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Airbag light and spiral Cable

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by spetznaz, Jan 25, 2020.

  1. Jan 25, 2020 at 8:24 PM
    #1
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    Hi all the airbag light has been on and I've had my system scanned (not dealer) to indicate the issue is either the spiral cable or driver airbag module

    Some of the other symptoms I see is that the cruise control lever operation is intermittent...

    Primarily because of the cruise control I'm thinking it's a spiral cable issue.

    Few questions

    1. Does sprial cable make sense as a first replacement per the logic above. I've seen some videos and posts on replacing the cable seems straight forward enough

    2. Is this know failure resulting in airbag light or should I be looking at the airbag module

    3. Can the Toyota dealer do a better scan and troubleshoot the issue exactly and are there any estimates on the cost

    4. Assuming the spiral is the issue and it's replaced will the light reset on its own or will I need to go to dealer for diagnostics?

    Appreciate the input
     
  2. Jan 26, 2020 at 5:08 AM
    #2
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Loss of steering wheel controls and functions is common with spiral cable failure. Your diagnosis is a high probability.

    If you have DIY skills, there are threads here and youTube videos that can guide you through. A few suggestions:

    (1) Remove the battery cables from the battery for 15-30 minutes before you start work. This should render the air bag inert.
    (2) Once the plastic column trim is removed, center the steering wheel and do not rotate it again until you are replacing the trim.
    (3) Buy your spiral cable assembly from a Toyota dealer, either online or locally. Chinese knock-off parts are a real thing.
    (4) Do not move any part of the spiral cable assembly once the factory lock is removed; install it immediately without disturbing.
    (5) Torque the steering wheel nut with a torque wrench. (Second gen guys will need to provide torque.)
    (6) The light and code may clear itself, but if it doesn't, the original scanner can probably clear the code.
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2020
  3. Jan 26, 2020 at 5:39 AM
    #3
    Jrharvey02

    Jrharvey02 New Member

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  4. Jan 26, 2020 at 10:41 AM
    #4
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    Thanks
    Will order the parts and tackles this asap
     
  5. Feb 1, 2020 at 8:19 PM
    #5
    Les7311

    Les7311 Look up, what do you see

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  6. Feb 2, 2020 at 2:12 PM
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    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    I just got the cable in and waiting on a few bolts for my puller to get the steering wheel off...

    Will start on this job this week or next weekend
    Happy to post some notes or pictures if there is interest
     
  7. Feb 2, 2020 at 3:05 PM
    #7
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Requiring a puller to remove the steering wheel is the exception rather than the rule. Related videos and threads usually show the steering wheel being simply pulled off manually.

    Be SURE that the spiral cable is unplugged from the steering wheel before attempting removal. Mine came off suddenly and the momentum pulled the front of spiral cable housing off with the wheel. If you didn't need a spiral cable before, you will after that.
     
  8. Feb 6, 2020 at 4:02 PM
    #8
    zombie

    zombie Master at Something

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    Make sure you put the nut on a few threads before yanking on the steering wheel, but yea try that first. If this does not work, look for the sensor outside up front. All vehicles have at least 2 sensors. Not sure where on a second gen, but the one under my hood of my first gen fixed my problem.......and the Air Bags defiantly work........well they did work.....that one time. :eek2:
     
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  9. Feb 6, 2020 at 4:21 PM
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    Jrharvey02

    Jrharvey02 New Member

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    I don’t need a puller to remove my steering wheel, just a 19mm socket and the nut comes right off. It’s convenient for me to not have to rent the tool, always figured something was broken.
     
  10. Feb 6, 2020 at 4:42 PM
    #10
    JohnLakeman

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    The OP thinking he needs a steering wheel puller comes from prior ownership of GM or other marques. GM steering columns historically have an extremely tight spline fit with one missing spline that forces the steering wheel to be mounted in only one position. In that instance, a puller is essential to removing the steering wheel.

    The OP is well advised to mark the EXACT steering wheel position with tape before removal.
     
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  11. Feb 8, 2020 at 4:03 PM
    #11
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    All done looks like the new spiral cable did the trick air bag light went off immediately on start

    All together about a 45min job without interruption.

    Thanks for the input everyone

    Tools
    T27 torx bit to get the air bag off
    19mm socket for the steering wheel nut
    Torque for the nut is 37ftlb
    Screwdriver Phillips, small and medium flathead
    Sharpie
    I did need a puller to crack the steering wheel loose but then it slides no problem
    I also put some DeoxIT oil on the contacts when I put it all together just to be safe and not have to come back here ...
     
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  12. Mar 25, 2021 at 9:15 PM
    #12
    01tunder

    01tunder New Member

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    Hi guys. I have a problem
    I bought a 01 tundra with no gear shifter so I went to Pick-N-Pull today and put in a 04 shifter fit perfect. when I got done I went to the car wash. I turned the wheel all the way to the left and felt like the clock spring broke and the airbag light came on.

    My question is there any other toyota model cars that have the same clockspring?

    On eBay it shows 01 Camry, 01 corolla and matrix having the same clockspring will it work? If so I'll go to pickn pull and get one.

    Is it safe to drive the way it is?
     
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  13. Mar 26, 2021 at 5:28 AM
    #13
    JohnLakeman

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    If the spiral cable was properly installed to begin with, it's impossible for the cable to be broken by turning the steering wheel. The steering linkage hits hard stops in each direction before the ends of the spiral cable are reached.

    That's why it's very important to insure that the steering wheel is centered (wheels straight ahead), and remains centered, during spiral cable installation. The spiral cable assembly must also remain at the centered "factory" position during installation; i.e. to keep the cable length in each direction the same.

    For a pick'n'pull part, that means the donor vehicle wheels will have to be straight ahead when the spiral cable assembly is removed, or you'll be screwed before you start.

    Personally, I would not drive the truck that way. Whether driving it is safe or not, IDK.

    See "Vehicle Fitment" for part listing below:

    https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-clock-spring-843060c010
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2021
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  14. Mar 26, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #14
    01tunder

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    OK,, my steering wheel is upside down will that matter even if the wheels are straight? Also the car wheels at pick and pull are straight .
     
  15. Mar 26, 2021 at 10:31 AM
    #15
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Position of steering wheel should make no difference if the wheels are straight ahead AND the steering linkage has not been monkeyed with. In other words, is the steering rack travel also centered? Want to tell us how the steering wheel got upside down?
     
  16. Mar 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM
    #16
    01tunder

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    I took out the whole steering wheel including from the linkage behind the brake pedal. I put it back the steering wheel is upside down now.

    Went to pick and pull pulled a clockspring from a 01 Camry. I don't think it will fit because it doesn't have the od plug

    What's the correct way to put the clockspring in? Thank you for the quick response
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2021
  17. Mar 26, 2021 at 11:42 AM
    #17
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    I would disconnect the steering shaft coupling flange and re-index the steering wheel to normal position.

    The part above (84306-0C010) fits 1992 Camry, 2000-2004 Camry, Solara, Tundra, Corolla, all except Japan built, 2WD.

    Is your truck 4WD? I'm not seeing any other spiral cable part number.
     
  18. Mar 26, 2021 at 12:31 PM
    #18
    01tunder

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    I have a 2wd.

    The shaft doesn't go in any other way? I tried it was difficult? Is the coupling that part with 4bolts or the part with one Bolt?
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2021
  19. Mar 26, 2021 at 1:40 PM
    #19
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    When you removed the old steering column, did you break the steering shaft apart at A, B, C, or D?

    2001 Steering Shaft.jpg

    Where you separated the old shaft is where you should disconnect it.

    Two of those locations (A, C) are splined, two of those are flanged (B, D). I don't know if the splines are keyed, i.e. will fit together only one way, but close inspection will reveal the answer. The flanges may only fit one-way, but may also fit 180 degrees, or one half turn, apart.

    That's probably how you broke your spiral cable. You installed the replacement shaft one half turn off center, which explains your steering wheel being upside down. If (just as an example, I haven't actually counted the turns) there are normally six turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock, and you installed the steering wheel such that the spiral cable had 2.5 turns of cable length to the left steering lock, and 3.5 turns cable length to the right lock, then you're going to hit the end of the spiral cable before you get to the left steering lock. Snap.

    Get your steering wheel positioned properly before you install your new pick'n'pull spiral cable.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2021
  20. Mar 26, 2021 at 3:51 PM
    #20
    01tunder

    01tunder New Member

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    I took it off part a and b. Everything works now. Thank you very much for your time.
     
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