Clock Spring Replacement

Can someone post the procedure for replacing the clock spring in 2002 LS V8 please. I know I have seen it before in this forum but I cant seem to find it again.

Thank you in advance

Are you sure the clockspring is the culprit rather than the wiring under the driver's seat?

Try the "Search this forum" feature from the LS forum main page. Use the keyword, "clockspring." There are quite a few hits so I'm not going to go through them all looking for one that gives the details. Engine size won't make a difference, nor will the model year in this case. The procedure will be the same.

-Rod

Yes im pretty certain its the clockspring. The curise control doesnt work, mute changes the radio station, volume changes the input source, the airbag light is on, and the horn works only sometimes. The only thing on the steering colum that works is correctly is the wipers.

The problem with [my] search was becasue I was looking for 'clock spring' and not 'clockspring'. My bad

Thanks

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- disconnect the battery and let sit for 10mins (which makes sure there is no charge left to dis-charge the airbag)
- make sure your wheels are straight ahead (so you can line up your steering wheel later)
- remove the two bolts holing on the airbag (under little plastic plugs on each side of the steering wheel
- remove the airbag, and disconnect the wiring - it uses a stanard slide-lock on the plug
- unplug the connectors for the radio controls
- remove the horn assembly by removing the 4 bolts
- remove the torx bolt holding on the steering wheel
- using a two-prong hub puller, remove the steering wheel

the clockspring is right underneath the steering wheel at the top of the steering column.

the rest of it is fairly self-explanitory - the clockspring connects to a wiring box and two large connectors. You'll have to reach underneath the dash to get at them - as the are at the base of the steering column.
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Yeah, that does sound like clockspring rather than the connector under the seat. Are you getting the code 32 (?) from the SRS light?

-Rod

Yes. Code 32

The clockspring replacement fixed all the problems mentioned. I spent 3 hours trying to get the steering wheel off with pullers. Pullers don't work very well on this wheel. So I went to the dealership and spoke with a tech, who claims that hes done more than 50 clockspring replacements on LS's, He told me that you don't actually need a puller. He showed me the one he used to try to use, and he said it keeps popping off. Same problem I was having with the puller(s)

He said to simply put the torx bolt back in halfway (this will keep the wheel from popping off and smacking you in the face). While sitting in the seat, grab the wheel at the top and give it a good yank, then the botton, then left, then right. Keep going around doing this until the wheel comes loose -- don't be afraid to put some muscle into it. It took me about 15 seconds to break it loose. Also, you need one of those star socket sets for the horn and steering wheel bolts.

Excellent information, thanks for sharing!

-Rod

great info. my problem is'nt as bad but occasionally the volume increases when i press volume down on the steering wheel??? Does this have anything to do with the clock spring???

Yep, thats how mine started. Then it got worse. ...everything electrical forward of the turn signal eventually went out (i.e horn, cruise control, airbag).

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Hey There tkswan i just rest ur posts im having that same problem my cruise control dont work my radio controls are all whacked and my horn works when it wants to. can u tell me where i can buy the clockspring and about how much does it cost i just spent about $600 fixing the freaking heater on this car. Thanks in advance

hey shorod i have a code 32 on my srs light too. do you happen to have a part number for that clockspring. thanks in advance

I don't have a part number for them. Assuming you have a 2000 model year, it looks like they run $118 at Fast Parts Network (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=318).

-Rod

So, am I to understand that this will be my next problem?

I just replaced the clockspring on my 2000 Lincoln LS. Fixed everything.

Prior to that, the airbags flashed code 32, the horn didn't work, and the radio controls were wacky.

I used these (http://clockspringremoval.blogspot.com/2009/08/lincoln-ls-clockspring-removal.html) step-by-step instructions with photographs.

Instead of using a steering wheel puller, I simply yanked on the steering wheel until it came free.

You guys that have had bad clock springs, the "spring"/wire has not physically been broken correct? I'm assuming the fine wires inside that loom just end up breaking over time. Mine looks OK and I was wondering if I could test the resistance in the cable if someone knew what it should be.

I have also been getting code 32 and I've already checked the plug under the driver's seat. It looks like maybe that had been a problem in the past before me b/c it has already been spliced (and to my surprise properly I might add). So I am fairly certain my problem is the clock spring. Right now all the steering wheel controls seem to work but the up volume button seems to change the station 75% of the time.

Where's the cheapest place to pick one of these puppies up anyway?

Thanks guys,
Ryan

I got mine at Fast parts network. See an earlier post on this thread from shorod. Your issue sounds like classic clockspring issue. I dont know of any tests that you can do on it but my issue started with the radio controls, then the cruise control, then horn etc.If you decide to replace it then may I suggest that you read all the instructions and tips in this thread. Extremely helpful information compiled here.

Good luck Sir.

got code b1932 but no other radio,criuse,horn etc. problems. just stupid light keeping me from passing state inspection. what else could be cause if not clock spring having this code?

got code b1932 but no other radio,criuse,horn etc. problems. just stupid light keeping me from passing state inspection. what else could be cause if not clock spring having this code?

It could be a defective driver's airbag, bad wiring, or a defective RCM (SRS module), but it is almost always the clockspring. Why are you dismissing the most common cause of a code 32? The clockspring has several conductors in it, one for the cruise, one for the airbag, one for the radio controls, one for the backlighting... If only the airbag one breaks, then only the airbag function will fail.

I've already replaced my clock spring once now my airbag light is flashing then comes on steady....you've got to be kidding me that I may have to replace that thing again. Is there another source of problems simple to check? What the driver seat plug mentioned in this thread pertain to?

I've already replaced my clock spring once now my airbag light is flashing then comes on steady....you've got to be kidding me that I may have to replace that thing again. Is there another source of problems simple to check? What the driver seat plug mentioned in this thread pertain to?

Yes, a broken wire at the connector under the driver's seat can cause the SRS light to flash. This seems to be not uncommon for the Gen I LS. I haven't much heard of it as an issue on the Gen II.

My 2001 Ls v6 did the exact same thing. I've always tried to figure out what the actual problem was, but I'm sure this will fix it. Started out about a yr ago buttons not functioning properly, the little by little they quit workin. Now I have no horn, no cruise, and can't use any buttons on the steering wheel. I hope this fixes it:)

Just replaced the wifes '01 last night. It fixed it.

I was really sweating trying to get the steering wheel loose.
Using a 2 claw puller on cast parts is taking a big risk of breaking.

I followed the detailed step by step instructions at this post http://clockspringremoval.blogspot.com/ and it is spot on.

One note....
Since the steering wheel does not lock it is tough to get the center bolt loose by yourself. I used an electric impact wrench and it zipped right off.

Also you do not need steering wheel puller, just pull from the top, the the bottom , then the sides and the steering wheel will come right off.

Now here is the tricky part.. When you re install the steering wheel you will be using the center bolt to "push" the steering wheel back on.And since the wheel does not lock you will have an issue unless someone holds the wheel for you. I used the impact wrench to reinstall the center bolt but you must use an IMPACT T50 or you will break it.

Also don't over tighten because once the wheel is on as far as it will go the IMPACT T 50 will start to tear up the inside of the center bolt.

Can't seem to get a code but my clock stays on after I remove key and get out of car cd changer hunts for something to play and and I need a jump every morning does this sound like a clockspring issue?