I need to replace the clock work spring in my '97 Caravan. I disarmed the airbags, but it looks like I need to remove the airbag assembly to get to the activation button on the otherside of it.
The second problem I need to fix is the wipers, They work to wash the windshield, and sparactically in intermidiate mode. I have changed the switch and the motor. At one pointI had them working perfectly for about 5 min. I was playing with the relays, I switched them out with ones I know worked, and nothing changed. I am not sure what worked then stopped.
StandOnCliff
04-07-2009, 12:21 PM
The easiest way to disarm the airbag is to disconnect the battery.
The airbag assembly is a complete unit screwed to the steering wheel. It has only one wire that needs disconnected. It's usually under the trim on the steering column.
The screws for the airbag are located on the backside of the steering wheel. You will also need a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. The clock spring is directly behind it.
As for the wipers,you might want to make sure all your grounds are good. An intermittent problem is usually a ground making connection then not. According to the schematics which I'll include in my post,the Body Control Module is the unit that controls the wiper action.Hopefully it isn't that unit going bad. You might want to check out the wiper switch when you have the steering column tore down for the clock spring. An ohm meter will verify if it's correct or not. The different speeds chosen should match the R1-R5 values at the top of the schematics
Screaming Mimi
04-07-2009, 08:20 PM
Okay, the Clockspring is behind the steering wheel? Next tool piurchase ---steering wheel puller
Why is the horn area stiff? or is it just my imagination? It was like this when I purchased it.
StandOnCliff
04-07-2009, 09:08 PM
The steering wheel needs pulled to get to the clock spring. A clock spring is a way for connections to be made on a steering wheel so you don't have wires twisting. Basically it's a series of brass in a circle and pins touching the brass to make contact.
The center of the wheel is hard. Thats where the airbag is stuffed. When it deploys it rips the outside plastic open and the bag comes out. That unit is what you will need to remove to get to the nut that holds the steering wheel on.
Heres an exploded view of the steering column. The clock spring isn't being shown,but you'll find it behind the steering wheel.
Screaming Mimi
04-07-2009, 09:42 PM
Very Cool, thanks.
I am trying to do some little custom work to this van. I picked it up really cheap, and I have most of it taken care of...
Screaming Mimi
04-08-2009, 10:01 PM
Alright really stupid question...
Could my two problems be related?
StandOnCliff
04-08-2009, 10:42 PM
I don't believe so,but when you go to change the spring clock do every test you can to make sure the combination wiper/turn signal is working correctly. It'll have to come back apart to change it later if it is bad.
The spring clock usually runs whatever is on the wheel. Horn, airbag and any buttons that are for cruise control, when it's built into the steering wheel.
Screaming Mimi
04-09-2009, 06:17 PM
Pulled the steering wheel last night and looked around looking for a loose ground or wires to the wipers.
I am going to try and pull one out of the junk yard tomorrow. I want to see if I am missing other parts from the steering wheel. It looks like it was taken apart before. Also there was no movement in the wheel that I would expect to find to activate the horn.
The wipers, if I can not find any problems I may try wiring them to switches inside the cab. or ask a professional mechanic friend of mine...
Screaming Mimi
04-11-2009, 08:07 AM
Horns works now. We put it back together yesterday and it works fine. I do think someone tried to repair the clockspring at one time cuase you can see where they tried to pry it apart.
Picking up a new tailgate and a Bck Up / nuetral saftey switch today.
Last remaining issue are the wipers. I am hoping to get this on the road this week..
StandOnCliff
04-11-2009, 11:40 AM
Hopefully they go as easy as the clock spring did. Make sure the grounds are good for the wipers. G200 and G203 on the wiring diagram are grounds. One is on the right side of the cowl and two are on the left side cowl. G205 is also a ground that is near the instrument cluster.
I really hope you checked the switch completely.Especially with evidence of someone poking around in the column. You changed the relays and the wiper motor. Unless a ground is bad,the switch is about the only thing left unless it has a break in the wire somewhere,or corrosion in a plug somewhere within the wiring.
Screaming Mimi
04-11-2009, 12:08 PM
I grabbed a switch from the junk yard and switched them out also.didn't make a diffrence...
I know there is no garuntee I didn't grab another bad one but after I get some of the other work done to it I will delv into the wipers again. More than likeely by this afternoon...
Screaming Mimi
04-13-2009, 11:00 PM
I got just about everything done, discovered the back up lights aren't working.... bought a new switch, funny I always thought a 3 speed with overdrive is a 4 speed....got the wrong part....
Wipers are still a mystery, and while I like turning wrenches, electrical stuff I just don't get. Got a few helpers coming to give it a shot
