Clockspring - Description

DESCRIPTION





The clockspring (3) for this vehicle is secured near the top of the steering column below the steering wheel. The clockspring also includes an integral, internal turn signal cancel cam and an integral mounting bracket. The integral mounting bracket is used to secure the clockspring to the steering column, and supports an integral Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) that is serviced as a unit with the clockspring. The SAS communicates with other electronic modules in the vehicle over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus and is flash update capable. The SAS circuitry, the clockspring, and the turn signal cancel cam are all contained within the flat, molded plastic clockspring case.

The clockspring mounting bracket also provides mounting support for the multi-function switch (1) and the adjustable pedal switch (4), both of which can be removed from the clockspring mounting bracket and are available for individual service replacement. The multi-function switch and adjustable pedal switch are each secured to the clockspring mounting bracket by integral keyways and latch features. When combined, these components are sometimes referred to as the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM).

The clockspring mounting bracket includes three integral mounting features that are secured to the steering column with three screws. The two upper screws are captive and remain with the clockspring when it is removed, while the third lower screw is not captive and is separate when the clockspring is removed. The SAS integral to the clockspring includes a dedicated connector receptacle, an electronic circuit board and a microprocessor.

The clockspring case includes two integral connector receptacles that face toward the instrument panel. 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, two short pigtail wires with connectors, and a connector receptacle that faces toward the steering wheel. The lower surface of this rotor has an integral dowel or drive pin that also faces toward the steering wheel.

Wound around the rotor spool in a loop back design within the case are multiple long ribbon-like tapes that consist of thin copper wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end of the tapes terminate at the connector receptacles that face the instrument panel, while the inner end 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 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 with a molded plastic locking pin (2) installed. The locking pin 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 the steering wheel is installed. Procedures.

The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is ineffective, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring/turn signal cancel cam/SAS unit must be replaced with a new unit.