Stratus Sedan L4-2.4L VIN X (2003)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
The clock spring assembly is mounted near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel. The clock spring is used to maintain a continuous
electrical circuit between the fixed instrument panel wire harness connector on the steering column and several electrical components that rotate with the
steering wheel. The rotating components include the driver airbag, the horn switch, and the vehicle speed control switches.
The clock spring cannot be repaired. If the clock spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clock spring must be replaced.
The clock spring assembly consists of a plastic case which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds like a clock
spring with the steering wheel rotation. The electrically conductive tape consists of several fine gauge copper wire leads sandwiched between two narrow
strips of plastic film.
Like the clock spring in a timepiece, the clock spring tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being wound too tightly. To prevent this from
occurring, the clock spring is centered when it is installed on the steering column. Centering the clock spring indexes the clock spring tape to other
steering components so that it can operate within its designed travel limits. However, if the clock spring is removed for service or if the steering column
is disconnected from the steering gear allowing the clock spring tape to change position relative to the other steering components, it must be re-centered
following completion of the service or it may be damaged. Refer to Electrical, Restraints, Clock Spring, Standard Procedure -Clock Spring Centering.
