BimmerJeeper

Today I replaced both my turn signal and my clockspring at the same time.
The "lane change" 1/2-press turn signal wasn't working.
My horn, airbag light, and cruise control were not working (clockspring)

1997-2001 XJ.
I am going to write this up in 1 write-up since there is a lot of overlap.
I personally like to see all the steps before attempting a job, so this is the kind of write up I like.
I try to understand what I am getting into, and what problems I may encounter, and if it's a reasonable project to attempt with the tools I have.
Most here will consider this overkill. That's why I wrote "beginner" in the title. B/c even something as simple as a weird clip can stop a beginner in his tracks.

Before you start, disconnect the battery.
This is the first step for either project.

If you're only doing the clockspring, just do step #3, then skip to #10

If you're replacing the turn signal, start with step #1.

For this project, I kept all the screws in individual envelopes


1) Unscrew kick dash panel in the knee area.


2) Unscrew the metal tray panel that is directly underneath the panel you just removed.
Remove screws, and the bottom part just slides off.


3) Remove the plastic housing around the steering column.

There are 2 parts. Top and bottom. There are 3 Phillips screws holding this underneath.
Once you have the 3 screws out, you will need to jiggle the plastic shells for them to come apart and off.
Be patient, they can stick.

Also, notice how they interlock together.
Keep this in mind when you're re-installing at the end.
Take a good look at how the tabs interlock like jaws.



4) Tilt steering wheel all the way to the bottom.

5) Remove the rubber dust guard.
Torx T20 bit. 2 on top, 1 on bottom.


In steps 6 & 7, we remove this entire dash trim so we can eventually push the steering wheel tilt adjustment level out of the way of the turn signal wire harnesses.

6) Remove the HVAC / heater control dash faceplate.
It's all clips, so just yank it off, starting from the bottom.


7) Remove the upper dash panel.
First, remove the screws around console / heater **** section (there are 4 or 6)
Then, pull back to pop off the clips holding the steering wheel area of the dash in place.
Once off, I did a quick wash of all the dashboard parts in a sink and scrub brush.



I got hung up on the headlight ****. I did not know it can come out!
So, I forced it through the little hole, but see below on how you can remove the **** entirely.
In fact, you can pull the headlight switch **** out first.
Feel around on the back of the headlight switch and there is a button that you push in, while you pull out the ****. The **** should come free.


8) Push the steering wheel tilt lever all the way towards the front of the car.
This is why I removed the dashboard.
There is more clearance for the turn signal assembly removal with the tilt lever out of the way.


9) Don't try to remove the wiring clips yet.
Instead, with the wires still attached, lift away the turn signal assembly and move it to the side.
Now that it is moved off to the side, you have much better access to the clips behind it !
You can even rotate it now.

Detach both wire connectors and you've disconnected the turn signal assembly!
You will need a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the tabs.


Now, install the new turn signal, and reinstall everything in reverse.

================================================== =======


If you are doing the clockspring, start here...
You should have already done step #3


For the rest of the steps #10-16,
here is the write-up I used to do this job.
I am just adding a few extra comments and pics.
I also copied some of his pics into here, just in case you want to have everything in one write-up.
http://www.links4jeeps.com/writeups/clockspring/

10) Remove the 2 bolts holding in the airbag.


11) Unclip the 2 clips attached to airbag.
I pried the yellow up with a flathead. This came off easily.


11b) The other one is tricky.
Notice how the notch will sit into the hole?
There is a little clip that must be pushed while you pull them apart.
Be strong here!!



12) Undo the Green clip (Cruise control)

Also, remove that black clip that holds the clip in place.
Mine was stuck in the threads, so I reattached it when installing


13) Remove steering wheel bolt (21mm)

14) Remove steering wheel using puller tool (AutoZone)
Make sure you screw in the 2 side bolts FULLY.
Otherwise, they can slip out while tightening, and strip the tapped hole on the steering wheel
Ask me how I know!

There is the broken part!


15) Loosen clockspring tabs.
There is one on top, and one on bottom.
Slightly pull out the clockspring.
Careful, as it is still attached to 2 wires from behind.



16) Detach 2 wire plugs from clockspring.
The smaller yellow one can be pulled out while using a flathead on the tab.



The larger red/white clip is removed in 2 steps.
First you need to remove the red tab.
Just jam a small flathead into the side and it will pop.
Do this to both sides, and remove the red tab entirely.


Then unclip the remaining part by using a flathead on the tab.


Now, install the new clockspring, and reinstall everything in reverse!

If anyone has anything to add or correct, please let me know.
If you find this a useful write-up, please bump it with your feedback.
Hopefully, this one will be useful for someone going forward.

94XjSport94

This answered another question I had.


Lol good write up and details. How long did it take ya?

odgreen

Kudos on a decent no extra steps write up.

belvedere

Nice write-up.

Lowrange2

Holy damn! Good job!

cropduster

You should show the steering wheel removal process with using the puller. Talk about a step that can hang someone up.

playbass

Great job! I did my turn signal last summer, figure I'll need to do my clockspring sooner or later. Thanks for the writeup.

SoCalxJ4.0

WTG bimmer!!

BimmerJeeper

The other link actually covered it pretty well.
What troubles did you run into?

My only problem was that the center bolt would slip off the spindle, since there was play when I tightened it.

And I didn't have the side bolts fully tightened, so one ripped out while tightening the center bolt.

cropduster

I stand corrected. The link does cover it.
I have not had to do mine...yet.

Big David

I can do a clock spring in about 15 minutes.

JeepingDan

Think that's what it took me while doing a write up at the same time.
I posted it in XJ write ups.
But I didn't eff with that dash and head light switch. Bimmer lost me on that part. Seemed like a lotta extra unnecessary work.
But credit given anyways for the detail.

Note: before servicing airbag system. Disconnect the battery and wait 15 minutes.

Note: make sure front wheels are straight while replacing clock spring or damage to new part WILL RESULT.

XJwonders

With the title including the word "illustrated" I would have thought u drew all the pictures. As seeing as you used pictures to describe steps by steps, u could have used the phrase "pictorial tutorial"?
I was just saying, as seeing how lawyers like to be very eloquent with words. Just saying lol

However u did an excellent job on the write up. Looking forward to seeing more.

tssguy123

odgreen

Sports illustrated isn't full of hand drawn hot chicks......... just sayin