Description And Operation: Description
The clockspring (1) 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 that is serviced as a unit with the clockspring. The stalk unit also supports the left (lighting) multifunction switch and the right (wiper) multifunction switch. Each of these switches and the wiring between the switches and the clockspring can not be separated and are serviced only as a complete assembly with the clockspring. The stalk unit case includes integral tabs on the back for mounting the unit with a band clamp to the steering column support tube. The multifunction switches and the clockspring are each integral to the stalk unit. The clockspring and the multifunction switches are each constructed of molded plastic.
The stalk unit case includes two connector receptacles. One on the back of the unit facing toward the instrument panel contains the circuits for the multifunction switches. The one on the top of the unit contains the circuits for the clockspring. Within the plastic clockspring 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 and three short pigtail wires with connectors. Two of the pigtail connectors (2) contain the circuits for the Driver AirBag (DAB), and the other connector (3) contains the circuits for the other switches mounted on the steering wheel.
Wound around the rotor spool within the clockspring 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 top of the stalk unit case, 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 spring actuated molded plastic automatic locking ring installed. The automatic locking ring secures the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment and handling, and automatically releases the rotor when the steering wheel is installed. However, it is recommended that 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 DAB has been deployed, the clockspring, turn signal cancel cam and stalk unit must be replaced.