How to Replace a Clockspring in a Chevy Cobalt

The clockspring in your Chevy Cobalt allows your steering wheel to turn and still remain connected to the airbag deployment mechanism. The clockspring allows for a continuous electrical connection to the airbag, horn and cruise control. When the airbag light remains illuminated, replacing the clockspring may extinguish it.

Instructions

1

Straighten the wheels of your Chevy Cobalt by turning the steering wheel to its neutral position. Turn the ignition off and remove the key.

2

Disconnect the negative battery cable in your Chevy Cobalt and keep the cable separate from the battery terminal during the entire repair process. Allow the airbag system to discharge for a minimum of two minutes before working on the steering column.

3

Open the Body Control Module (BCM) fuse center and remove the cover. Locate the two airbag fuses, AIR BAG (IGN) and AIR BAG (BATT), and remove both.

4

Turn the steering wheel of your Chevy Cobalt so that one of the side openings ends up on the top of the wheel. Insert a tool with a blunt end into the opening and depress the sprint mechanism. Repeat this procedure with the other opening and remove the face of the steering wheel.

5

Take apart all the electrical connections and remove the airbag. Unscrew the steering wheel nut and use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel.

6

Unhook the clockspring from your Chevy Cobalt by removing all electrical connections to it. Replace the mechanism and then replace the steering wheel and airbag.