So I go to replace my fathers intermediate shaft in his 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD because of the clunking issue and everything goes great. Until I made the absolute BONEHEAD move. Before reinstalling the lower end of the intermediate shaft I spin the steering wheel to try and figure out its center (because I had moved it around for ease of removing and installing nuts and bolts) needless to say it didnt quit spinning and I am not sure if it has a clock spring or what it is but something in the air bag system stopped the steering wheel and is now sending a trouble code and a message in the message center. Is it a clock spring mechanism? Or what would it be? I go from replacing a real easy part, to causing more damage and feel like a complete moron. :banghead: I really could use any help I can possibly get here with tips or some kind of information that could help me on my way of fixing this. My father loves this truck and has very little patience when it comes to annoying little things like steering wheels clunking or lights flashing in his face. I made an honest silly mistake and am afraid now its really going to cost me. I truely appreciate any help and PRAISE anyone/everyone that helps in advance. Thank you.

don't worry i have made that same mistake. you have to take off the steering wheel and the airbag and install a new clock spring. im not to sure on the part numbers because a buddy of mine help me out( he works at a shop). all i know is i broke the clock spring spinning the wheel and the new one cost me around 200$ for the part. im not sure if you have the steering wheel controls but i do and the clock spring has the wires for the controls in it to. i had to take of the lower plastics under the steering wheel and plug new connectors from the new clock spring into it. Anyways i been there, its a stupid thing to have to change out. good luck hopefully this helps out. maybe others will chime in with more help

Hey thanks alot, one more question, is there any special procedure to disconnecting the air bag system? I know some systems are different than others and require different things.

Just pull the air bag fuse and wait like 5 minutes.

thank you, where can i find a clockspring at a reasonable price? im sure its probably a dealer item? thanks again to all that have helped.

Nevermind on the located the clockspring, had to get it from dealer.... $288! Can anyone help me with finding or telling me where I can find Torque specs for steering wheel and anything else I might need for this job. Thanks in advance.

When you unplug the yellow airbag connector the connector has a grounding strap built in, so no worries about disabling the bags... but disconnecting the batt for 5 minutes won't do it, more like 10 minutes, the DERM has a power reserve built in (for multiple impacts)