OEM 2005 Mercury Mountaineer Clock Spring

2005 Mercury Mountaineer Clock Spring Parts Q&A

• Q: How is the Clock Spring Serviced and Repaired in an Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on 2005 Mercury Mountaineer?

  A: Safety glasses should be worn before performing any work on an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle or handling the air bag module due to deployment risks which could cause bodily harm. Memory saver devices should always be avoided since they cannot help minimize personal injury situations. A normal condition exists when the air bag warning lamp illuminates as the RCM fuse gets removed and the ignition switch turns ON. The SRS must be completely operational after verification of its fault-free condition before giving the vehicle back to the customer. A new component needs to be installed during repairs but the issue should be reevaluated by returning to the original part and running another diagnosis test. Start the procedure by depowering the system and setting the road wheels in a forward position. To proceed with the repair start by taking out the driver air bag module and steering wheel along with the two screws from the steering column opening cover and then detach the cover from its base. Use gentle force to detach the gear selector boot leaving no markings then remove the three screws from the lower steering column shroud followed by removal of both the lower and upper steering column shrouds. When keeping the Clock Spring, apply two strips of masking tape but do it to stop accidental rotation during the removal process. Start by removing the multi-function switch screw after which you push the switch aside to access the two Clock Spring screws. The first step involves disconnecting electrical connectors from the Clock Spring followed by removing the component to check that the mounting bracket is free of damages. If any damage exists, discard the bracket after removing its three screws. Position the Clock Spring mounting bracket after removal and fasten it with three screws at 6 Nm (53 lb-in) torque followed by electrical connector connection. To properly center the Clock Spring maintain the outer housing immovable while rotating the rotor counterclockwise until you feel resistance and then proceed with clockwise rotation for about three turns while making sure the Clock Spring does not move from this central position. Insert the flats of the Clock Spring to the steering column before installing it along the column using two screws. New or used Clock Spring installation requires different procedures as removing the pin from a new Clock Spring but tape from a reused one. Begin installation by securing the multi-function switch with its screw before adding screws to the steering column shrouds starting from the upper and then the lower section. The system must be powered up after attaching the gear shift lever boot and installing lower steering column opening covers while reinstalling the driver air bag module and steering wheel.