Questions and Answers

Chrysler Sebring Air Bag Light Is On Q. First off I love your site, found a lot of little problems my car had and also fixed. Thanks! The car: 2001 Chrysler Sebring LX 4 cylinder. I'm from Buffalo, New York, where it gets cold, and during the winter it was very cold. I turned my wheel and heard a click in the steering wheel and my air bag light came on.

Now I'm assuming this is some type of wire or something that connects to the air bag. How do I go about fixing this? I have worked on many of cars in past so let me have it.

Thanks again for the great site...

A. From what you describe, it sounds like the Clockspring broke. The flashing Air Bag or Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light means that there is a code stored in the SRS Control Module. You will need a scan tool that has SRS capabilities to extract the code.

I don't recommend a DIY to do anything with the SRS system since there is a real possibility of accidentally deploying the Air Bag.

AIR BAG MODULE(S) AND CLOCK SPRING:

WARNING:

• Never attempt to disassemble or repair the air bag modules or clock spring. If faulty, replace it.
• Do not drop the air bag modules or clock spring or allow contact with water, grease or oil. Replace it if a dent, crack, deformation or rust is detected.
• The air bag modules should be stored on a flat surface is facing upward. Do not place anything on top of it.
• Do not expose the air bag modules to temperatures over 200°F.
• After deployment of an air bag, replace the clock spring with a new one.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling air bags that have already deployed.
• An undeployed air bag module should only be disposed of in accordance with the procedures.

DANGER: Wait at least 10 minutes after disconnecting the battery cable before doing any further work.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery and tape the terminal to prevent accidental connection and air bag(s) deployment.

AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL (DRIVER'S SIDE):

NOTE: Do not remove the screws from the holders.

1. Remove the air bag module mounting screws (TORX(R) screws) at the sides of the steering wheel.

WARNING: The removed air bag module should be stored in a clean, dry place with the pad cover face up.

CAUTION: When disconnecting the air bag module-to-clock spring connector, take care not to apply excessive force to it.

2. When disconnecting the connector of the clock spring from the air bag module, press the air bag's lock toward the outer side to spread to open. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver, as shown in the figure, to pry gently to remove the connector.

STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL:

CAUTION: Do not hammer on the steering wheel. Doing so may damage the collapsible column mechanism.

CLOCK SPRING REMOVAL:

WARNING:The removed clock spring should be stored in a clean, dry place.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS A: WARNING: Dispose of air bag modules only according to the specified procedure.

1. When installing the new air bag modules and clock spring, refer to "INSPECTION."
2. Connect the negative (-) battery cable. CAUTION: To prevent damage to scan tool MB991502, always turn the ignition, switch to "LOCK" (OFF ) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool MB991502.
3. Connect scan tool MB991502 to the data link connector.
4. Turn the ignition switch to "ON " position.
5. Conduct diagnostic test using scan tool MB991502 to ensure entire SRS operates properly. DANGER: Wait at least 10 minutes after disconnecting the battery cable before doing any further work. WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
6. Turn the ignition switch to "LOCK" (OFF) position. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable and tape the terminal to prevent accidental connection and air bags deployment.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS B:

WARNING: Ensure that the clock spring's mating marks are properly aligned. If not, the steering wheel may not rotate completely during a turn, or the flat cable in the clock spring could be damaged. This would prevent normal SRS operation and possibly cause serious injury to the driver.

Align the mating marks of the clock spring. Turn the front wheels to the straight-ahead position. Then install the clock spring to the column switch.

Turn the clock spring clockwise fully. Then turn it back approximately 3 turns counterclockwise to align the mating marks.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS C:

CAUTION: When installing the steering wheel, ensure that the harness of the clock spring does not become caught or tangled.

1. Before installing the steering wheel, turn the vehicle's front wheels to the straight-ahead position and align the mating marks of the clock spring.
2. After securing the steering wheel, turn the steering wheel all the way in both directions to confirm that the steering wheel rotation is normal.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS D:

CAUTION: If there is gap at place B shown in the illustration, that means the connector is not firmly inserted, i.e. not correctly connected. In such a case, insert connector to the place, where there remains no gap at place B shown in the illustration.

1. Connect the clock spring connector securely.

2. Tighten the air bag module mounting screws to 78 ±17 in-lb.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS E:

1. Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
2. Turn the ignition switch to "ON " position.
3. Does the "SRS" warning light illuminate for approximately seven seconds , and then remain off for at least five seconds after turning "OFF"?.
4. If yes, the SRS system is functioning properly. If no, refer to Trouble Code Descriptions.