Clockspring - Operation

OPERATION

The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit component that is used to provide continuous electrical continuity between the fixed instrument panel wire harness and certain electrical components mounted on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this vehicle the rotating electrical components include the driver airbag, the horn switch, the remote radio switches, the speed control switches and the Blue And Me switches, if the vehicle is so equipped. The clockspring is positioned and secured near the top of the steering column. The fixed connector receptacle on the bottom of the fixed clockspring case connects the clockspring to the vehicle electrical system through a take out and connector from the instrument panel wire harness.

The turn signal cancel cam is integral to the rim of the clockspring rotor hub within the clockspring case so it also moves with the rotation of the steering wheel. Three short, pigtail wires on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor connect the clockspring to the driver airbag and a wire harness connected to the horn switch, the speed control switch and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the optional remote radio and Blue and Me switches on the steering wheel.

Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the clockspring is centered when it is installed on the steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes the clockspring tape to the movable steering components so that the tape can operate within its designed travel limits. If the steering wheel is removed from the steering column or if the clockspring is removed from the steering column, a spring-actuated locking ring pops up from the face of the clockspring rotor to lock block the rotor from rotation. However, if the locking ring is manually compressed or if the steering shaft is disconnected from the steering gear with the steering wheel installed, the clockspring spool can change position relative to the other steering components. Loss of clockspring centering will result in damage to the clockspring tape.

Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with a plastic locking pin installed. This locking pin should not be removed until the clockspring has been installed on the steering column. If the locking pin is removed before the clockspring is installed on a steering column, clockspring centering may be compromised.

The hard wired clockspring circuits may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the clockspring squib circuits for the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the circuits related to SRS operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool and may also require the use of the SRS Load Tool special tool along with the appropriate Load Tool Jumpers and Adapters. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.