Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 439

DN
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of the service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a piece of tape covering the
depressed auto-locking tabs. This tape should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the tape is removed before
the clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIR-
BAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND)
CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FUR-
THER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and
Installation section of this group for the procedures.
(3) Depress the two plastic clockspring auto-lock-
ing tabs (Fig. 15).
(4) Keeping the auto-locking tabs depressed, rotate
the clockspring hub clockwise to the end of its travel.
Do not apply excessive torque.
(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
hub about two and one-half turns counterclockwise,
then release the auto-locking tabs. The clockspring
PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Fig. 15 Clockspring Auto-Locking Tabs
1 – AIRBAG MODULE WIRE
2 – SPEED CONTROL WIRING
3 – HORN WIRE
4 – CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY
5 – AUTO-LOCKING TABS
horn wire harness should end up at the top, and the
airbag, optional speed control and optional remote
radio wire harnesses at the bottom.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Install the clockspring onto the steer-
ing column. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal
and Installation section of this group for the proce-
dures.
SPECIAL TOOLS
PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Puller C-3428-B
8M - 15