Restraints System (Service Information): CLOCKSPRING: Description

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

The clockspring (4) for this vehicle is integral to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (2). The clockspring includes an integral turn signal cancel cam that is serviced as a unit with the clockspring. The SCCM is secured near the top of the steering column below the steering wheel. In addition to the clockspring the SCCM includes the left (1) and right (3) multifunction switches and an integral microcontroller.

Within the plastic clockspring case is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with an exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, three short pigtail wires with connectors and a connector receptacle 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 also unlock the clockspring rotor when the steering wheel has been properly installed.

Wound around the rotor spool within the 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 terminal pins that are housed within a connector receptacle integral to the SCCM housing and face the instrument panel, while the inner ends 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 spool hub within the clockspring case also has the integral lobes of the turn signal cancel cam.

The clockspring also has an interconnect with terminal pins that engage a mating interconnect receptacle internal to the SCCM housing. This interconnect features several circuits which pass through the clockspring to connect the SCCM microcontroller to the vehicle electrical system.

The service replacement SCCM is shipped with the clockspring pre-centered and with a yellow 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. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .