Dakota 4WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2008)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two screws onto the multi-function switch mounting housing near the top of the steering column behind the
steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat, round molded plastic case (8) with a stubby tail that hangs below the steering column. The tail contains
two connector receptacles that face toward the instrument panel. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded plastic rotor (10) with a large exposed
hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, two large flats, an engagement dowel with a yellow rubber boot (7), two short pigtail
wires with connectors (1), and two connector receptacles (5) that face toward the steering wheel.
The lower surface of the rotor hub has a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam (3) with two lobes that is keyed to the rotor and is secured there with four
integral snap features. Within the plastic case and wound around the rotor spool 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 receptacles (4) that face the instrument panel,
while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pigtail wires and connector receptacles on the hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with a molded plastic locking pin (1) that snaps into a receptacle on the rotor and is
engaged between two tabs on the upper surface of the rotor case. The locking pin secures the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case during
shipment and handling, but must be removed from the clockspring after it is installed on the steering column. See: Service and Repair/Procedures.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is ineffective, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be
replaced.
