Restraints System (Service Information): CLOCKSPRING: Description: Description
The clockspring (3) for this vehicle is secured to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) mounting housing (2) near the top of the steering column below the steering wheel. The clockspring is contained within a flat, molded plastic case that includes integral latch features for mounting the unit to latch tabs integral to the outer circumference of the SCCM mounting housing. The clockspring also includes an integral turn signal cancel cam that is serviced as a unit with the clockspring. The SCCM mounting housing also supports the multifunction switch (1) and the Steering Control Module (SCM), which is internal to the mounting housing. The multifunction switch and the SCM are serviced only as a unit with the SCCM mounting housing, while the clockspring can be separated from and is serviced separately from the SCCM mounting housing.
Within the plastic clockspring case is a spool-like molded clear plastic rotor with an exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, three short pigtail wires with connectors and a connector receptacle that face toward the steering wheel. The inner surface of the clockspring rotor hub has keyway features that are engaged by lug features on the outer circumference of the steering wheel hub. These interlocking features allow the steering wheel to drive the clockspring and also unlock the clockspring rotor when the steering wheel has been properly installed.
Wound around the rotor spool within the case are long ribbon-like tapes that consist of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end of the tapes terminate at the terminal pins that are housed within a connector receptacle integral to the SCCM mounting housing and face the instrument panel, while the inner ends of the tapes terminate at the pigtail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel. The outer surface of the rotor spool hub within the clockspring case also has the integral lobes of the turn signal cancel cam.
The clockspring also has an interconnect with terminal pins that engage a mating interconnect receptacle integral to the SCCM mounting housing. This interconnect features several circuits which pass through the clockspring to connect the SCM to the vehicle electrical system.
The clear plastic clockspring rotor has an outer band that has a translucent or frosted appearance except for a small, clear inspection window area. The clockspring tape has several black squares that are only visible through the clear inspection window when the clockspring is properly centered. If these squares are not visible through the inspection window, clockspring centering has been compromised and the entire clockspring must be replaced with a new unit.
The service replacement clockspring is shipped with the clockspring pre-centered and with a red molded plastic locking tab installed. The locking tab secures the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment and handling, but must be removed after the clockspring is installed on the steering column and before the steering wheel can be installed. The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is ineffective, damaged, if clockspring centering is compromised or if the Driver AirBag (DAB) has been deployed the entire clockspring unit must be replaced. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .