Chili

If you have a JK whose airbag light (and associated chime) is intermittently on, you most likely have a defective clockspring. This is a common failure in JK’s, and although Jeep has recalled 2007 models for this reason, they are giving the finger to everyone with a 2008 or later, even though IT’S THE SAME PART! This is the second clockspring I have replaced; I had the same failure on my previous JK, except that time I paid the thieves at the dealership $550 for this repair. They were not going to get me again for the same thing, and I decided to do this write-up in case anyone else has the same failure and is contemplating going to the dealership for repair. As you will see, it’s simple enough to do yourself for approximately $200 in parts. It literally took me an hour to do, and I’m very slow.

Okay, first you’ll need the part. The current part number is 05156106AC. Google the part number and you’ll find plenty of online dealers who sell this part for around $200. Once you have the part, it’s time to get busy. The tools needed are:

T20 driver
Short handled flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
13mm socket
Dental pick with 90 degree bend (optional, but recommended)

First, please accept my apologies in advance for the crappy iPhone pics. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the Jeep sit for 5 minutes so the airbag system capacitor can discharge. Next, remove the steering column shroud. You will need a skinny T20 driver to get to the recessed screws from the bottom of the shroud (see photo):





Once the two halves of the shroud are separated, it will look like this:





Next on the list is airbag removal. I found this to be the trickiest part of this entire project. The airbag module is retained by three clips. These clips are accessed via holes at the 10 o’clock, 2 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions behind the airbag module, and as such, you will be working blind as you attempt to release the clips. If you scroll down, check out the photo of the airbag module and you will see the three clips I am referring to. You are expected to work a short handled, flat head screwdriver into each of these access holes, giving the screwdriver a twist to release each clip. Doing so will completely release the airbag module. The best way to do that is to rotate the steering wheel so that the hole you are currently working on is in the 12 o’clock position. Also, I did not use a screwdriver for this, but rather a dental pick with a 90 degree bend. I suggest releasing the 10 and 2 positions first, then the 6 position last. Releasing the clips looks like this:





Once the clips are released, the airbag module will only be held on by its two electrical connectors. Release them:





You should now be staring at the empty cavity of the steering wheel. Release the electrical connector for the cruise control (if equipped):





Now release the electrical connector that goes through the wheel at 12 o’clock and connects to the clockspring:

Chili

Next, remove the steering wheel bolt (13mm):





Give a nice hard yank on the wheel:





And you should be staring at a filthy clockspring:





The clockspring is held on with three T20 screws:

Chili

After the removal of the three screws, the clockspring is free and only the electrical connectors remain:





Remove the windshield wiper stalk with a single Phillips screw so that you can install it on the new clockspring:





Do the same with the turn signal stalk:





Here is the old unit completely disconnected and ready for the trash:

Chili

Here is the shiny new clockspring installed on the steering column after transferring the turn signal and wiper stalks. You may notice a yellow protector in the clockspring at the 12 o’clock electrical socket. Leave that in until the wheel has been installed.








Install the steering wheel (the shaft is keyed so the wheel can only go on one way) and pull the yellow protector out so you can reinstall the electrical connectors. The steering wheel bolt gets torqued to 40 ft lbs.





Reconnect the airbag’s electrical connectors. You will notice that one of the airbag retaining clips is different from the other two. The different clip is installed at the 6 o’clock position:





To reinstall the airbag module, simply push the unit back into position, making sure you hear and feel all three retaining clips engage. Reinstall the negative battery cable and congratulations, you’re done!

OnBelay

Incredible write-up. Thank you so much. I have had this issue for about 4 months, and was waiting for a definitive answer re: extending the warranty to the 08+ models.

I have seen other write-ups, but none were specific to the JK.

Thanks again,

-Dawn

ADX 08

Subscribed... Thanks for the write up i will be trying this soon.

4WHLN

Your a life saver Chili. Followed your write up to a T. Thanks for posting.

g'eep09jk

On a scale of 1-10 as far as difficulty, how was this clockspring repair/replacement? The only thing that makes me nervous is the whole airbag issue... I would kind of like a guarantee that that thing is not going to explode in my face, hands, etc...

Chili

I would call it a 3. Airbag systems are designed to be serviced. If you follow the instructions you'll be fine.


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cb4017

Just finished changing the clock spring on my 08 Wrangler. Thanks for this write-up. One of the best how-to's I've seen. Now that I've done it, Jeep will probably extend the warranty tomorrow....