Challenger V6-3.5L (2009)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
Clockspring - Operation
OPERATION
WARNING: To service any component of the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM), the entire assembly must be removed from the
column. This must be done due to the clockspring passing through the assembly and into the self docking connector. Failure to
remove the assembly could damage the pins of the clockspring and prevent the airbag system from operating properly Failure to
follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit component used to provide continuous electrical continuity between the fixed instrument panel wire
harness and the electrical components mounted on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model the rotating electrical components include the:
-
Driver Airbag
-
Horn Switch
-
Steering Wheel Switches (if the vehicle is equipped)
-
Cruise Control Switch
The clockspring case is positioned and secured to Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) housing near the top of the steering column. The connector
terminals on the tail of the fixed clockspring case connect the clockspring to the vehicle electrical system through the self-docking connector in the
instrument panel wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed to the steering column shaft molded onto the rotor hub. The lobe on the turn signal cancel cam on the
lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub contacts a turn signal cancel actuator of the multifunction switch, to provide automatic turn signal
cancellation.
The clockspring has one short, black-sleeved pigtail with black ring wire routing clip. The routing clip slips over the lower left most (of four) airbag
studs. The wires on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor connect the clockspring to the multistage driver airbag. The steering wheel wire harness
connects the two connector receptacles on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor to the horn switch feed pigtail wire connector and if the vehicle is
equipped, to the optional steering wheel 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. However, if the
clockspring is removed from the steering column or if the steering shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the clockspring spool can change position
relative to the movable steering components. The clockspring must be re-centered following completion of this service or the tape may be damaged.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered. The screws that retain the clockspring to the SCCM should not be removed until the
clockspring has been installed on the SCCM. If the screws have been removed before the clockspring is installed on the SCCM, the clockspring
centering procedure must be performed See: Service and Repair.
The clockspring is located within the SCCM. If the clockspring has to be replaced See: Accessories and Optional Equipment/Steering Mounted Controls
Communication Module/Service and Repair/Overhaul/Steering Column Control Module - Disassembly.
