Commander 4WD V6-3.7L VIN K (2007)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring for this vehicle is internal to and serviced as a unit with the Steering Control Module (SCM) (4). The SCM is secured near the top of the
steering column below the steering wheel. On vehicles so equipped, the SCM also includes an integral, internal Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) that is
serviced as a unit with the SCM. The SCM is a modular unit that also interfaces with and supports the left (lighting) multi-function switch (1), the right
(wiper) multi-function switch (2), the hazard switch (3), and the turn signal cancel cam. Each of these switches and the turn signal cancel cam can be
separated from and are serviced individually from the SCM.
Besides the clockspring and SAS, the SCM contains an electronic circuit board and a microprocessor, which allows it to communicate with other
electronic modules in the vehicle over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The SCM circuitry, the clockspring, and the SAS are all contained
within a flat, round molded plastic case.
The SCM case includes two connector receptacles that face toward the instrument panel. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with
a large exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has a large, keyed center hole, an index hole, two short pigtail wires with connectors, and two
connector receptacles that face toward the steering wheel. Wound around the rotor spool within the case 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 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. The lower surface of the rotor hub has a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with two lobes that is keyed to the clockspring rotor.
The service replacement SCM body is shipped with the clockspring pre-centered and with a molded plastic locking pin (5) installed. The locking pin
secures the centered clockspring rotor to the SCM case during shipment and handling, but must be removed after the SCM is installed on the steering
column and before the steering wheel is installed.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is ineffective, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the SCM/clockspring/SAS unit
must be replaced.
