OEM 2004 Lincoln Town Car Clock Spring

2004 Lincoln Town Car Clock Spring Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What Safety Precautions and Steps Are Involved in Servicing the Clock Spring Assembly on 2004 Lincoln Town Car?

  A: Safety glasses must be used for Clock Spring service to prevent injuries from potential air bag deployment while you must orient live air bag modules with their trim cover pointing away from your body. Hammer the air bag module down and immediately clean your hands after opening because it contains sodium hydroxide residue. Always do not probe the air bag module connectors and immediately replace any trim covers which show signs of discoloration or damage instead of selecting repainting as the repair method. Begin by powering down the system then detach the driver air bag module by unbolt its two screws and pulling out the two steering wheel cover plugs while marking the squib enumeration on the electrical connector before disconnecting. Before the wheel removal step, position all vehicle wheels straight ahead then tape the Clock Spring with masking tape to stop it from rotating unintentionally. Upper section of the steering column needs adjustment and the tilt wheel hand should be removed first. These steps lead to lower finish panel detachment from its mounting on the steering column opening after unclipping retaining elements and unscrewing components. The maintenance begins with removing five bolts attached to the steering column opening lower reinforcement before proceeding to detach the LH lower instrument panel insulator, courtesy lamp and lower steering column shroud. You must position the ignition switch lock cylinder at RUN while removing it ahead of taking out the upper steering column shroud. The voice-activated cellular phone microphone needs removal from vehicles which have this feature. The installation begins by disconnecting both the passive anti-theft system (PATS) transmitter along with key-in-ignition warning indicator switch then separate electrical connectors from the Clock Spring and remove its wire harness. Unmount the Clock Spring after releasing its attaching clips. The first step for installation involves removing the key during rotor centering until it remains stationary. To recenter the rotor maintain outer housing position while turning it counterclockwise until resistance occurs followed by clockwise rotation for 2.75 turns toward the center. Fit the Clock Spring flats to the steering column while inserting it onto the column and routing the wire harness. After connecting the electrical connectors of the Clock Spring you should add the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch and PATS transmitter and voice-activated cellular phone microphone when needed. Safely reposition all mechanical components by uniting the upper and lower steering column shrouds with the ignition switch lock cylinder and lower steering column shroud in their correct seating positions. Place back the tilt wheel handle followed by the LH lower instrument panel insulator and the steering column lower reinforcement and steering column opening lower finish panel. In the last step reinstall the steering wheel while connecting the driver air bag module at its proper electrical ports and fastening the module using bolts before activating the system power.