Restraints (Service Information): CLOCKSPRING: Description
The clockspring (5) for this vehicle is secured to the stalk unit near the top of the steering column below the steering wheel. The clockspring also includes an integral, internal turn signal cancel cam and is serviced as a unit with the stalk unit. The stalk unit also supports the left (lighting) multifunction switch stalk, the right (wiper) multifunction switch stalk and, on vehicles so equipped, a third cruise control switch stalk located below the lighting switch stalk on the left side of the stalk unit. Each of these switches and the wiring between the switches and the clockspring can not be separated and are serviced as a complete assembly with the stalk unit. The clockspring case includes integral tabs for mounting the unit to the stalk unit. The clockspring, the stalk unit and each of the switch stalks are constructed of molded plastic.
The stalk unit case includes two connector receptacles. One on the bottom of the unit (4) facing downward contains the circuits for the clockspring. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, up to two short airbag squib pigtail wires with connectors (1), a pigtail wire for the horn switch (2) and, if the vehicle is so equipped, additional pigtail wires for the steering wheel switches. Wound around the rotor spool within the case 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 on the bottom of the unit, while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pigtail wires on the hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel. The outer surface of the rotor hub rim within the clockspring case also has the integral lobes of the turn signal cancel cam.
The service replacement clockspring is shipped pre-centered and has a molded plastic locking pin (3) installed. The locking pin secures the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment and handling, and must be removed after the clockspring is mounted to the steering column, but before the steering wheel is installed. It is recommended that adhesive tape or an additional strap be installed through the two retainer loops integral to the outer circumference of the clockspring rotor and the stalk unit case to secure the rotor to the case while the clockspring is removed from the steering column to prevent accidental loss of clockspring centering.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is ineffective, damaged, or if the Driver AirBag (DAB) has been deployed, the entire clockspring, turn signal cancel cam, the stalk unit and multifunction switches must be replaced.