Clockspring - Description
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring (3) for this vehicle is integral to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). The clockspring includes an integral, internal turn signal cancel cam. The SCCM is secured near the top of the steering column below the steering wheel. In addition to the clockspring the SCCM includes the steering column shroud (1), the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) (2), the multi-function switch (6), a power adjustable steering column tilt and telescope switch (5) for vehicles so equipped and a trim cover (4).
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, two short pigtail wires with connectors, and two connector receptacles 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 SAS and also unlock the clockspring rotor when the steering wheel has been properly installed.
The SCCM includes an integral connector receptacle that faces toward the instrument panel and is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a single takeout and connector of the instrument panel wire harness. The instrument panel wire harness take out has been intentionally provided with additional length to facilitate service removal and installation of the SCCM. However, following SCCM installation, this additional length must be pulled back and secured to the instrument panel structure to prevent undesirable noises while driving.
Wound around the rotor spool within the clockspring 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 connector receptacle that faces the instrument panel, while the inner end of the tapes terminate at the pigtail wires and connector receptacles 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 clear plastic clockspring rotor has an outer band that has a translucent or frosted appearance except for a small, clear inspection window area in the lower right quadrant. 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 SCCM must be replaced with a new unit.
The service replacement SCCM 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 SCCM 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 SCCM unit must be replaced.Steering Column Module - Removal.