel, shaft and gear while installing it so you don't damage anything. Each service replacement Clock Spring arrives with a plastic pin that should not be taken out until the steering column installation begins. Slide the Clock Spring down over the steering column shaft until the locating tab fits into the locating pin on the switch housing. Next, attach and tighten the Clock Spring screws. Hook the connector from the Clock Spring instrument panel wire over to its socket, position the lower shroud under the steering wheel and screw the center screw to hold everything in place. Slide the upper shroud into its place, turn it so the gearshift lever gap hider fits if it is available and then snap the upper and lower parts together before securing them with screws. If necessary, attach the tilt knob of the steering column to the lever, reinsert the steering column cover and check that the yellow rubber-booted ramp on the Clock Spring is lined up correctly before putting on the steering wheel. After that, insert the steering wheel wire harness connector into the Clock Spring connection above the wheel, then install the driver air bag onto its mount.