DANGER: Do NOT attempt if you have any doubt in your mind about dealing with the airbag and it's related system!!!! This is my guide and you proceed at your own risk!

I have a 2003 S-Type R (STR) but it should be the same as the S-Type and X-Type part numbers: 2W93-14A664-AE. I removed the clock spring (spiral cassette) to clean it as a test to see if that is all it needs when you get the infamous code 19. I'll update after tomorrow with a test drive.

Tools:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
T27 long torx screwdriver
T25 torx screwdriver
13/16 socket and wrench
small, flat tip screw driver


Remove 2 phillips head screw drivers from lower steering rack column:


Move column all the way down and forward so the end position is furthest out and down. Now disconnect steering column adjustment knob and remove panel:


Now remove steering wheel column top panel by removing 2 phillips head screw drivers underneath the panel:


Disconnect both battery terminals.
Next remove two T27 torx screws by rotating the steering wheel left 90degrees from center and then 90degrees right of center to gain access to each of the screws. You will see other torx screws in a smaller size but do not remove them as the T27 are the deepest set in the panel:


Now you can uplug the airbag connectors from the steering wheel horn cover as well as the plug for the steering wheel controls:


Close-up of plugs:

Do not worry about mixing the plugs as one is grey and one is black. They can only go into their respective holes.

Using the 13/16 socket and wrench remove the bolt to remove the steering wheel. There is red markings to make sure that you re-align the steering wheel when you put it back on so have no fear there. Becareful of the plugs as they are routed through the steering wheel and you don't want to break them.

Now remove the four T25 torx bolts from the clock spring. The picture only shows two because I have the top panel resting on the column:


Now remove the 3 plugs on the back of the clock spring and you are done! Follow the directions in reverse and you are finished! Make sure you only connect the battery after you have completed the reinstallation.

This is all that will be left of the steering wheel:


Here is a picture of the clock spring:

 

Hey thanks! I've always wondered what a clock spring looked like since one went out in my truck years ago. Awful to have to drive through town honking every 15 seconds..

 

Nice right up. Please post back with your results. I've had'em fail in the past as well and if cleaning is an option... well that's just SO much cheaper. lol

 

Cleaning with WD40 did NOT work on my clock spring. I did have to replace the part and got a good, used one on eBay for $40 including shipping. This also corrected the steering wheel noise that I had which was not the infamous pump squeak.

Clock spring (spiral cassette) part #: 2W93-14A664-AE

 

Eds - an excellent write up c/w pics mkaes this an outstanding how to, thanks so much for taking the time to share.

One of the mods will be along shortly to make this FAQ I'm sure, as I believe this can be useful to many others in future.

 

Sounds about right with the horn being inoperative. It's pretty easy. Take a look at the clock spring now and you will see the instructions listed on the front on how to set the spring so that your turn signals will deactivate after turning corners when they are on.

 

Got the same problem with my 05 s type gonna try the clean before i buy a replacement part

 

THANKS Ed....I have to replace mines as well. Ill be changing mines as well soon. Directions and detailed pics ARE GREAT!!!!

 

Thanks for the great article. My 2005 s type has a noise when the wheel is turned. It sounds very much like winding a clock. There are no trouble codes reported and everything works normally. Do you know of anything else that would cause this noise. Any tips would be helpful.