Mitsubishi Outlander Clock Spring Replacement Guide

Is your Mitsubishi Outlander cruise control not working, and the traction light is on due to a faulty clock spring? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing the clock spring of your Mitsubishi Outlander.

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This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to replace the clock spring on a Mitsubishi. The video and pictures are from a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander, but the procedure is very similar for other models, including Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Galant, Eclipse, and Lancer.

Symptoms

• Airbag light / SRS light on
• Cruise control is not working.
• ABS / Traction control light on
• The steering wheel buttons don’t work.
• Horn doesn’t work

What you will need

• Mitsubishi Clock Spring
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Ratchet Wrench
• Ratchet Extension Min 4″
• Torque Wrench
• Dashboard Removal Tool
  • Alternative: Flathead screwdriver

Procedure

How to change a Mitsubishi clock spring.

1. Start the car. Turn the steering wheel so the front wheels are pointing forward and the steering wheel is in the center.
2. Open the hood and disconnect the battery negative terminal. 
3. Wait for fifteen minutes before working on the airbag system.
4. Release the airbag by pressing the springs on each side of the steering wheel. You will see two holes on each side of the steering wheel (back of the steering wheel) and a hole at the bottom. On some models, you will have two  Torx 25 bolts that need to be removed. Note that the bolts need to point towards the airbag. Do not confuse them with the screws pointing towards you, as these are for the steering wheel buttons. 
5. Unplug the wires from the airbag. To remove the cables, you will need to pry off the plastic in the center of the connector, as shown in the video. Once the plastic is pried off, you can pull out the connector.
6. Carefully remove the airbag from the steering wheel. Keep your body as far as possible from the airbag for safety reasons. 
7. Remove the 15mm bolt at the center of the steering wheel. Have a friend counter-hold the steering wheel so you are not putting pressure on the steering wheel locking mechanism.
8. Mark the steering wheel and steering column with a marker so that you reinstall the steering wheel in the exact location.
9. Remove the steering wheel by pulling it back. 
10. Remove screws under the plastic trim. Remove the plastic trim over the clock spring by prying it off with a dash removal tool. If a dash removal tool is unavailable, use a flathead screwdriver but be careful not to scratch the trim.
11. Unplug the electrical connectors from the clock spring by pressing on the connectors and then pulling them.
12. Remove the clock spring from the steering column by pressing on the three small clips.
13. Install the new clock spring by pressing it on the steering column. Connect all the electrical connectors.
14. Install the plastic trim by lining them up and pressing them together until they lock. Install the screw to secure the plastic trim.
15. Install the steering wheel, making sure it is in the center.
16. Torque the steering wheel nut (also known as jam nut or flare nut) to 45Nm.
17. Connect the airbag and install it.
18. Connect the battery.
19. If the ABS or traction control light stays on, carry out steering wheel calibration. You may also need to clear the airbag codes if the airbag light stays on. A good ABS / Airbag OBD-II scanner will allow you to perform these procedures. For more help, see our other guides on how to perform these steps.

Torque Specifications

• Steering wheel to steering column nut: 45Nm Typical

My steering wheel buttons and horn are not working; what is wrong?

If multiple things are not working on the steering wheel, it is a good chance the clock spring that powers everything in the wheel is not working. It could also be the wiring leading to the clock spring; start with troubleshooting and diagnosing the clockspring. Follow this guide to be able to get to the clockspring to test it.

My airbag light is on after I replaced my airbag. What do I do?

If your airbag or the SRS light is on after working on it, you must clear the codes on the vehicle’s computer.

Sometimes this can be done by leaving the battery unplugged for thirty or more minutes, but you will likely need a professional OBDII scan tool to reset the airbag module. The only alternative would be to take it to a dealership or shop and have them reset the module, which could cost $100 – $200.

Vehicle Applications

All Mitsubishi models include Galant, Lancer Evo, Outlander, Eclipse, Mirage, and more. All year models including current-gen: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

We hope you find the Mitsubishi Outlander Clock Spring Replacement Guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mitsubishi.