Restraints Control Systems: CLOCKSPRING: Description
| 1 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR (2) |
| 2 - CASE |
| 3 - CANCEL CAM |
| 4 - ROTOR |
| 5 - SCREW (2) |
| 6 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR (2) |
| 7 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR |
The clockspring assembly is secured with two screws onto the multi-function switch housing near the top of the steering column directly below the steering wheel. See Fig 1. The clockspring consists of a flat, round molded plastic case that contains a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large exposed hub covering the entire upper surface of the case. The rotor hub has a large center hole that is internally ribbed to engage splines on the upper steering column shaft, and two small clearance holes that provide access to the case mounting screws. The lower side of the rotor hub also serves as an integral molded plastic turn signal cancel cam.
A single connector receptacle on the upper surface of the rotor has pigtail wires that connect to the horn switch and the driver airbag on the steering wheel, while a single connector receptacle on the lower surface of the case has pigtail wires that connect the clockspring to the vehicle wire harness on the steering column. Within the plastic case and wound around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the connector receptacle that faces the steering column, while the inner end of the tape terminates at the connector receptacle on the hub of the clockspring rotor that faces the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with the mounting screws backed out from the case far enough to engage the access holes in the upper surface of the rotor. The mounting screws secure the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment, but allow free rotation of the rotor once the clockspring is properly installed on the steering column. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING) .
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.