Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
CLOCK SPRINGCAUTION: When servicing the steering column, the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System clock spring must be centered for proper steering wheel operation. Failure to properly center the SIR clock spring may result in reduced turnability of the steering wheel causing the vehicle to improperly maneuver and may cause the SIR system to be inoperative.
There is a coil assembly in the steering which is referred to as a clock spring because of its internal resemblance to the type of spring used in a mechanical clock. The coil spring should never be disassembled, and there is no timekeeping function. The clock spring contains two or three current-carrying coils. One of the current-carrying coils maintains continuous contact within the driver deployment loop while the steering wheel is rotated. The clock spring also contains coils that maintain continuous contact for horn and remote audio control switch circuit.
Turning the steering wheel in one direction tightens the coil, and turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction loosens the coil. Do not turn the clock spring when the steering wheel is not attached. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement for proper installation of the clock spring.
The clock spring also includes the wiring and the connectors for the horn circuit and the driver air bag circuit. A yellow two-way connector on the lower steering column is attached to the clock spring wiring. The yellow connector to the air bag contains a shorting bar which connects the driver high circuit to driver low circuit when the connector is disconnected.
The shorting bar prevents current from travelling through the driver air bag module during servicing. The shorting bar is disengaged when the clock spring connector is connected.