Ford 8L3Z-14A664-A
Clockspring

Both safety glasses and the absence of memory saver devices are essential during Clock Spring assembly maintenance to prevent accidental air bag deployment injuries and protect vehicle safety. The vehicle should return to customers only when the SRS operates correctly with no identified faults in its operation. The RCM fuse removal will activate the air bag warning lamp while the ignition switch remains ON but this is a normal condition that signifies no SRS defect is present. The repair process includes installing a fresh part until further problems occur where the technician will need to reinstall the original component before performing diagnosis again. Initiate systemic depowering procedures before realigning the road wheels to a forward position. The technician must first remove the driver air bag module coupled with the steering wheel and lower steering column shroud screw and upper steering column shroud screws to free the upper shroud. The Clock Spring can be reinstalled after users apply two pieces of masking tape to stop rotational movement while removing it. The next step involves uninstalling the multi-function switch screw and the switch from its position followed by sliding it out with the retaining tab release. You should then disconnect the Clock Spring electrical connectors before releasing the three clips for Clock Spring removal. Check the mounting bracket for damage and substitute it when required then perform final tightening up to 6 Nm (53 lb-in). Installation should have proper component centralization to prevent early malfunction while maintaining road wheel alignment. Secure the Clock Spring housing nonetheless while gradually turning the rotor backward until pushback occurs before following with a clockwise rotation of about three full turns to achieve positioning at the center point. To stop accidental rotation apply adhesive tape. Install the steering column by placing the Clock Spring flats properly then slide it onto the column while securing both electrical connectors firmly. Mount the multi-function switch and its screw and install both upper and lower steering column shrouds with their screws. The system requires the driver air bag module and steering wheel reinstallation prior to restarting the system power.

The safety of returning vehicles to customers requires complete operation of the supplemental restraint system along with no errors detected in the SRS before performing Clock Spring service or repair work. During ignition the warning indicator should activate while the restraints control module (RCM) fuse is disconnected from its power source although no fault exists. The repair procedure includes new part installation but replacing the original part should be considered if problems continue and diagnostics need to be restarted. Start the SRS depowering process after verifying that all road wheels face forward. You need to uninstall the driver air bag module combined with the steering wheel as well as the lower steering column shroud screw and the two upper steering column shroud screws along with the upper shroud. Two strips of masking tape must be applied to the Clock Spring when reuse is planned to stop accidental rotation. The installation starts with removing the multi-function switch screw and the switch component following the steps of releasing the retaining tab before sliding it away. Remove the Clock Spring after disconnecting electrical connectors and removing its three clips. Check the mounting bracket for any damage and perform a replacement if needed while tightening it to 6 Nm (53 lb-in). Before assembly always position the Clock Spring at its installation center to prevent premature failure from occurring. Process the outer housing while keeping it static and turn the rotor counterclockwise until it meets resistance then continue turning clockwise for three rotations until the center point is reached. Use tape to protect the Clock Spring from unintended rotation. Place the flat sides of the Clock Spring opposite the steering column then insert it onto the column shaft. New Clock Springs require the removal of the retaining pin but reused parts need the tape to be removed. Hook up the electrical connectors by aligning them before choosing their complete seating position. Begin by installing both the multi-function switch together with its screw and continue with attaching screws for upper/lower steering column shrouds. Finish the installation process by adding the steering wheel along with the driver air bag module and then enable SRS power.

Safety glasses serve as essential protective equipment when dealing with Clock Spring assembly service to prevent air bag deployment injuries and memory saver devices should remain out of use during servicing operations. The RCM fuse removal during an ignition switch ON operation activates the air bag warning lamp as an expected normal condition without indicating an SRS problem. A complete check of SRS operational readiness must occur without faults prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. To fix this problem you need to put in a fresh component yet if the problem remains constant you must reattach the original component and retest again. The first step should include system depowering followed by the arrangement of road wheels in a straight position. Start by taking out the driver air bag module together with the steering wheel after removing screws that secure the steering column opening cover and lower steering column shroud and then the upper steering column shroud. The Clock Spring should get tape installation before removal to stop its movement. To complete the procedure remove the multifunction switch first then detach the Clock Spring by disconnecting its electrical connectors and screws while verifying the mounting bracket has no damage. After locating the Clock Spring mounting bracket in position you should secure it with screws before connecting its electrical connectors. Oversee Clock Spring centralization by fixing the outer housing in place while rotating the rotor first counterclockwise until it meets resistance followed by clockwise motion of three turns to establish the central position. Move the Clock Spring flats to match the steering column while fastening it with screws before installing the multifunction switch and upper and lower steering column shrouds and the steering wheel. Distribute the driver air bag module before activating power to the system once more.

Ensure the SRS is operational and fault-free.

If reinstalling the clockspring, prevent it from turning during removal.

Release the three clips and remove the clockspring.

Hold the outer housing stationary, turn the rotor counterclockwise until resistance is felt, then turn it clockwise approximately three turns to reach the center point.

Reinstall the multi-function switch, upper and lower steering column shrouds, gear selector boot, and instrument panel cover.

Remove the driver air bag module, steering wheel, and the two screws from the steering column opening cover, then detach the cover.