OEM 2003 Mercury Sable Clock Spring

2003 Mercury Sable Clock Spring Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What Precautions Should Be Taken When Servicing the Clock Spring Assembly on 2003 Mercury Sable?

  A: Safety glasses are mandatory to wear when servicing the Clock Spring assembly because they minimize injuries associated with accidental air bag deployment. Handle a live air bag module with its air bag section and trim cover orienting sideways to your body while placing it nowhere with the trim cover facing directly downwards. Avoid using memory saver devices. The air bag warning lamp tours on because the RCM fuse removal activates it during the ON stage of ignition yet it signifies no SRS malfunction. Vehicle return to the customer must happen only after a complete check that shows a fault-free operation of the SRS system. The repair process requires installation of new components however you should restore the original components after persistent problems occur while performing diagnostic procedures again. The process starts with disabling the electrical system while keeping the wheels pointed straight forward. Remove the steering wheel (3600) before you proceed to take out the lower steering column opening cover with reinforcement by removing all bolts and releasing the retaining clips. Two pieces of masking tape should be positioned across the Clock Spring so it does not accidentally spin while you position the steering column for full down tilt in order to remove the tilt wheel handle and shank. Press the ignition switch lock cylinder to RUN and push the release tab while pulling it out to accomplish removal. The installation starts by taking off lower and upper steering column shrouds followed by dismantling the PATS transmitter through its retaining screw removal and extracting the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch. The tube for shift indication must be detached in vehicles with column shift by unscrewing the shift indicator cable. Users must separate pin-type retainers on the Clock Spring electrical connector bracket before guiding the wire harness outside of steering column mounts. Then they can liberate and extract the Clock Spring by releasing its retention clips. To install the new Clock Spring keep the key away from the rotor during the task while preventing any rotor movement. The outer housing must be stationary to properly recenter the Clock Spring by rotating the rotor counterclockwise until resistance is felt and completing the process by turning it clockwise three full turns until reaching the center position. When keeping the original Clock Spring there should be no rotation of the tape when removing it. After mounting the Clock Spring on the steering column users should lock down the retaining clips while guiding the wire harness into its intended holders. The installation of shift indicator tube and cable needs to occur alongside other components in vehicles equipped with column shifts. Accomplish the connection of Clock Spring electrical connectors while also installing the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch and the PATS transmitter using its retaining screw. Screw the steering column shrouds in position starting from the upper section then the lower section while aligning them perfectly before fastening them with retaining screws. The first step includes placing the ignition switch lock cylinder into the OFF position while also attaching the tilt wheel handle along with the shank. Before closing the screw the steering wheel the technician must begin by installing the lower steering column opening cover with reinforcement then securing the bolts at 7 Nm (62 lb in) before placing the steering wheel.